Are 63 -7 heater boxes/vents interchangable?

[Jofa]

I'm doing a mild restoration on a 63 convertible driver, with no matching numbers anywhere. The goal is having a full functioning driver, with no intentions for shows or judging.

The car has absolutely no heater parts whatsoever, and I am considering purchasing the outer and inner boxes, vents, and fan.

My question is: if I buy used, are 63-67 heater boxes and vents similar enough to function properly in my 63? I know I've seen different part numbers for 63 vs the other mid years, just wondering if everything is interchangable?

thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Are 63 -7 heater boxes/vents interchangable?

Jofa-----

All of the parts are either identical or pretty much interchangeable. As long as functionality is your primary consideration, you should have no trouble, at all, assembling the pieces. There are some rather minor differences in the parts particularly for the 63 model year, but these are nuances which are really only significant for folks interested in exact correctness.

By the way, Dr. Rebuild, and possibly other vendors, carries just about all of the parts necessary to assemble a complete heater, including both the inner and outer heater boxes. These are reproduction pieces but they're NEW. It won't be inexpensive to do it this way, but I think that you may find that used, original pieces will cost you more. The "exact correct" restoration market keeps the price of original components like these high. Since exact correctness is not your goal, you might be the perfect candidiate for a new heater assembled from all new reproduction pieces. If I were you, that's how I'd go on this one.

[Michael S.]

Re: Are 63 -7 heater boxes/vents interchangable?

You may wish to consider one of the aftermarket heat/air conditioning combination systems since you have none of the factory heater components. Will certainly cost more money however it may/will make your car more enjoyable.

I have a "Vintage Air" brand of system on my 65 coupe. They are widely known for their street rods systems. I am very pleased with the hot (heat) and cold (A/C) performance of the system. An added benefit is the dehumidified defrost.

Cost, $800-$1100 for the system depending upon the selling dealer. Add installation and you are in business. I only had to drill one hole in the car for the drain tube with the Vintage Air system. It was NOT difficult to install. There are also systems available from "Old Air Products" and "Classic Air" for Mid-year Corvettes.

This is another alternative for your consideration.

Mike Strinich
#11202

[Joe L.]

Re: Are 63 -7 heater boxes/vents interchangable?

Mike-----

Yes, that's an outstanding suggestion. Since this car is a driver, anyway, it's a perfect candidate for the "total package". The combined heat/AC system might not even cost all that much more than just an original-style heater by itself.

[Jack H.]

Valuable!

If you have the original '63-only lower floor outlet, it's probably worth it's weight in gold to a serious restorer because it was a 1-year only piece that is NOT reproduced and good condition originals trade up into the stratosphere....