correct, stock heater for '56 CJ5

There's a lot of you out there with '56 CJ5's, does anybody have a stock, original heater? I'd really like to see at least one photo of one, so I'd know what to look for. Also, if anybody has a working/rebuildable one to sell, please let me know. Or if you know where I could call.

This is the one that I took out, I assume it's just some oddball aftermarket tractor heater from the '60's. It was on the pass. side firewall.

Thanks!

 

That's actually a pretty nice one, Rondog! Most of the older jeeps I've seen didn't come with a "factory" heater, but got one at the dealer, or had one added on afterwards. My '49 has a bakelite Sears Roebuck one, and I'll stick with it, because at least it's period correct. If you do find an original, and decide to sell that beauty, put me on the top of the list! BTW - can't read the tag - who made it?

 

I don't know who made it, I'd have to crawl up in the garage attic to find out, it's buried under all the other parts, but I don't remember seeing a name on it. It actually is in pretty good shape, definitely rebuildable, but I haven't figured out yet if it's 6v or 12v. The JEEP was 6v, but that doesn't guarantee the heater is.

It has two wires coming off, I don't know if that's a batt. & ground, or if it's case grounded and the wires are high and low. Haven't really checked it out. Essentially, I just removed it, scowled at it, and stashed it. I'll probably hang onto it until I either find another one, or figure this one out and rebuild it. Long ways down the road yet.

 

When I bought my '56 it had a heater similar to the one you have except it was way to trashed to salvage. Got one from a later year but I haven't managed to build up enough courage to cut into a virgin firewall on the drivers' side.

 

Boyink...well, yeah, I think heat would be a good thing to have available. This is Colorado, and it do get chilly here sometimes, especially up in dem hills. You live in Michigan, I'm sure you can relate. Granted, it's pretty useless with no top, but I'm putting a new top on eventually.

If the original heaters aren't worth having, then I'll settle for something that isn't "correct" but works great. It's going to be fairly out of sight anyway. The one I have is rebuildable, so I'll probably work with that one, if it's 12v or I can make it so. I don't want to stay with 6v electrics.

Poor Ol' Red looks like she's had three or four different heaters in her 19 years of service, the pass. side firewall looks like it's been used for .50 cal and 20mm target practice. Lots of BIG holes!

 

I'd still like a photo or two of an original heater, just so I'll know what they look like if I ever stumble across one.

Lynn...thanks for the Astrovan heater suggestion, I'll file that little nugget away for future reference.

I have a flyer from "Willys Jeep Parts, Yuma AZ, 800-4-WILLYS", that has listed a "12v heater kit, part #816450, and plenum box, #816451", for $225 and $48.50. I called once and the guy swore that it was an accurate reproduction of the correct, original heater. Can anyone vouch for the credibility of this place?

What about that heater and plenum box, those look like Crown part numbers, but I can't find them. Does anybody know anything about these?

 

Hmmm, thanks Mike!

 

We have an original heater on the 66, but that may be too new to be the same as was OEM on your 56. Another possibility for a compact heater is a rear heater from a Landcruiser FJ40. They are plumbed with smaller than usual tubing, so you won't have to punch any large holes in your firewall, and they put out a respectable amount of heat on your feet. No vent outlets though, so you'll have to figure out how to defrost on your own. I've bought stuff from Willys Jeep Parts in Yuma, and they were OK. I received one order from them marked with an Antelope Valley Equipment and Truck logo though, and figured out where the Yuma shop was getting some of their parts. Since AV Equipment is right in my backyard, I go to them first now, before ordering elsewhere. Still like that little Art Deco heater you have - even if it's a 6-volter, it would be easy to swap the fan motor for a 12V one, or add a simple dropper resistor.

 

Yeah, it's probably far different. I've seen a lot of heaters that were mounted on the drivers side firewall, I think most of it was in the engine compartment, under the hood, but those were all later than '56. My firewall has no holes in that area.

FWIW, my little "Art Deco" heater doesn't have any defroster provisions either.

 

Ron, I have a big round heater that came in a couple I've owned. Two wire hookup either on or off. I run mine through a rheostat type switch. Unit mounts on passenger side inlet and outlet hose. Has a shield on front that directs the air. I ran a two inch duct up to the defrost vent under the dash, enough heat to run you out with a soft top.

 

Hmmm, do you have any photos?

 

I'll try to get some

 

I ask because I talked to a guy once that rebuilds heaters for various classic cars, and he mentioned round heaters for early CJ5's.

 

pictures you requested hth

 

Wow, thanks David! Do you know if those are OEM heaters, and what vintage they are? I'd like to put in an OEM unit, but I'll probably try to fix up the one I have first. "Bird in the hand", ya know.

 

I'm not sure if they are JEEP origional. I suspect not. Jim(jpflat2a) may be able to give a better opinion on that than I. I remember them as being available from everybody, Warshasky(whitney) to Sears. These were in my CJ5 and my CJ2. The black one I used for over ten years in my 5. I plan to keep both. They'll go back in my 5 and 2a. Is there an actual orgional? These were "origional" for my 5 and 2A :JEEP:

 

i have this heater and i can confirm that it will heat the jeep very well. well worth the $$ imo.

chris