Universal Under Dash Heaters?

[NeoJuice]

Looking to see what people are running out there for heaters. I want to hook up to the stock window vents and maybe a floor option.

There are plenty of different universal heaters on speedway, EBay, aliexpress etc etc and I was just wondering if people were using any of these universal units.

I would like heat but also don't want to break the bank. Or have you scavenged parts from the wreckers?

1952 Chevy pickup.

Thank you and I look forward to your responses.

[dsraven]

neo, would a stock unit from a task force truck work for you?
I'm in Calgary

[NeoJuice]

Originally Posted by dsraven

neo, would a stock unit from a task force truck work for you?
I'm in Calgary

PM me with some pictures. I'll be in Calgary Easter weekend.

I hoping that other chime in on this thread as well. Would like to see some ideas on what people are doing for heat.

[dsraven]

I was just thinking a tournament boat heater would also work. they have outlets for vent tubing so you could run them wherever.
gotta go find the heater first. work tonight so thats a tomorrow job prolly.

[NeoJuice]

Originally Posted by dsraven

I was just thinking a tournament boat heater would also work. they have outlets for vent tubing so you could run them wherever.
gotta go find the heater first. work tonight so thats a tomorrow job prolly.

I would like some more information about this boat heater you talk about. Can you provide me with some links?

Was looking at something like this.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-New-Com...5aFR3G&vxp=mtr

[dsraven]

thats kinda what the boat heaters look like only bigger. thats a pretty small heater.

[Black_Sheep]

I used a universal cab heater from Summit Racing, they are offered in several sizes and configurations. I went with their 40,000 btu/ 300 CFM unit, it moves more at low speed than the stocker did on high, and quieter too. In Minnesota a good heater/defroster is a necessity. I made a plate for the front that has vents for floor heat and provisions for connecting the defrost duct hose.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-991106/overview/

[S10Fan]

I have one of these in my 50....................

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/flx-640/overview/

It's OK but not super warm. Having said that, I have the same heater in my Model A pickup and it gets hot fast, smaller cab. Sometime soon I'm planning to move the heater in my 50 from the right side to the middle of the cab and see if it improves.

Black_Sheep, I really like the looks of your heater, and it was cheaper than mine. LOL

[NeoJuice]

Originally Posted by Black_Sheep

I used a universal cab heater from Summit Racing, they are offered in several sizes and configurations. I went with their 40,000 btu/ 300 CFM unit, it moves more at low speed than the stocker did on high, and quieter too. In Minnesota a good heater/defroster is a necessity. I made a plate for the front that has vents for floor heat and provisions for connecting the defrost duct hose.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-991106/overview/

BlackSheep,

Thank you for the link and the pictures. Do you have any pictures of the install and how you did your ducting? The unit looks pretty big at 18" x 11" x 8.5" and there is not much space up under at 1952 pickup dash.

[NeoJuice]

Originally Posted by S10Fan

I have one of these in my 50....................

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/flx-640/overview/

It's OK but not super warm. Having said that, I have the same heater in my Model A pickup and it gets hot fast, smaller cab. Sometime soon I'm planning to move the heater in my 50 from the right side to the middle of the cab and see if it improves.

Black_Sheep, I really like the looks of your heater, and it was cheaper than mine. LOL

S10Fan,

How did you do your ducting? or does the heat just come out the front of the unit's grill. Looks like you can buy a plenum box for it but that is additional cost for routing the heat.

I'm just looking for something cost effective and that could provide me with some heat on a day when it's a little cooler out. Hope to have the truck on the road by summer.

[mr48chev]

Vintage air also has small heater only units with defrost Here's the Summit link but I think they have more in their catalog . https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ands-_-keyword

I think Vintage Air has more options in their catalog.

The stock heater when working right heats and defrosts pretty good though.

[S10Fan]

Originally Posted by NeoJuice

S10Fan,

How did you do your ducting? or does the heat just come out the front of the unit's grill. Looks like you can buy a plenum box for it but that is additional cost for routing the heat.

I'll try and grab a picture this weekend. I made a make shift duct for the defroster, otherwise all the heat comes out of the front.

[FiftyTwo]

I installed a Vintage Air heater with floor heat and defrost. Fits nice up under the dash and works great when I've needed it. I also made a cover for mine so it's pretty much hidden.

[Black_Sheep]

Originally Posted by NeoJuice

BlackSheep,

Thank you for the link and the pictures. Do you have any pictures of the install and how you did your ducting? The unit looks pretty big at 18" x 11" x 8.5" and there is not much space up under at 1952 pickup dash.

It came with angled brackets which I bolted through the inner cowl sheetmetal, sorry I don't have a pic. The unit is pretty big but it tucks up nicely where the glove box used to be, I think TF trucks have more room than AD trucks.

Anyway, here's some shots of the plate I made for the vents and defrost hoses and how it's plumbed through the firewall. The switch under the dash on the column brace.

[vintovka]

I got one from Jegs. Not expensive or pretty but will drive you out of cab. Has three vents, Will add deflectors to two of them and the third is plumbed into the defrosters. The extra heat and powerful defroster are a must here on the beach in S. Oregon

[NeoJuice]

Thank you everyone for the input and the great pictures.

Anyone else have any input. Anyone try anything either then aftermarket like from the wreckers?

[upon1]

Im using the vintage air heater too. Comes with everything you need and has defrost, a floor/defrost diverter and an electric servo to shut off the flow to the heater. Most heaters dont come with these options from what Ive seen. Also nice and compact too.