Standard Heater Panel
Most of us are aware of the deluxe heater control panel on the GMC or the blank out panel if no heater was ordered. It is the panel for the standard round core heater that is almost unknown. These photos show it existed!
To operate this firewall mounted factory heater, only one lever was required. Its round was rotated for fan speed and pulled to control the coolant flow into the core.
Unfortunately, the correct unique two position cable has been replaced in the photo with an after-market fan speed control only. It is the factory lettering on the dash panel that shows this basic heater and control panel existed.
FYI: It may be of interest that a unique standard heater switch and pull-cable is still available for the 1964-66 Chevy/GMC from Jim Carter Truck Parts as item FLS310. Will it interchange with 1955-59? At this time, we have no report on this question.
Deluxe Heater Panel A major difference on the GMC dash as compared to Chevrolet is the long horizontal ridge at the lower dash edge door to door. Therefore, the dash mounted control panels were different. GMC's must have a hump in the lower portion to go around this ridge. The two heater control levers must be 7/16 inches longer then Chevrolet. The upper half including the fan switch is the same on both brands.This control panel on GMC has never been reproduced as fewer of these trucks were sold. Restorers must hunt for restorable originals. The longer levers are available from Jim Carter Truck Parts and a few full stock dealers.
