Heater
 

Hello all.


I'm new to the Ford Barn and just bought my first "A". It came with a Model B intake manifold and carburetor. I'm considering a heater. Will any stock A heater fit? I don't have the waffle exhaust manifold. I see there are several manufacturers (autolite, etc.). Any preference as to the manufacture? I would like to not have to change the exhaust manifold if that is possible. It looks like there may be some that just fit over the existing manifold.

Re: Heater
 

If you want to learn everything about your car find a local Model a club.Nice people & willing to help.

Re: Heater
 

Dennisfly,
First of all, welcome to Ford Barn. Snyder's Antique Auto Parts has what you need in their catalog. It's on page A-188. The manifold heater costs $74.95 for the complete kit. Sounds like you just got your "A" and maybe you don't have a Snyder's book. You can call them at 888-262-5712 and they'll send one out. The are in New Springfield, Ohio, and they are good folks to deal with.
Marty

Re: Heater
 

If you plan to buy the kit you can get the books there also. It might save on shipping.

Re: Heater
 

The only problem is that you have to drill a hole in the firewall, unless you adapt the assembly and make a floor board entry area.

Re: Heater
 

Then you could run a hot water heater and run the hoses through the floorboards. Either old time appearing like an ARVIN (see EBAY) or street rod.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Heater
 

Thank you all for the prompt replies.



I already sent my enrollment application to MARC and I've attended a meeting at the Old Dominion Model A Club in Richmond and will be joining there too. They have been a great help already.


I hesitate to "deface" the original car by cutting the hole in the firewall, but I bought this to drive and enjoy, and the heater would allow me to do that to a greater degree. Was the heater an option in 1929 or an after thought?


I went to the Snyder's web catalogue and found the heater. I'm assuming the "B" intake won't be an issue but I'll call them tomorrow and ask the question. I have a restoration book and all the Service Bulletins but I want Les Andrews Red Book and I could order that and maybe combine shipping.

Re: Heater
 

Most heaters I have seen require cutting the hole in the firewall.

Re: Heater
 

And blow hot air straight onto the driver's crotch!.
BTW, the waffle manifold is impossible if you want to retain manual ignition timing.

Re: Heater
 

Synchro909,
Remember the heater blows hot air into the driver's crotch only in the southern hemisphere. We, up north, still drive on the "right" side of the road. LOL.
Marty

Re: Heater
 

Welcome to the Barn. The Waffle type or the cover that Snyders sells requires a hole to be cut. There are heater manifolds that pipe the air in through the floorboards so you won't have to cut a hole in the firewall.


The heater was an aftermarket item that you got at the dealer. Mine came that way and it will roast you!


Mike

Re: Heater
 

Will that heater work on 6-volt positive ground?

Does anyone have pictures, interior and engine bay of one (or similar) that is installed?

Re: Heater
 

I believe most cars were 6 volt at that time and the polarity shouldn't mater on a motor so it should work.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Heater
 

And we sit on the right side of the car and drive on the correct side of the road!!! :)

Re: Heater
 

Dennis where in Va. Are you located? I'm located 75 miles outside Richmond. Lot's of Model A people all around the state. Plenty of Parts in the area also.
Welcome to group.
Wick

Re: Heater
 

Wick,


I didn't see your post until now. I didn't mean to ignore you. I'm at Lake Anna, about 50 miles west of Richmond. I found my car in Portsmouth.

Re: Heater
 

In my 45B Coupe, I installed a ram air type heater that is a reproduction of an era accessory. This heater may not be available any longer. There is a plenum chamber around the exhaust pipe which has a second flex line connecting to a register cut into the wood floor board. The carpet under the register's grill is perforated with an awl.

This heater is better than nothing, but it is not adequate. My plan is install an electric fan into the air intake duct to improve volumetric flow.

When people inquire about this contraption, I tell them its a super charger.

Re: Heater
 

I use the Autolight “waffle” manifold in both of my closed cars, a 45B and 155A, with good results down to 20 degrees. My wife is happy with the temps which is terrific! Well worth the effort to match the exhaust and intake manifolds. The hole in the firewall is easy. Email me for pictures. [email protected]

Re: Heater
 

What does a waffle manifold have to do with timing? I have had one car with this manifold and did not have any problems plus I have one in my present car and do not have problems with it.

Re: Heater
 

Daren, I assume you are referring to my earlier post. On a RHD car, there is a boss and post cast into the inlet manifold. A bell crank is mounted on it and the rod from the steering column comes up to the bell crank and another rod goes accross to the distributor. A waffle manifold means you can't put the second rod on.
Maybe you missed that we are RHD.