Help for manifold heater 31 deluxe roadster

[old31]

I am looking for a manifold heater and don't know anything about them.

Do they work?

Has anyone tried the ones that Snyders or the others sell?

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/manifold-heater

https://www.brattons.com/auto-lite-manifold-heater.html

[DougVieyra]

Yes, the do work, and quite well.

For an open car, only the passenger will get the benefit unless you install your side-curtains.

Some people are concerned with the possibility of an exhaust leak, which may send in fumes to the interor compartment. So that would be something to watch out for.

Additionally, especially for those who have concerns with leaking exhaust, there is also available now at the Parts Houses, a Hot Water version of the car heater.

There were a plethora of makers of the Exhaust Manifold Heaters during the 1930's, so a great many are still around. You may prefer to get one of those, via the Classifieds of various Model A organizations, including FORD BARN.

I am sure you know you will have to drill a big hole in your firewall to get the heat into your interior compartment.

[SSsssteamer]

I have Manifold heaters on four of our six model A Fords. Excellent heat, and right away too. Three of the A's use the Autolight that has the two bolts on top. The Phaeton uses the modern one like what is sold from Snyders and Brattons. It works just as well as the Autolight manifold heater. The adjustable heater door is a requirement. In the middle of the winter, the heater can get so hot in the front seat, that it can run you out of the car. My 70 year old wife refuses to ride in our model A Fords unless I have a working manifold heater installed. "Don't leave home without one"

[SSsssteamer]

In the middle of the winter, our phaeton's heater works best with the side curtain on. If the curtains are not on, then lay a blanket across your laps and then both the driver and passenger are toasty. The Phaeton's back seat passengers go without the heater when the side curtains are off.

[Tom Wesenberg]

If you already have a heater hole in the firewall, then a manifold heater might be my choice, but if there is NO hole there, I sure wouldn't cut one because the hot water heater will do a great job and you can drill a couple hose holes in the repro wood floorboards.

[MikeK]

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Not all manifold heaters require a hole through the firewall. Here's one from my collection that feeds under the firewall and through the floorboard. There are several others that also feed through the replaceable wood rather than requiring a hole in the steel.

[Charlie Stephens]

Also note that the location of the hole may be different for different makes of heaters.

Charlie Stephens

[old31]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

If you already have a heater hole in the firewall, then a manifold heater might be my choice, but if there is NO hole there, I sure wouldn't cut one because the hot water heater will do a great job and you can drill a couple hose holes in the repro wood floorboards.

I do not have a hole in the firewall, and will take a look at the hot water heaters.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Actually I wouldn't mind having a manifold heater like Mike just showed, but I've never found one at a swap meet. I just hate to see holes cut in good firewalls.

[Terry, NJ]

I don't know about the Snyder's product, But I have manifold heaters on all my cars. It won't shoot out heat like a blast furnace, but it will warm up the cabin and it helps with keeping the windshield clear. I recommend them
Terry

Originally Posted by old31

I am looking for a manifold heater and don't know anything about them.

Do they work?

Has anyone tried the ones that Snyders or the others sell?

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/manifold-heater

https://www.brattons.com/auto-lite-manifold-heater.html

[Ray in La Mesa]

MikeK, I have two like the one you picture but do not have the darker floor mounted parts. Could you post a clearer photo of the that please? By the way, they are for sale as we don't have any need for them in San Diego area.

[taffrail]

I agree with not cutting the fire wall. Two of mine had holes with out heaters. I searched for pictures to find the correct manifold. One ended up to be an Otwell, the other an Atlas. Much easer to bolt on a manifold than correctly patch a hole. Ebay has plenty of them. Great heat for nice day cruises in the northeast.

[Fred S]

Originally Posted by DougVieyra

Some people are concerned with the possibility of an exhaust leak, which may send in fumes to the interor compartment. So that would be something to watch out for.

In the winter, I carry a small carbon monoxide detector on my package tray.

[old31]

Follow up:

I purchased and installed the heater from Snyders. I am pleasantly surprised with the heat that it throws.

My wife said that her feet and legs feel like they died and went to heaven. And that was with no side curtains, 34 degrees and cloudy!


http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/manifold-heater

[JohnLaVoy]

I have been researching the manifold heaters for an article I'm working on, there were ones that actually had a blower fan with them. That would be nice for the ones that had the vent in the back seat!

[old31]

Do you have any photos of the heaters with the fans?

[JohnLaVoy]

Originally Posted by old31

Do you have any photos of the heaters with the fans?

Here is an ad I found for one. There will be a lot more in the Fall Model A Times.

[ed thibodeau]

On my Otwell heater I put a cover plate on the front opening in the summer. And when its down near 0* I put a sheet metal large home made funnel on the front so its just clears the fan and it heats me out of the pickup cab and have to roll down the window a bit. I think that the A is so drafty that carbon monoxide could not be a problem unless you are running with out an exhaust system

[old31]

Originally Posted by JohnLaVoy

Here is an ad I found for one. There will be a lot more in the Fall Model A Times.

Thanks.

[old31]

Thought that you might want to see photos of the heater that I installed. Really not fun drilling the 2 and 1/8 inch hole in the firewall.

After 200 miles it is still working great.

[C26Pinelake]

I have manifold heAters on 2 of my Model A's and hot water heaters on the other 4. There is no comparison. The hot water heater is by far the best. All my hot water heaters have fans.
Wayne

[rickblack]

Originally Posted by MikeK

Not all manifold heaters require a hole through the firewall. Here's one from my collection that feeds under the firewall and through the floorboard. There are several others that also feed through the replaceable wood rather than requiring a hole in the steel.

Is there any manufacturer's name on this manifold heater? The pictures are blurry; can you resend or repost?
Rick in Las Cruces NM