heaters & defrosters in 40s & 50s trucks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ges55 · 04-18-2011, 08:38 AM

I would like to get a 40s or 50s truck & from pictures I've seen, it doesn't look like some of them have defrosters. Can anyone enlighten me?
Thanks in advance.

Atomsplitter · 04-18-2011, 03:59 PM

Most of these trucks have a heater just like a modern car but alot simpler. There are 2 vents that carry warm air from the heater to the windshield, when the heater is not directing the air to the windshield it directs the heat to the floor (or a combination of both). I have a schematic of the heating system somewhere, I'll have to find it and post it for you but it's pretty low tech!

tmoble · 04-18-2011, 06:38 PM

my 57 has a DeLuxe heater, it's like a metal box under the dash. there's 2 pipes sticking out of the top, hoses go from there to the defrost vents at the bottom of the windshield.

Dan Bowles · 04-18-2011, 09:40 PM

Some don't have either. If you look at the firewall of an AD (1947-55.1) Chevy truck the passenger side will have the fan motor sticking through. OR it will have a flat, round block off plate held on by 3 screws. I've had several trucks with no heat/defrost. It might have worked in the south but here in the midwest, it isn't such a good option to go without!!

OrrieG · 04-18-2011, 10:07 PM

Heaters were an option, lots of southern, southwest and CA trucks do not have them.

04-18-2011, 08:38 AM	#1
ges55 BLACK SATIN Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: canton, IL Posts: 266	heaters & defrosters in 40s & 50s trucks I would like to get a 40s or 50s truck & from pictures I've seen, it doesn't look like some of them have defrosters. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks in advance. __________________ 67 C10 Fleetside LWB-283, 3 on the tree,power assisted steering, father-in-law bought it new 67 C20 Fleetside LWB-'85 305 V8 (original was 250 6 cyl), Holley 600 carb, full length Hedman headers, dual exhaust behind the back wheels, 4 spd , manual steering 85 C10 Silverado- 305ci

04-18-2011, 03:59 PM	#2
Atomsplitter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 514	Re: heaters & defrosters in 40s & 50s trucks Most of these trucks have a heater just like a modern car but alot simpler. There are 2 vents that carry warm air from the heater to the windshield, when the heater is not directing the air to the windshield it directs the heat to the floor (or a combination of both). I have a schematic of the heating system somewhere, I'll have to find it and post it for you but it's pretty low tech!

04-18-2011, 06:38 PM	#3
tmoble Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Glendale, Az Posts: 1,062	Re: heaters & defrosters in 40s & 50s trucks my 57 has a DeLuxe heater, it's like a metal box under the dash. there's 2 pipes sticking out of the top, hoses go from there to the defrost vents at the bottom of the windshield.

04-18-2011, 09:40 PM	#4
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: heaters & defrosters in 40s & 50s trucks Some don't have either. If you look at the firewall of an AD (1947-55.1) Chevy truck the passenger side will have the fan motor sticking through. OR it will have a flat, round block off plate held on by 3 screws. I've had several trucks with no heat/defrost. It might have worked in the south but here in the midwest, it isn't such a good option to go without!!

04-18-2011, 10:07 PM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: heaters & defrosters in 40s & 50s trucks Heaters were an option, lots of southern, southwest and CA trucks do not have them. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project



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