61-63 Thermostatic Heater Valve

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Steverino
Posts: 747
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 10:53 pm
Location: Central PA

61-63 Thermostatic Heater Valve

Post by Steverino »

Like it says above... My original is shot and I'd love to find a NOS one. I have a non-thermostatic reproduction but it is way too stiff. Here's hoping...
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Steve
'62 Landau

There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"...
VTCI #11678
WNC Bird
Posts: 142
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 3:09 pm
Location: Western North Carolina

Re: 61-63 Thermostatic Heater Valve

Post by WNC Bird »

Steve

I have about 5 or 6 cores and I believe one new diagram. Im thinking one or two can be built from the old ones. You can have them all. Only would cost you whatever shipping charges are. I have an old post in the for sale section with pics.

Ken
1962 Corinthian white convertible
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
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Alan H. Tast
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Re: 61-63 Thermostatic Heater Valve

Post by Alan H. Tast »

If just the rubber diaphragm is bad, look into rebuilding the valve with a NOS rebuild kit for the Ranco HTR-100 Thermostatically Controlled Heater Control Valve (according to Ranco's literature it was used in 170 OEM applications in cluding 1953-63 Fords, AMCs 1955-73, Chrysler 1950-69, GM 1950-63, Hudson 1950-1955, IHC 1950-1975, Packard 1953-1955, Saab 1974-1980, Studebaker 1950-1963 and Volvo through 1983), or ordering NAPA/Balkamp Heater Valve Repair Kit (NAPA part number BK 6601000). Otherwise, you can modify the rubber disc used in Flowmaster toilet flush valves (available at most every 'big box' home repair center, hardware store, etc.) to get the plunger pin that goes through the center of the valve to work.

I forgot the model number for the Flowmaster disc (I believe it's #605, but don't quote me on it yet) but supposedly it's almost a drop-in swap. I'm actually in the process of assembling scans of old tech articles for a Club fundraising project right now and may have to take a look to see if I can find the tech tip that gave the Flowmaster part number.

If one of the hose nipples is corroded so badly it can't be salvaged, getting another used valve and rebuilding it would be good.

Using the 'Search' function in the upper right hand corner with the right key words may turn it up for you. Below are links to some of the past threads on the topic.

viewtopic.php?p=123914&hilit=flowmaster#p123914

viewtopic.php?p=71973&hilit=flowmaster#p71973

viewtopic.php?p=9189&hilit=flowmaster+h ... alve#p9189

I have been wanting to put together an article for "Thunderbird Scoop" on how to rebuild the valve. If anyone is doing this, please send me step-by-step photos of disassembly, repair and reassembly.

Bear in mind there is a difference between the valves for '61 C1SA 18502-A and '62-'63 C2SA 18502-A (midyear '62 changeover needs to be confirmed - there is a '61 and '62 part number in the catalogs) in the number of screws that hold the valve in place (2 for the older style, 3 for the newer one).
Last edited by Alan H. Tast on Wed Jul 20, 2022 12:04 am, edited 1 time in total.
Alan H. Tast, AIA
Technical Director/Past President,
Vintage Thunderbird Club Int'l.
Author, "Thunderbird 1955-1966" & "Thunderbird 50 Years"
1963 Hardtop & 1963 Sports Roadster
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Steverino
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Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 10:53 pm
Location: Central PA

Re: 61-63 Thermostatic Heater Valve

Post by Steverino »

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the reply. Are yours like the one pictured (thermostatic with coil)? If so, I'd be interested... These things aren't easy to find NOS anymore I guess.
Steve
'62 Landau

There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"...
VTCI #11678
User avatar
Steverino
Posts: 747
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 10:53 pm
Location: Central PA

Re: 61-63 Thermostatic Heater Valve

Post by Steverino »

Thanks Alan! My valve is really shot. Looks to have been repaired at some point previously, and is partially ruptured. I don't think it is rebuildable (or at least not by me). Hoping to find a good core or NOS at this point...

Will definitely welcome any additional info you come across!

I really hate the repro thing I have in there now.
Steve
'62 Landau

There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness"...
VTCI #11678
WNC Bird
Posts: 142
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 3:09 pm
Location: Western North Carolina

Re: 61-63 Thermostatic Heater Valve

Post by WNC Bird »

Steve

Here's a pic of three of them. I think I have a fourth that you can have as well. I also think I have a new diaphragm. I would throw that in as well. All yours for free. Just pay shipping. Sounds like a late night infomercial.

Ken
1962 Corinthian white convertible
Past birds
1977 Town Landau
1978 t-top
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