Where to install on/off valve in heater hose

[Chester C.]

Have not driven my 63 coupe in the summer yet but I have heard they can get pretty warm inside. I think it would help to install an on/off valve in the heater hose to at least keep the hot air from coming into the car by way of heater hose. Yes there is a flapper gate to stop the air from rushing thru but I bet it still leaks. My question is, where is the best place to install valve. In the 3/4" hose between the surge tank and firewall or somewhere along the 5/8" line which is where I would like to put one since I have a nice 5/8" valve that would fit and not be seen as easy. Surely I'm not the only one who has thought of doing this. Any ideas.

[Mike M.]

Re: Where to install on/off valve in heater hose

if u really want to have a cool heater core, suggest u put a shut off valve on both 5/8 and 3/4' hoses. mike

[Frank D.]

Re: Where to install on/off valve in heater hose

if u really want to have a cool heater core, suggest u put a shut off valve on both 5/8 and 3/4' hoses. mike

Correct. I did that on my '61 and had it on my '63 too before I added Vintage Air A/C. Both hoses up under the fender is best...O'Reilly and others have the parts. It does help with cockpit heat...

[Duke W.]

Re: Where to install on/off valve in heater hose

The best place is the heater inlet hose (5/8") near the inlet manifold nipple. That way you can also kind of "hide" it but still have access. The valve should not completely shut off flow. There should be a small opening - say a 1/32" hole to allow a little circulation. The reason is that if coolant never circulates, localized corrosion can start and cause problems downstream.

Duke