Model a Heater -Clip on

fourfords

fourfords

Senior Member
I want to put a clip-on manifold heater on my '29 Roadster. Is ther anyone who is knowledgeable about these and how they work and a possible vendor?
 

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I've never seen a clip on heater but I've seen several different style bolt on heaters.


TOB
 
Hey fellas, I know this is just a hobby for most of us. But if you could, I am actually interested in locating the appropriate manifold heater for my open car.

Each of us do all kinds of things to make our travels more comfortable. I would find it valuable to hear from you with actual solutions to my questions. Many thanks.
 
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These have been around since day one: https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=977341&cat=41624

If you have 12 volts, you can buy an electric blanket that plugs into a socket: https://www.amazon.com/12v-heated-blanket/s?k=12v+heated+blanket&tag=atomicindus08-20

The manifold heaters show up on places like eBay and swap meets. Each variety uses a different location for the hole in the firewall so they are generally not interchangeable. If you use the manifold heater, make sure you do not have any exhaust leaks.

For my Fordor, I use a heater that is heated with the coolant from the engine. It works great. I installed a ball valve so that I can shut off the flow of the heated coolant in the summer. It works great. See https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/product.htm?pid=977343&cat=0 You can sometimes find this kind of antique heaters on eBay that look hot (pun intended).
 
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In the interest of giving a plausible answer…. I am not 100% sure what you mean by “clip on” but have a 2 piece Autolite heater that slips over the top of a standard exhaust manifold and is held in place with 2 #12 screws that clamp the heater in place. I have mine installed in the fall and take it off in the spring. The most difficult thing I had to deal with was the aluminum valve that installs in the firewall. None of them fit in the hole or matched the mounting holes in the firewall. I solved the problem by machining off some of the casting draft on the OD of the valve and machining small slots in the valve body as well. I hope this helps.
 
I too am confused by the "clip on" heater statement. Perhaps the OP will post a photo of one. FWIW, I have an Auto-Lite bolt-on heater. It uses a matching waffle exhaust manifold. Its getting chilly here, so I just installed it yesterday. It works great in my '31 pickup, keeping the cab nice and cozy. With any manifold heater it is very important to ensure you have no manifold exhaust leaks.
 

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Some designs use a waffle manifold with a sheet metal cover. They all require cutting a hole in the firewall, no two designs in the same location.
 
Thank you all! Since I have started in the research phase of this Manifold Heater idea, here's what I have learned: There are two types of Manifold heaters. One requires the "Waffle" type exhaust manifold and the other type attaches to the standard Model A exhaust manifold. Others call it a "Clip-On" Looks like Mike's A-Fordable parts has the standard version. I liked KMBeers post on how he puts it on during the winter and removes it in the warmer months. My little Roadster came with the hole already in the firewall. This "Clip-on version sounds good if it lines up with the hole in the firewall. I found the firewall valve and installed that. Again, thanks y'all!

I would like it if KMBEERS could PM some pictures of the Manifold Heater version that attaches to the standard exhaust manifold. thank yooo
 
Here are two clamp on heaters.
 

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