The Ford Barn

Daves55Sedan · 04-14-2019, 04:16 PM

You must first determine which type of heater you have. There were two different types offered; the best of which has the capillary tube thermostat controlled water valve. A second, but probably more common type is the one with the bimetallic vacuum thermostat valve which works with a vacuum operated water valve.
In rare cases, cars that went to southern dealers without a heater unit, may have a dealer installed '55 Ford F100 pickup truck recirculating air heater.
1) Get a '55 Ford car shop manual
2) Determine which type you have
3) determine which parts in the system are defective or worn out.
4) order parts from various Ford reproduction parts suppliers. There are several to choose from and most offer a pretty good inventory or replacement gaskets, control cables and components. Control valve rebuilding and replacement blower motors are offered (except they are single speed instead of two-speed).
5) Heater water hoses and vacuum hoses will probably be cheaper at your local chain auto parts store.
6) If wiring insulation is exceptionally bad throughout the car, you should consider getting a new main wiring harness and possibly sub-harnesses as needed, also offered by most of these repro parts suppliers.
7) Everything is extremely expensive, of course and prices are rising constantly.

04-14-2019, 04:16 PM	#5
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	Re: How Many Parts?? You must first determine which type of heater you have. There were two different types offered; the best of which has the capillary tube thermostat controlled water valve. A second, but probably more common type is the one with the bimetallic vacuum thermostat valve which works with a vacuum operated water valve. In rare cases, cars that went to southern dealers without a heater unit, may have a dealer installed '55 Ford F100 pickup truck recirculating air heater. 1) Get a '55 Ford car shop manual 2) Determine which type you have 3) determine which parts in the system are defective or worn out. 4) order parts from various Ford reproduction parts suppliers. There are several to choose from and most offer a pretty good inventory or replacement gaskets, control cables and components. Control valve rebuilding and replacement blower motors are offered (except they are single speed instead of two-speed). 5) Heater water hoses and vacuum hoses will probably be cheaper at your local chain auto parts store. 6) If wiring insulation is exceptionally bad throughout the car, you should consider getting a new main wiring harness and possibly sub-harnesses as needed, also offered by most of these repro parts suppliers. 7) Everything is extremely expensive, of course and prices are rising constantly.