Older heater or Newer Heater?

I have a 1961 Ford Econoline Truck and it doesn't have a heater unit in it , I was wondering what heater assembly I should go with the one my truck originally came with or a later model unit that fit under the dash? Thanks for your help guys.

vintage air - a/c & heat!!  

It depends on how original you want to keep it. Both systems worked well. Ford changed the system in mid 1964 to be able to use off the shelf parts that the F series pickups and Falcons were using. If you aren't trying to keep it original, do as Twinpilot says and put in an aftermarket heat and ac system.

Being a 61, it already has the hole in the floor. That makes installing the early heater easy. It's a pretty much self contained unit. Bad thing is the temp control valve is a hard to find and expensive item. The later unit is nice as it frees up the floor. But, you'll have to cut holes in the dash for the control knobs. Not a biggie. Either is fine. It's all about what you can find. The aftermarket AC units are nice but open up a whole new can of worms. Adding the compressor and evaporator can be a challenge. The compressor mount with have to be custom to tuck it into the doghouse. Mounting the unit is also a challenge. Not a lot of stuff you can drill into under the stock dash.

Duane in Tennessee

I should add that if you do put in the aftermarket system, be prepared to deal with how you are going to dissipate the extra heat contributed to the engine box. The process of air conditioning is removing heat from the air. And that heat has to go somewhere. And you will probably want to go to a 70 amp alternator vs the original generator. Duane is right. Its a whole new can of worms. I would deal with the coolness of originality.

Im a proponent of new types= complete systems- yet after all = all must be upgraded sometime - NOS is way too expensive & even if you did find a used heater -likely will need to be re-cored too! all seals replaced & remember -same old flow of air rates? If you like purists on the auto stuff?? which is fine - doing what they wany!!= why do so many even run electric wipers over vacumn OEM wipers?? remember those??   My 56 chev truck- even though all new -still has the origional heater - defroster in it with 6 volt motor- still works & yet isnt the best when i need defrost & high heat - high blower fan speeds?? has only 1 speed!!   Not the best yet works good for when i do use it

I dont care about keeping my truck oem or stock i just want it to be functional

Im no expert but I believe that the windshield wiper motor or bracket has to be changed to clear  the later model style heater, right?

And I did see a lot of parts on ebay that included that old style heater valve. Wether or not its any good is another story..  A close look it looks rusty and I believe that has to be attatched/brazed/welded or something to the heater core?

My vote would be the later style, they do show up now and then.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261444619175&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

Thanks Terry, I keep forgetting about that wiper motor. There are a bunch of different versions of the wiper motors. Some will clear the later style heater and some will not.

Duane in Tennessee