What is this? 1939 Ford Flathead heater?

mr_charles

mr_charles

Junior Member
Hi everyone!
Happy New Year!
Quick question.
I’ve been searching online recently for photos of 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupes, just like my own, and I’ve noticed something kind of peculiar. In my engine bay, there is what I believe to be a heater tube with what looks like an intake in the very beginning, which leads into the interior and heats the interior. (I don’t know!) While looking at photos online of engine bays of the same make, model and year, not one has the same tubing.
Would someone please clarify what the tubing is for, and if it is maybe a rare option, or an add on that was added years later? :confused: (See attached image of tubing in MY engine bay below)

Thanks,
mr_charles
 

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mr_charles said:
Hi everyone!
Happy New Year!
Quick question.
I’ve been searching online recently for photos of 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupes, just like my own, and I’ve noticed something kind of peculiar. In my engine bay, there is what I believe to be a heater tube with what looks like an intake in the very beginning, which leads into the interior and heats the interior. (I don’t know!) While looking at photos online of engine bays of the same make, model and year, not one has the same tubing.
Would someone please clarify what the tubing is for, and if it is maybe a rare option, or an add on that was added years later? :confused: (See attached image of tubing in MY engine bay below)

Thanks,
mr_charles
Click to expand...
533385
 
It was a not uncommon OEM option, at least in colder climates. They are rare today since some of the components can degrade causing exhaust leaks into the passenger compartment. If anything went wrong after a few years in use it was easier to find a hot water heater and swap it into the used car that to chase down the correct replacement part.
I am told when they are in good condition the hot air heaters work exceptionally well. I have a friend who used to own a low milage original 1940 Ford sedan. He reported being worried the defroster was so hot it would crack the windshield. That never happened, but it was reportedly a lot more heat than a hot water unit provides.
 
they work better than a water type especilly in cold [snow] climates as they are basicly instant dont need to heat the coolant first . Only down side they can leak exhaust gas into the cab but are generally trouble free if maintained
 
Light aircraft all use hot air heaters. The pilot shops sell CO detectors that hang inside the cockpit, and change color if there is leakage. Reasonable priced. Newc
 
38 coupe said:
It was a not uncommon OEM option, at least in colder climates. They are rare today since some of the components can degrade causing exhaust leaks into the passenger compartment. If anything went wrong after a few years in use it was easier to find a hot water heater and swap it into the used car that to chase down the correct replacement part.
I am told when they are in good condition the hot air heaters work exceptionally well. I have a friend who used to own a low milage original 1940 Ford sedan. He reported being worried the defroster was so hot it would crack the windshield. That never happened, but it was reportedly a lot more heat than a hot water unit provides.
Click to expand...

Cool! Good to know. When we get the old girl running, I’ll be sure to take great care of it.
Thanks!
 
Alan has a great idea. Get the 1938-1939 Ford book from the Club. Join the club if you haven't already. I see you are in Northern Illinois. There is a National Meet in Auburn, IN this June. You might want to attend.
 
My 38 Zephyr had that same heater. We loved it as it was almost instant heat and warmed that car easily when it was down around 5 degrees. I will never forget when my buddy reached down to close his side down as he said his leg was getting to hot. He got a burn blister when he didn't use the knob and grabbed the chrome vent itself. There was another part I don't see in your photo and it went from the blower intake to the back side of the radiator fins for more heat. I've only seen it in books but I think it was over kill in the real world. I also noticed you have twin defrosters. I had just one for the driver. Tim
 
Another concern for an original hot air heater is the white canvas like link from the heat exchanger to the ducting is ASBESTOS CLOTH. I wouldn't want fibers from that being blown into my car to breathe. There is no doubt a modern replacement that wouldn't be a hazard.
 
Kube said:
Hey Mr. Charkes,
Here's the parts you are missing. These two parts were supposed to be removed for summer driving. Often enough, they were never reinstalled the following year and were subsequently lost. That's precisely why most are missing these parts.
Although one of my photos is a '40 Ford, the aforementioned parts are identical to your '39.
Click to expand...

Isn’t that correct for the 39 with the slide cover over the fan ? I thought the fan with the hose and the radiator shroud started in 40. I know the the 39 Zephyr I restored had the fan with the slide gate.
 
Ken ,I think your right as my fan housing had no provision for the additional duct work going to the radiator. Just a slide cover that you closed for summer. I always wondered how you would attach the the stuff going forward . Tim
 
Ken/Alabama said:
Isn’t that correct for the 39 with the slide cover over the fan ? I thought the fan with the hose and the radiator shroud started in 40. I know the the 39 Zephyr I restored had the fan with the slide gate.
Click to expand...

Ya know, I stand corrected. Thanks for setting me straight.
 
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