universal under dash heaters, anybody have one?

[JIMs70GMC]

PO gutted the heating/cooling on my 83. I can live without the AC but sure could use some heat. I was thinking of a universal heater box like the ones from vintage air or even a summit/jegs knock off. Anybody have one and maybe a few pics? thanks,


Jim

[bilfman]

Problem with them is they are not designed to draw outside air, which will cause Windows to fog. So if you do decide to go that route you should plan on drawing outside air into the unit. If I were you , hit a pick and pull, there are millions of these truck grab a complete assembly.

[tucsonjwt]

I think you are better off getting the OEM parts from a pick and pull junkyard.

[wilkin250r]

Ditto and ditto. Something like a Vintage Air is likely to cost at least twice as much, AND require ten times the work to install with custom mounts, controls, ducting, ect ect. And that 2x price tag is for a simple, basic unit with limited outputs and options. If you want a more versatile unit, you're looking at 4x the cost.

Or you can pull a unit specifically designed to work with your truck, requiring minimal work to install, and easily the cheapest option.

[Gmc.guy]

Keep in mind the firewall openings are different from a/c to heater cabs. I have converted them from a/c to just heater. It's not too difficult if you have the parts. I can post pics if you like on how I changed the firewall on dads truck

[bmchevy1979]

I have the summit dual outlet heater in my 74 k5 and I don't have the window fogging issue mentioned above but it doesn't quite move enough air for my k5 so it only raises the temp inside the cab not makes it hot enough were you can turn it down in a pickup it might work better but if I run across a complete non A/C cab I'll likely be robbing the heater off of it.

[74CustomK20]

They make covers too to go from ac to non ac cab. Like 200 bucks though. ..

[JIMs70GMC]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am still up in the air.

[halfstep]

Go for it. I like the idea of getting rid of the big box in engine compartment and cleaning up the firewall. I looked at options a while ago as I'm considering it for my non AC truck. It has to be well under freezing for me to require heat.
That said, I do think the junkyard would be a good way to go, and in the course of removing from a junkyard truck you would learn about the installation.

[Gmc.guy]

I used a couple factory holes for reference

[Gmc.guy]

I butt welded on the right hand side (in the picture) and flanged it behind the outer skin on top and left. Then plug welded along the bottom

[Gmc.guy]

I had a donor cab to cut from, pretty well free and only took a few hours Most of the time was a quick mock up before welding

[Gmc.guy]

Much easier when truck was tore down, it's body worked and painted now and you would never tell it was an a/c truck at one time

[JIMs70GMC]

Originally Posted by bmchevy1979

I have the summit dual outlet heater in my 74 k5 and I don't have the window fogging issue mentioned above but it doesn't quite move enough air for my k5 so it only raises the temp inside the cab not makes it hot enough were you can turn it down in a pickup it might work better but if I run across a complete non A/C cab I'll likely be robbing the heater off of it.

Were you able to get some pics? Thanks,

Jim

[andrewmp6]

A kit like this http://www.acdelete.com/pages/73-90_Truck.htm would cover most of it depending what all you have missing.

[bilfman]

Originally Posted by bmchevy1979

I have the summit dual outlet heater in my 74 k5 and I don't have the window fogging issue mentioned above but it doesn't quite move enough air for my k5 so it only raises the temp inside the cab not makes it hot enough were you can turn it down in a pickup it might work better but if I run across a complete non A/C cab I'll likely be robbing the heater off of it.

I would guess that being from California you don't get much snow. The window fogging issue comes in winter when snow gets tracked in the vehicle via boots, gear etc. So if you don't live in a snow belt you won't get the fogging issues, but if you do have snow they will fog.

[Pontiac1976]

I agree OEM used parts would be cheaper faster.

They make covers too to go from ac to non ac cab. Like 200 bucks though. ..

But I would not pay that block off plate. If your doing this your welding or getting it welded so just fold over the bent lip enough hold the plate @ the right height for a flush panel weld makes less work there to finish panel. Then the two a/c heater holes have a 1/4 upper filled in because the rest will be cut out, for the none a/c. (use card board get a temp plate) When you cut bigger cut it 1/4" smaller fold over the edge like the a/c side was cut notches in corners.

Much easier when truck was tore down, it's body worked and painted now and you would never tell it was an a/c truck at one time

Very true.

[JIMs70GMC]

Here's the only shot of firewall I have at work:

[JIMs70GMC]

So I broke down and bought a cab, going to take the under hood heating/AC system components off and put them on the 83. The cab is an 86, parts should work on my 83? the wiring looks identical.