Model a Heater

fourfords

fourfords

Senior Member
When I bought my little Roadster earlier this year, it has a 2" hole for a heater in the passenger side of the firewall. I will be looking for the manifold and heater cover here soon. I have learned so far that there are a few manufacturers. I guess my main question is: Will all of the manifolds/Covers line up with the existing hole in the firewall? is this an issue? what else do I need to know before I start spending my hard-earned money? I figure now's the time during the summer to start the search.
 

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Do you even see yourself driving in weather where you'd use a heater. I mean it is a roadster....?
 
I have this idea of putting a hot water heater under the seat of my roadster.
I would use a engine oil cooler as the radiator, with 12 volt computer fans blowing out cuts in the front of the seat riser.

There is more to do but thats the idea

JB
 
My car came with a blanket that is heated by the battery/alternator. It has a cigarette lighter plug and my car has socket for that. The socket was in the back for the passenger in the back seat.
 
Depends on what your exhaust manifold looks like, most likely it had a autolite set up.
 
The winters in Southern California are brutal. I think I would just fill the hole. Remember you are going to be getting heat through the firewall unless you have a firewall insulation pad (non original).

Charlie Stephens
 
These work great, but some units can tend to be on the noisey side
 

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nkaminar said:
My car came with a blanket that is heated by the battery/alternator. It has a cigarette lighter plug and my car has socket for that. The socket was in the back for the passenger in the back seat.
Click to expand...

I am guessing you have a 12 volt?
 
A person can purchase an access hole cover like these.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/hole-plugs/electrical-enclosure-plugs~/

The alternative is to find some same thickness cold rolled steel. It's likely 16-gauge or so. Fabricate a patch to fit closely in the hole and weld it in there. If you're not a welder then find someone who can. The caveat is that the fuel tank has to be removed to be safe.

The exhaust type heat exchangers also have a caveat. If they leak then you get carbon monoxide jn the cabin with you. A person should use an aviation type exhaust gas detector in the cabin. They make chemical types that stick on to a visible surface for easy observation.

I wouldn't want a heater in a roadster. They get warm enough without one even if it is an open car.
 
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Jerry in Shasta said:
I have this idea of putting a hot water heater under the seat of my roadster.
I would use a engine oil cooler as the radiator, with 12 volt computer fans blowing out cuts in the front of the seat riser.

There is more to do but thats the idea

JB
Click to expand...
I've thought the same thing could be possible. The heater in a 1947 Chevy sedan would be a good fit.
 
My '31 Tudor had the manifold heater at some time because it has the tube thru the firewall for heat.

I found on line a styrofoam ball of the same diameter and used it to fill the tube to keep heat and critters out of the cabin.
 
If you end up not having a heater you can always get a Heater cover that came with all the manifold heaters that closed or opened off the heater and would direct the heat . . They fasten with I believe 2 screws . I have one that I would part with . I have seen many of them at some of the swap meets .
 
6 volt positive ground. I go on tours year round based in Southern California. Winter time in the morning in this open car is somewhat uncomfortable. I'm trying to learn what I can before spending $$$. Thanks for all the different perspectives and information.
 
"Moving to Florida": Uprooting my entire life to accommodate a two inch hole in a firewall of a 95 year old car is a bit extreme. Maybe for other reasons!!!
 
@four fords: if you get a cover for that manifold heater, remove it in hot weather driving. Cover on can roast your condenser.
 
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