Cabin heater question
 

I am wondering if any of you have used a small catalytic heater that is advertised safe for indoor tent, etc. usage to serve as a heater in Model A. My concerns are not so much about using up O2 as to the water vapor combustion product. I am afraid to spend money for this only to find that the water vapor would fog up the windows so much as to be impractical. What do you think? Is my cabin fever causing me to imagine vain things?

Re: Cabin heater question
 

Steve,

Check out this link to an aftermarket heater installtion...it's on a Morris Minor, but it should work on a Model A, no?

http://lainefamily.com/Woody2.html

Also, if you have converted to 12 volt and an alternator, there are some electric automobile heaters on EBay.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

Tried it once, fogged up the windows, not worth the effort.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

I've used one 3 times this year and with my pass thru ventilation system never had a window problem.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

Water vapor from air circulating through a water heater is going to fog up the interior too.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

You must live in a very humid place. There's no "fog" using hot water heaters here. (Unless, of course, if the heater core is a leaky one!)

Re: Cabin heater question
 

Why don't you use a Model A heater. They work great.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

I know a few folks that have the manifold heaters. Installation seems simple if you don't mind a hole cut in your firewall. Seem to keep the car plenty warm. We drove our sedan a couple of times this fall when the temps were in the teens. I just wore two pairs of socks and threw a blanket over my legs, in addition to wearing gloves, a coat and knit hat. I wasn't cold at all, and actually was comfortable after we drove some.

Anything else seems to be a waste of time in my mind.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

I just installed an Autolite manifold heater this winter. I've been working on other stuff too (Front YOM Lic. Plate, RH Taillight, new dual master cylinder and a lot of little detail work) I've only been out in it a few times and it seemed adequate. Unfortunately, my engine runs cool, I need a thermostat. It really doesn't warm up enough, But the heater threw enough heat that I wasn't uncomfortable. About that hole in the Firewall, I saved the plug that I cut out with a hole saw, so if I ever move to the south and want to take the heater off and plug the hole, I can do it very easily.
Terry

Re: Cabin heater question
 

Thanks for your comments guys. I think I will abandon the heater idea. I don't want a hole in firewall and not enough room for hot water heater with my
A/C installation.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

Steve, as a purist, I also was reluctant to cut a hole in the firewall. I finally relented for I wanted to be able to comfortably drive my '30 Coupe from when the roads are clear until the roads were salted. When I restored the Coupe some years earlier, I had welded a flush patch in to fill a very oversize heater "hole". I figured I could repair it again if I wasn't happy. So I bought a "clamp on" Autolite heater and cut the hole. I was totally disappointed! Very little heat. Then I thought about trying the combination Autolite manifold / cover style which I did after finding an assembly at the Iola swap meet. It "fit" the same firewall hole and was a huge success. I have since added that system on my '29 Town Sedan and will have the same heater installed in my '29 Cabriolet which is "in process". I believe the heater is well worth the cost of cutting a hole in the firewall.

Gar Williams

Re: Cabin heater question
 

You should see if you could swap out your A/C evaporator for an AC/Heater unit. That's what I have, and the heater works great.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

The nice thing about a coolant heater in the Model A is that it also acts as a supplemental radiator, which could be very handy for those radiators with borderline cooling.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

Not all manifold heaters feed through the firewall.
I have three types in my collection that feed through the floorboard and do not block the distributor lock screw. Here's one:
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...oardHeater.jpg

Re: Cabin heater question
 

I appreciate the input from all of you. Thank you. The Autolite manifold/cover style sounds interesting to me... I am not familiar with it. I have an Autolite heater in my coupe that just sits on the stock manifold. This does not heat well so I need something different if I go the Manifold heater method. Also the type that feeds through the floor boards is very interesting. I'll try to do research on that.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

if you use the waffle type exhaust manifold with the autolite type heater attachment, the heat will drive you out... needs also a correct firewall door so you can adjust the output....

Re: Cabin heater question
 

I have used a hot water heater, with a self contained fan for about 7 years.

It's in a 1922 coupe, there is no fog. Three speed fan, and the third not used unless it is below freezing.

The napa stores carry them in three sizes, I have the smallest one, and it is not in the way, and they work fine.

Re: Cabin heater question
 

Kohnke: Interesting. I'll check it out.