Blower switch overheating

54Hollywood
54Hollywood Senior Contributor
in HUDSON

Hi everyone:

Previous owner of my '54 Hornet Hollywood had converted it to a 12 volt system. However, he did not account for the blower switch which now gets very hot when I turn it on. So, what do I need to make it happy and where would it be installed? Thanks.

Tim in Wisconsin

Comments

  • Glowplug
    Glowplug Expert Adviser

    This is taken from the 12-volt conversion components list on my website.

    Heater Blower Motor 6a. (on Hi) 1  50W resistor Mount in the heater blower housing. Or install a 12v motor;

    One 12v heater motor reported to fit well is O’Reilly Murray PM 354 (need to shorten shaft by ¼”)

    https://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/ website INTERNET address.

  • atc
    atc Member

    I have made the resistor mod specified above for my 12V system and it works very well.

  • 50C8DAN
    50C8DAN Senior Contributor

    It is better to just convert to a 12V blower motor. A motor will cost you about $15 to $20 and is an easy install. My '54 had been converted to 12V, and the previous owner installed the resistor as suggested. The problem is that you will decrease the motor speed, and this makes the heater much less effective if you have a cold winter day. Also, remember that the original blower is actually running in reverse if you just plug in a resistor, since the original setup was for a positive ground. In addition, the resistor gets wicked hot, and I decided it was not worth the risk to run the blower that way.

  • 54Hollywood
    54Hollywood Senior Contributor

    Thanks for all the great information. I appreciate it. Sounds like the best option is to go with a new motor. I'll investigate that further. Have a good one.

  • 54Hollywood
    54Hollywood Senior Contributor

    A follow up question. If I go with a new blower motor, can I still use the original switch or what? Thanks.

  • atc
    atc Member
    edited September 8
    https://openforum.hetclub.org/discussion/comment/255294#Comment_255294

    Haha, this note about the backwards motor is funny. Glad your car is safe of course. But don't forget you can reverse the polarity back by switching the wires like I did :) works very well, without issues. Blower spins in the correct direction. Hope that helps someone else in the future.

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