I would like to know if anyone might know a good type replaceable cable operated heater valve i can use on my 56 rocket 88 the ranco one was leaking .so i would like to find a different type the price that these folks want for a recon is crazy .my car is a driver not for show so if it isnt 100 percent that fine . Thank you to everyone in advance for the help. ********** 56 bulb

 

If push comes to shove you can put a regular water valve in the engine compartment (spliced into the heater hose). It's a get by fix and you will have to lift the hood to turn it on and off. but it will get you buy for a while.... Tedd

 

As long as it doesn't need to be "original", you can omit the original expensive control valve in favor of a cable controlled under hood valve which also won't leak into the passenger compartment. On the '56 a cable operated "pull to open" valve would be best. There are several which will work. If you can find a vendor who can show you the different heater control valves available without doing it by application, you'll have what you need. My old Rambler has one with pipe thread on one end and a hose connection on the other. They usually have 1/2" or 5/8" hose connections. If they "force" you to go by application, here are some possibilities:
1/2" hose X 5/8" hose: 1971-1981 Dodge & Plymouth truck
5/8" hose X 5/8" hose: 1964-1974 Ford; 1968-1977 Dodge truck; 1961-1979 Scout (med. & H.D.); 1965-1977 Ford truck; 1978-1981 Dodge truck (med. & H.D.).
I have an old Car Quest catalog that shows these part numbers: 277726, 277813, & 277814.
What you need is out there. Shop around.

 

Jim Tucker in California rebuilds the original heater valves. I had a couple done by him in the last year and he does a great job at a reasonable price. His number is 760-749-3488

 

Thank you to all for the info , have a great day ************ mark