Location of Heater Control Panel

[BobB]

I've seen three different mounting locations used for the heater control panel.  I have a four station panel that I will use with the fresh air option (heat, temp, defrost, and air).

 

Can anyone tell me which location is recognized as "original" ? I've seen it mounted to the left of the steering column, in the opening directly below the rest of the controls (head, panel, choke and throttle), and partially underneath the glove box.

 

Appreciate your opinions. I need to make a decision so I can start finding control cables for the temp and air controls.

 

Thanks -

 

- Bob

[wallytoo]

there may be no "factory" original location.

the control cable lengths, however, seem to fit very well with mounting under the dash to the left of the steering column. this also prevents any interference issues with the operation of the parking brake (for those with a floor-mount) or the cowl vent handle.

[ggdad1951]

to the left of the driver as shown by wallytoo seems to be the "correct" location.  At least that's where mating holes are pre-located on the bottom of the dash,

[David A.]

I am out of town so I can't put the picture on here, but I have a sales brochure at home that shows the fresh air heater controls mounted to the left of the steering wheel.

David A.

[ggdad1951]

here is what I got:

 

[B1B Keven]

The controls are mounted under the gauges in the B1's (parking brake on the floor doesn't interfere) (holes are there also).

B2-B4's to the left of the steering column.

[MBF]

On my 49 they're the same as Wally2's.  Left side of steering column.  Mike

[B1B Keven]

On my 49 they're the same as Wally2's.  Left side of steering column.  Mike

Strange. All 3 '49's I've seen have them under the gauges.

[jnicho]

My '49 has them under the glove box. 

 

[JBNeal]

I have seen most heater controls mounted to the left of the steering column, many mounted in the center of the dash below the key, and several where they drilled holes between the radio & gauges to mount the heater controls on the B-1 & B-2 cabs, and several where they drilled holes in the center of the dash on the B-3 & B4 cabs.  Even seen a few on the B-1 & B-2 cabs where they only had the HEAT & TEMP controls, and one was mounted between the speedo & gauges, and the other was mounted between the speaker & gauges.  Cain't say that I've seen the under-the-glove box mounting before, I kinda figger that'd be a little tough to operate while on the road, but if that's all the control cable length will allow, then that's where they were mounted.  My problem with the location to the left of the column is that I'd hate to bang my knee against that metal hanging below the dash for any reason.  The center location might be trouble as stated when dealing with the parking brake or cab vent.  With the control cables mounted in the unused space of the dash, ya get'm out of the way and ya can still reach them.  My guess is that the original mounting bracket was used as a template for hole spacing & alignment, then tossed in the scrap metal bin or re-purposed as a handy paper weight in the shop.

 

Since this is your truck and ya ain't aiming for trophies at car shows, do however ya please cuz I don't reckon too many folks would know if it was "correct" or not 

[jnicho]

For sure under the glove box is not convenient.  You need a co-pilot to adjust the heater/vent controls, LOL!

[Dodgeb4ya]

My old B-1-JA trucks controls...and my later series 4 ton truck controls...

Edited December 21, 2013 by Dodgeb4ya

[ggdad1951]

I have seen most heater controls mounted to the left of the steering column, many mounted in the center of the dash below the key, and several where they drilled holes between the radio & gauges to mount the heater controls on the B-1 & B-2 cabs, and several where they drilled holes in the center of the dash on the B-3 & B4 cabs.  Even seen a few on the B-1 & B-2 cabs where they only had the HEAT & TEMP controls, and one was mounted between the speedo & gauges, and the other was mounted between the speaker & gauges.  Cain't say that I've seen the under-the-glove box mounting before, I kinda figger that'd be a little tough to operate while on the road, but if that's all the control cable length will allow, then that's where they were mounted.  My problem with the location to the left of the column is that I'd hate to bang my knee against that metal hanging below the dash for any reason.  The center location might be trouble as stated when dealing with the parking brake or cab vent.  With the control cables mounted in the unused space of the dash, ya get'm out of the way and ya can still reach them.  My guess is that the original mounting bracket was used as a template for hole spacing & alignment, then tossed in the scrap metal bin or re-purposed as a handy paper weight in the shop.

 

Since this is your truck and ya ain't aiming for trophies at car shows, do however ya please cuz I don't reckon too many folks would know if it was "correct" or not 

 

honestly I've never had any "close" issues with a knee hitting it.

[Jeff Balazs]

Or........more of being different from a crazy Californian.

You can do it something like this. It is unused space and this location requires shorter cables.

Jeff

[BobB]

THANKS Everybody, so many insights in less than a day.

I was leaning toward left of steering column for accessibilty, but hadn't thought about knee clearance. I'm not super tall, but will check that out. I also hadn't considered cowl vent or hand brake (under dash in '52). I had seen the "in dash solution and might have used that location if I only had two knobs instead of 4.

The installation diagram will be very helpful since it is exactly the setup I'm going to use.

Finally, I appreciate the affirmation of the "it's your truck, do what you want" or something a little crazy/ outside the box. I'll go out on a limb and bet that my speedo is the first one Keven has restored that shows speed in furlongs per fortnight.

Appreciate all the help.

- Bob

[Dodgeb4ya]

I really don't think your knees will contact the panel on the left side. Plenty of room to spare. Unless you are 7 feet tall.

[B1B Keven]

 

I'll go out on a limb and bet that my speedo is the first one Keven has restored that shows speed in furlongs per fortnight.

LOL. That's what that is!!! Yep, you're right.

 

Also, in your signature:

 

Gas pedal

 

T100  http://www.robertsmotorparts.com/truck_parts.asp?Action=search&search=gas+pedal

 

Drop the voltage to 6 going to your fuel gauge.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-Volt-to-6-Volt-Heater-Blower-Motor-Voltage-Reducer-/350958843086?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51b6c6f4ce&vxp=mtr

[wallytoo]

the pics i posted are from my '48, so another example of a b-1 with them mounted to the left of the column. i haven't bumped my knee on them, but i'm short. i still suspect you'd have to be about 6'-7" or so to really have an issue, and if you were that tall, you'd have a hard time just getting into the cab.

[ggdad1951]

I'm a little over 6' and the clearance is HUGE.