Heater for a '51 F 1
 

Working on the F 1 truck. We took out the heater, as it was plugged up and not working. The unit was big and square with only a blower switch as the only control. We don't think the heater was an original. What options do we have? Will something else work? We're thinking something smaller from a car. I'm a Model A guy - we don't speak heater!
Marty

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

Heaters were not standard or offered in Fords. They were after market and would be installed by dealers and other shops. My '41 has only one switch but it has different speeds if it is turned right or left. Since I live in Ohio also I will call around and see who is recommended for repair or if any are for sale. Can you post a photo?

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

Ford didn't offer heaters? Huh?

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

There were a couple of dealer installed heaters offered by Ford. The most common is a recirculating heater mounted on the passenger side. Also available was a fresh air heater that pulled air from under the right fenderwell.

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

Ford had a standard heater and a Magic Air (fresh air type) heater offered in the Bonus Built trucks. I have two 52 Ford pickups with the Magic Air heaters.

They have an aluminum cover over the fan motor that seemed to get kicked off most. They also have a fresh air tube connected to the heater housing through the kick panel. It extends up past the front fender to the grill surround. The inlet, covered by a screen, is above the right headlight.

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

Are you looking for an period correct heater? There are a couple of folks who restore them.

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

If you have a shop manual, there are pics in it of the fresh aire eaters. 51 and 52 are almost identical, but there are differences in the flexible duct and control between the heater and the duct on the sidewall. If you go this route, try to find a complete unit, as they are getting scarce. You could use the earlier ( 48-50 ) unit if you are not concerned about correctness. These appear on Ebay more than the 51-52's.
The recirculating heaters were sold thru the dealer network. there are several different versions. A lot were the 3 door style that was used in the earlier years cars and trucks. Seems to be more of these around. You also see many that were Sears, Montgomery Wards, Western auto, Firestone to name a few.

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

This is for a 48, was available thru '50 I believe (see attached). My truck was fitted at the dealer with the Car box heater, I've seen many other trucks with it.

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

This is an example of the heaters fitted to 1950 Canadian F1s
(Which matches the original AD shown above)

Kirk

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

Here is the heater guru!You must contact him.(firstrider)
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/member.php?u=423043

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

Kube. Ooops. I meant that they were not installed on all cars on the assembly line.
I think they were offered at the dealer. Am I correct on this?

Re: Heater for a '51 F 1
 

Ok Marty in Ohio.What happen on the heater deal????Did you contact "firstrider"?Just curious on what was done!