31 Model A Manfold Heater, which one?

Harris31A

Harris31A

Junior Member
Hello,

I just bought a 31 A coupe and want to find a Manifold heater for it. I know there are two models out there, the AUTO-LITE-Waffle style, and the bolt on heater with a firewall door.

Which one is applicable to my model? If both, which one do you recommend? Why? Pro's con's?

Also I want to change all fluids, what weight should I run in the tran?

Thank you for your help!
 
Congrats on your purchase! Model A's never left the factory with manifold heaters, they are all aftermarket to my knowledge. All would be era correct, but ask around and see which ones work best. See if there is a club in your area. Happy motoring....
 
I finally installed an Autolite heater and it keeps us plenty warm. I added an cable control mounted on the steering column to the firewall opening cover in order to adjust the heat. It is easier than bending over to reach the cover under the dash.
 
Do you remove and replace your heater manifold with a regular one in the summer or does that little door really keep the heat out.
 
There are two styles of the Autolight manifold heater. By far the best is the heater version that has an Autolight manufactured exhaust manifold with a made to fit cover. The inadequate version clamps on a stock Ford manifold. Gar Williams
 
Last edited:
Aerocraft said:
There are two styles of the Autolight manifold heater. By far the best is the heater version that has an Autolight manufactured exhaust manifold with a made to fit cover. The inadequate version clamps on a stock Ford manifold. Gar Williams
Click to expand...

My AUTOLITE heater that "Pours out heat" is the standard manifold style that can be installed and removed in fifteen minutes or so.
 
Thanks for the help!

I am looking on ebay and see them often (want to find an original one) what Hardware do I need to install it?
 
The Autolite exhaust manifold attaches to the engine as original. You will need two course thread cap screws to attach the cover to the manifold. Frequently, the 5/16 inch threaded holes in the manifold will need to have heli-coils. There is a door for the heat outlet that is attached to the firewall. Suppliers have the door and fitting assembly. You will have to be clever in locating the hole in the firewall. Locate twice, cut once! There is a need for a flexible coupling between the engine and the heater door. I prefer to use heat resistant 2 inch aircraft flexible hose. Be sure that the metal firewall fitting and the outlet of the manifold are not touching. Gar Williams
 
My original manifold type reaches the firewall opening and while it is supposed to connect to a head stud's top, I guess, I purchased 2 eight inch diameter hose clamps which I just thread behind the manifold and heater, and then I tighten up the screws, making it like a five minute job.
 
Do you aleady have a hole in the firewall? If so you might want to get a heater to match the location of the hole. I would go for a hot water heater if I needed one (I live in Southern California) and put the holes for the hoses in the wooden floorboards. I would use either an era correct unit or a current street rod version.

Charlie Stephens
 
The very best is called The Director. I generates the most heat. The heatexchanger is intigral with exhaust manifold. You never have to take a big cover off like on the Autolite. You just open a sheet metal cover for summer. I produces the most warm air because there's 2 places for air to enter.
I have this on my '31 coupe and it's a winner.
 
I had a Director Special (still have it) on my car but took it off as it WILL roast you even if the little door is closed. I have an autolite that needs so restoration work, that may go on someday.

Mike
 
Harris31A ? I will be making a trip to Stowe Vermont on May 21, for the A.A.C.A. National Meet and Rhinebeck N.Y. on Mother's day [May 8] .If you or a club member will attend 1 or both meets i can bring a AUTOLITE Manifold heater in EX, Cond. w/ cover, a near n.o.s. ..I might have a orginial heater door too for firewall. [gotta look]. let me know. peters180a@aol.com
 
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