1951 Pontiac Chieftain

[Junkman]

Do I see this correctly, that heater is thermostatically controlled?

[PhilA]

Yes. The mechanism locks fully on or fully off at the extremes of it's travel. Between the two it is controlled by a bellows thermostat which will hold the cabin at the temperature set.

Quite fancy.


Phil

[Junkman]

Was that heater standard equipment on the Chieftains?

[Hooli]

Climate control then?

At least that's the description they claimed on XJ40s even without AC.

[PhilA]

Was that heater standard equipment on the Chieftains?

The heater pack was an option, however thermostatic temperature control was standard to the option.

Phil

[Junkman]

They were just miles ahead of the rest of the world back then.

[PhilA]

From what I can see, Cadillac and Pontiac got thermostatic valves as standard, the rest of the GM range it was an upgrade to the heater option.

Phil

[PhilA]

I just stuck the valve in the freezer.

The valve opened up, set on partial-cool.

That still works. It also holds water if I put a little in the top pipe with it shut. I guess just under pressure it leaks.

Phil

[PhilA]

Just gave a guy who repairs these valves a call; left a voicemail and hopefully he'll call back.

Phil

[Junkman]

I used to repair the ones for the Imperials, which are similar. Same story, rebuilt ones were hellish expensive.
It's not difficult.
There was a company nearby that could CNC polyurethane seals on a lathe by cooling it to -200C.
If that tech was available 25 years ago, it must be available now.