Climate Control & Heating

Regulate Your Heat: NORS Heater Control Valves

Is your classic car freezing in the winter because the heater won't turn on? Or perhaps the cabin is roasting in the summer because the heat won't shut off? The culprit is almost always a stuck Heater Control Valve. This valve acts as the faucet for your heating system, regulating the flow of hot coolant into the heater core.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) valves from original manufacturers like Ranco and Everhot.

Cable vs. Vacuum: We Have Both

Finding the correct valve configuration is critical for a proper install:

• Cable Operated: Common on older vehicles, these use a mechanical "pull cable" from the dash to open and close the water flow. We stock the hard-to-find "pull-to-open" and "pull-to-close" variations.

• Vacuum Operated: Used on A/C-equipped and luxury cars, these rely on a rubber vacuum diaphragm. If your diaphragm is cracked, the valve stays shut (or open).

• The Ranco Difference: Many of our valves are original USA-made Ranco units, known for their durable metal bodies and precise seal, unlike modern cheap plastic valves that often crack.

Why Replace?

• Stop Leaks: Old valves often leak coolant from the stem or diaphragm, dripping onto your intake manifold or carpet.

• Restore Control: Regain the ability to adjust your temperature rather than having "Full Hot" or "Full Cold."

The Right Connection: Brass Heater Hose Fittings & Nipples

A high-quality heater hose is useless if the fitting it connects to is corroded or cracked. The Heater Fittings screwed into your intake manifold and water pump are often the most neglected parts of the cooling system. Over decades, electrolysis eats away the threads from the inside out, leading to sudden failure.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) and solid brass fittings to ensure a leak-free connection.

Brass vs. Plastic/Pot Metal

Don't risk your engine with cheap plastic connectors that become brittle and snap under heat. Our inventory focuses on solid brass components (often from brands like Four Seasons, Weatherhead and Edelmann) that can withstand years of engine vibration and thermal cycling.

Find Your Angle

Space is tight in a vintage engine bay. We carry a wide variety of configurations to route your hoses perfectly:

• Elbows (45° & 90°): Essential for clearing air cleaners, alternators, and valve covers.

• Straight Nipples: Standard barbed fittings for water pumps.

• Reducers & Adapters: Connect a 1/2" NPT hole to a 5/8" hose without messy multiple adapters.

• Sizes: We stock the standard vintage sizes: 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" NPT threads matching to 5/8" and 3/4" heater hose barbs.

Restore Your Cabin Comfort: NORS Heater & A/C Blower Motors

Is your classic car's heater blowing weak, lukewarm air? Or worse, does it make a high-pitched "squealing" or "chirping" noise every time you turn on the defroster? The Blower Motor is the heart of your HVAC system, but after decades of use, the internal bearings dry out and the brushes wear down.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) blower motors to get your air moving again.

Silence the Squeal

• Fix Weak Airflow: A worn motor spins slower than factory specs, meaning your defroster won't clear the windshield and your cabin stays cold.

• Stop the Noise: If your fan sounds like a cricket, the bearings are seized. Our replacement motors restore quiet, powerful operation.

• NORS Quality: We stock vintage USA-made motors (often from brands like Delco, Siemens, or Motorcraft) that feature heavy-duty copper windings and durable metal housings—superior to many lightweight modern plastic replacements.

Fitment Notes:

• 6V & 12V Options: Check your voltage! We carry rare 6-volt motors for pre-1955 vehicles and standard 12-volt units for modern classics.

• With or Without Fan: Some units are motor-only, while others come with the squirrel cage fan balanced and installed.

• Applications: Heater and A/C blower motors for Ford Mustang, Chevy Impala, Dodge Trucks, and more.

Beat the Cold: Vintage Engine Block Heaters & Warmers

There is no sound more painful to a car lover than a cold engine struggling to turn over on a freezing morning. Thick oil, weak batteries, and icy coolant put immense strain on your internal components.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) engine warmers designed to keep your block warm and your oil flowing, ensuring instant starts even in sub-zero temperatures.

Types of Warmers We Stock:

Vintage vehicles often use specific heater types that are different from modern cars:

• Freeze Plug Heaters: Install directly into the engine block core plug for the most efficient heat transfer.

• Circulating Tank Heaters: The heavy-duty solution. These external canisters plumb into your heater hoses to circulate warm coolant through the entire system. Perfect for vintage trucks and tractors.

• Dipstick & Magnetic Warmers: Quick, universal solutions that slide into the oil tube or stick to the oil pan to liquefy thick motor oil.

• Headbolt Heaters: A rare vintage accessory that replaces a cylinder head bolt to heat the water jacket directly.

Why Install One?

• Reduce Wear: 90% of engine wear occurs during cold starts. Warm oil lubricates immediately.

• Save Your Battery: A warm engine cranks easily, saving your 6V or 12V battery from dying.

• Instant Heat: Get warm air from your defroster much faster.

Stop the Leaks: Vintage Copper & Brass Heater Cores

Is there a sweet smell of antifreeze in your cabin, or worse, a puddle of green coolant on your passenger side floorboard? A leaking Heater Core is the most common failure in vintage heating systems. Unlike modern cars that use lightweight aluminum, classic vehicles were originally equipped with heavy-duty Copper and Brass heater cores that offer superior heat transfer.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) heater cores to keep your cabin warm and your windshield clear.

Why Choose NORS Copper/Brass?

• Better Heat: Copper conducts heat far better than aluminum, meaning your classic car warms up faster on cold days.

• Direct Fit: Our inventory features cores with the correct tube angles and tank shapes to fit your heater box without modification.

• Durability: Many of our units are USA-made by original suppliers like Harrison, Fedders, and McCord, featuring soldered brass tanks that stand the test of time.

Safety Tip:

If your windshield constantly fogs up when you turn on the defroster, your heater core has a pinhole leak. The "steam" hitting the glass is actually vaporized coolant, which is dangerous to breathe and blinds your view. Replace the core immediately to restore safety and comfort.

Regain Control: Vintage Heater & Blower Fan Switches

Is your heater fan stuck on "High," or does the switch feel loose and gritty when you turn it? The Heater Switch takes a lot of abuse, handling high amperage to power the blower motor. Over decades, the internal contacts arc and burn out, leaving you with a dead fan or only one working speed.

At Old Car Parts NW, we stock authentic NORS (New Old Replacement Stock) heater switches to restore precise control over your cabin climate.

The Electrical Connection

• Fix "All-or-Nothing" Fans: If your blower only works on one speed, the resistance coil inside the switch (or the external resistor) is likely burnt. We stock switches with built-in rheostats for variable speed control.

• Authentic Dash Fitment: Don't hack up your dashboard to fit a generic toggle switch. Our inventory includes correct Rotary, Slide, and Pull-Cable switches designed to fit the original bezel and knob of your Ford, Chevy, Mopar, or Studebaker.

• Heavy-Duty Quality: We feature USA-made switches from trusted OEM suppliers like Cole Hersee, Indak, and Delco, built to handle the power load without overheating.

Types Available:

• Rotary Switches: Standard 3-speed or variable rheostat styles.

• Push-Pull Switches: Common on 1940s-50s trucks and utility vehicles.

• Slide Controls: Replacement electrical blocks for 1960s-70s heater control panels.