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Outer heater box - Difference between and early and late 1963 designs
I am currently replacing the heater core and outer heater box on my 67 convertible (without air). I purchased what I thought was a direct replacement a few months ago on eBay. However now that I have started the project I see the date code on the used outer box I have to be 63B. I know that the design changed mid year in 63 but what I don't know is if the used part I have is the early or late design. Since my original heater box is in rough shape in broken in pieces I can't do a side by side comparison. Can any of the fourum members help me identify from the pics which I have?
Thanks for the info. Are the differences visible from the outside or just from the inside? If just the inside, I'll go ahead and use it.
The reinforcing rib is very visible with the hood open. It's on the engine side of the heater housing. The rib runs from top to bottom and it's on the inboard edge of the housing. It's at least 1/4" wide and also 1/4" tall.
The reinforcing rib is very visible with the hood open. It's on the engine side of the heater housing. The rib runs from top to bottom and it's on the inboard edge of the housing. It's at least 1/4" wide and also 1/4" tall.
Thanks for the education. Here is a pic of the beat and battered original from my '67. I see the difference now after learning where to look. I'm not going to use the early 63 box. I'll find a 63L-67 style box over the winter and use it instead. If anyone out there has a nice 63L-67 outer that you'd sell, let me know.
Just curious: Are the differences between the 1963 early and late outer heater boxes mentioned in the NCRS Judging Manual? What is the points deduction for having a late 63 style cover on an early 1963 build car?
My April 10th built 1963 ( VIN 12493) has a C63 ink stamp date inside the plenum. It has the reinforcement mentioned above. So the addition of the reinforcement rib apparently took place in March 1963
You are probably right. I did a search of eBay of both active and sold listings and there wasn't a single early 1963 outer heater box to be found.
This is an early (#396) '63 Heater box taken from my convertible and the difference mentioned above between it and the later heater box, is quite clear.
The fiber glass on these, especially older, boxes is quite fragile and easily broken. I do believe trying to graft a section from one to the other would be challenging ...at best.
I removed my May 63 heater box from the car when installing Vintage Air....it was deteriorated and fragile as all heck. Not sure it could even be restored without a massive effort and questionable results..
10-19-2018, 02:30 PM
Outer heater box - Difference between and early and late 1963 designs
