Hi. This is my first post here - been monitoring this forum for some time and I'm really impressed with the information and feedback that many of you provide. I'm in the process of restoring a 1949 Chevy Business Coupe. It currently has the cheaper recirculating heater. I want to upgrade to the fresh air heater. See a lot of stuff on these on EBay. My question is - is the fresh air heater (and associated parts) for the 49 exactly the same as the 50. I think they are, but want to make sure before spending anything on them. Thanks & Great Site here.

The 1949 and 1950 are the same except the 1949 was dark brown and the 1950 was the blue-green-gray color. This includes the control head (and knobs changed color)
The 1951-52 is also the same except for the cables and dash control.
If you do undertake the change I would recomend getting the 1949 (or 1950) Accessory Installation manual available form the Filling Station. ($8.00 or $10.00)

Thanks. I presume the box & core that go in the engine compartment are the same also.

Yes, the under hood stuff is all the same.

Gene, Your advice to buy an accesory manual is good. I bought one and it has a wealth of information in it. Not only correct part numbers but installing info also. It has saved my "bacon" a few times when buying on the internet. Master parts manual is also a "must". Where were you guys at when I was a "newbie" to the hobby? Seems like I have to learn the hard way.

Thanks. I will follow your advise. Now to figure out what to do with the radio.

Does it have a radio?

It did not have a radio, but I purchased a couple units on e-bay. One appears to be in excellent shape (at least appearance wise & has all the chrome). The other is a little worst shape, but it has the speaker unit. I was thinking of having one of the units restored to original condition. Was wondering if many people do that. Was wondering also if many people have them converted to AM/FM with new innards put in the unit - I've read about a couple of companies that do that conversion. I am trying to keep this car as original as possible, so the conversion thing is not real high on my list.

Before converting your radio to AM/FM, talk to at least two people who have done it. Then make your decision to either restore or convert.

When I got my '49 2 yrs ago I found out the radio worked so with a couple of AM stations around here that play early country western [Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, ect.] and old time music [polkas, waltzs] I'm keeping it original.

Consider all options before you spend your money,I have had two stock radios repaired/restored,one for my car and one for a friends' and neither one of them lasted a year before they failed.Do yourself a favor and find out if there is any warranty on the work performed,I did not and I am not planning on having the radio repaired again,far too costly and certainly not worth the trouble.When I called the repairman to ask about what might have caused the failure,he sounded like I was bothering him,so I am at an impass,truly not good customer service.It is possible the initial cost of the conversion is pricey,but,I'm sure there would be some recourse if the radio failed.At least a reputable company will stand by their work.Hey,as long as it looks the same on the outside,who cares whether there are tubes inside or not.

Good advise. Thanks. I need to do my homework on this one.