VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 1953 dealership heater core

I am looking for a 1953 dealership installed heater core. This core is circular and was installed at the dealership after delivery from the factory. It differs from the rectangular core that was installed at the factory. The 360 degree circular cores seem to be few and far between as I have not been able to locate one. I have the old circular core that everyone tells me is beyond repair and no one wants to touch it. If I can't find a used or rebuilt circular core, does anyone know of someone or an outfit that re-cores basket cases like mine.

Thanks,
Steven9

The cars in 1953 came with NO heater from the factory - they were all dealer installed.There were two different heaters sold by Chevrolet.The "Air Flow" DeLuxe heater used fresh air supplied from a duct that took in air from the out side.The lower priced heater was the "Recirculating" heater.It produced less heat,used the in-cabin air and had the round core.Its most commonly found in southern mild climate cars.The round core,part#3128445, was used in 1953-54 cars with the recirculating or dash heater only.

Chevgene,
You may be right about both being installed by the dealer, but my round core has outside air dumping right into it from the right side duct vent under the glove compartment. The outside air is controlled by the right vent pull duct control on the dash. If you keep it closed, you are exactly correct as it will only recirculate cabin air. But, when pulled open, you get a full dose of fresh air into the heater core. The only control on the heater is a defroster lever located on the unit itself under the dash and a hot wire to the fan motor. I was told by a guy at National Chevy that the other rectangular unit with dash controls was a factory option. Irregardless, does anybody know where I can find one or get one rebuilt?

Thanks,
Steve9

I have a round heater core left over from my restoration. I do not remember what year it came out of . I disassembled the heater to get the 6 volt motor.
Gene said your core # was 3128445. Does your core have any numbers on it? Also what are the dementions of your core so I can identify mine.
Hope it will work. I have no need for it.
JIM RUBLE

Thanks for your reply. I could not find any numbers that were legible. I did see the brand name of "Harrison" on the frame that the core sits in, but that was it.
The measurements of the core including the mounting frame that goes around the core are as follows: 27 inches in circumference
8.5 inches across in diameter
2 inches thick
There is a hole in the center of the core where the 6 volt fan motor is mounted with two small bolts and nuts. The frame that the core is a part of has three bolts that go thru the firewall for mounting the entire heating unit.
Please let me know if the dimensions are the same.

Thanks,
Steven9

Steven, I have no demensions but Harrison Division of General Motors made the heaters...sounds as if you have a typical 1953-54 dash recirculating heater.

Chevegene,

Thanks for the info. It sounds like you got it nailed for sure. Now, If I can just find a decent core, I can stay warm during these cold West Virginia winters and still stay all orginal with my restoration.

Thanks again,
Steven9

Steven9.
Don't think my heater core will work. My measurements are:
17.5 inches in circumference
6 inches across in diameter
2 inches thick
I think it came out of an underseat heater.
Sorry it did not work out.
JAR41

JAR41,

Thanks for taking the time to check it out the heater core. you win some and you lose some!!

Steven9

A version of that heater was made from 1949-1957 for cars and trucks.Only the core from the 1953-54 car will fit.I do see the complete heaters on Ebay at times...condition of core???