1963 Ford Falcon Econoline HEATER? A/C?

So the guy I am buying the van from says that the heater doesnt work because the previous owner bypassed? Does anyone have any insight ont his or know about getting them to work? Also is there anyway to retrofit a a/c?

 

Heater core was either bad or leaking or heater control valve is shot, I'm guessing. You can hook a garden hose to top inlet of heater core and remove line from bottom of heater core and run water through it, to see if it isn't clogged. If it has a vacuum operated heater control valve, you can remove the hoses from it and connect them to a ball gate valve to allow pass through to heater core. (if it is good) Some HCV are vacuum open and some are vacuum close. If your heater core is clog free and you still have no heat, check the HCV to see if it is faulty. If you want a quick fix, use ball valve, if not, HCV are fairly cheap, but you have to remove old one and apply vacuum to see if it is vacuum/open or vacuum close type, so you get correct type.

 

I do not know much about auto mechanic I have to find someone good with these in Jacksonville Florida I really want to get the heat working for these cold surfing sessions

 

the heater core in these often cracks where the control valve is mounted. I used a core from some other application and added an external control valve.

 

first, don't expect much from the factory heater except the front seats and windshield getting defrosted.. econolines are tough to keep comfortable in weather extremes unless they're well insulated.

i'd imagine you could get an a/c install kit from one of the specialty shops, but sourcing factory style replacements might be simpler especially when it comes to repairs down the line.

 

Yeah I am putting some wood paneling up on the walls and floor what do you recommend as insulation the foam spray or the matting? So where can I find new heater?

 

anyone else have some insight?

 

check out http://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/forum.htm youll be glad you did

 

Hard to find a replacement heater core and valve so here's what I've found
(FOUR SEASONS Heater Core 94584 for Ford Van)

I had to go to e-bay and found a cheapie model that would fit an older model econoline and I bought an in-line valve
(HEATER CONTROL VALVE 246-104 H1931 15-5816 )


to control the flow.
I'm using the old choke cable to control the valve. I have yet to install this so I hope I'm not steering you wrong, Good luck!

 

i have a used heater core from my 62 Falcon.. heres a pic.. if it will work for you, shot me a PM.

Rick