1938 Heater Installation for 1 1/2 Ton Truck

[Rich85616]

Howdy! I'd like to install a 1938 correct aftermarket hot water heater in my truck - and - would welcome whatever information and suggestions any of you might be able to provide - such as placement and installation. My truck did not previously have a heater installed. Many thanks. Rich

[ford38v8]

Rich, I don't know what heater you have: You say "'38 correct", but there was no hot water heater in '38 for Ford, so it cannot be "correct" for show purposes, but would certainly keep you warm!

As each heater has it's own installation instructions, all would need a water "IN" source and a water "OUT". The water "IN" would be from the top of the passenger side head. On a '38, the boss may not have been drilled and tapped (as yet), but would be the same as on the right head where the temperature sender is located. A thumb screw valve is attached, then a hose to the heater. The return hose goes to the passenger side lower radiator hose, where a T fitting is inserted. Both the valve and the hose fittings are available from the usual suppliers.

[swoopNZ]

Go for a Ford 42-48 3 door type.
Readily available and 1/4 the price of a 39/40 one.

[Rich85616]

Alan - Thanks. I went back to Forum - then - V8 - then searched the thread - and - found your reply. I'll take a picture - and post it - to make sure I'm understanding what your're telling me. Also - am I correct in my understanding that the 37 was the last year for the hot air heater and that the 38 was the first year for the hot water heater - with the hot water heater being available as a dealer accessory? Thanks. Rich

[ford38v8]

Rich, the hot air heater was an approved accessory until 1946 (I believe). The hot water heater was an approved accessory beginning in 1939. There may have been a few 1938's that were fitted with hot water heaters, but this has not been confirmed with documentation.

[Lamar Wadsworth]

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While Ford didn't offer a hot water type heater until '39, there were many aftermarket brands out there, and plenty of '38 and earlier models had them installed. I think Rich may be talking about one of the aftermarket heaters of correct vintage. Back in the day, a lot more people bought and installed the aftermarket brand heaters than bought heaters from the Ford dealer. Of course, a dealer would have been happy to install one of the '39 accessory heaters in a '38, whatever the customer wanted. For a driver, I'd use one of the cheap and plentiful aftermarket heaters of the correct vintage rather than cough up the money for one with the Ford logo on it. Some of the '30s aftermarket heaters had really neat styling on the cabinets. I've got a Hot Wave brand in my '38 pickup.

[Rich85616]

Alan - Thanks - I think that I have it figured out. Also - in reviewing past posts - it appears as if you may have answered a similar question a year ago. Once again - many thanks. rich

[Clem Clement]

Before you cut the firewall, be sure your installation takes into account the vent handle. Open the vent fully and measure how far down the handle moves. Mine hits the top of the heater.
clem