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Vintage air heater/ defroster
Hello Guys!
I would like to get some info‘s and pictures how the heater will fit into the backdraft and how you guys made it work. Pictures would be great. Thanks from germany Marc |
Germany is much colder than Houston, Texas but here is an alternative vs. heater installation.
If you are not running a top and windows, not sure if a heater would do anything for you at speeds above 30 mph. When I get my Backdraft out in temps below 45 degrees , I use my Gerbring motorcycle heated equipment (jacket and gloves if really cold). Hooked up a harness directly to battery in trunk, ran through the shoulder harness slots, and it keeps me pretty comfortable for those colder days. Being in Germany, I would imagine there are lots of BMW motorcycle riders using this gear for winter riding. Might borrow one of their controller and heated jacket. Think you would be pleased vs. heater in open air car. |
Without a top the heater does not offer much. It is also very skewed to the passenger side due to the routing of the ducts.
I recommend heated seats. They are pretty simple to retrofit if you have an upholstery shop that can pull the covers for you and reinstall. |
Heater
I can attest to the ineffectiveness of the heater if you don't have a top. While driving I can't feel anything. It all blows on the passenger side.
Fred |
BDR heater
My BDR came with a heater ... it's behind a "box" in the engine compartment so there's not much to see other than a couple of hoses running into the heater box/chamber. In the cockpit there is only one flex hose about 2 1/2" in diameter that has two vents. One one the passenger side and one on the driver's side. Neither of the vents are visible unless you have your head under the dash. The matching two speed heater switch is located in the dash with all the other switches. My switches are not marked. To address your question concerning effectiveness of the heater, I wear a vest and coat in cold weather. The heater does a great job of keeping my feet and legs warm. I generally don't drive my Cobra if it's below 50 degrees and that's cold for me.
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Switches.
3 Attachment(s)
Here is what the controls look like along with the first 2 pages of the manual.
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As a suggestion to anyone looking to install a heater, and it be effective, I would reference the use of a heater in the HMMWV. My last assignment required I drive my HMMWV around without doors year round. Even though I was near Death Valley, the winters there can be brutally cold with the wind and temperature differential between day and night.
The way the heater works in a HMMWV is simple. Rather than routing the heat through a useless vent, it simply routes through a flex hose. You stick the flex hose under your shirt. The same can be done with the vintage air systems. Leave some extra tubing under the dash. When needed, pull it down and put under your shirt. Even while driving with a crosswind in 20 degree (F) weather, you get super warm. I’m in the market for another Backdraft and have a dream of one day slapping on snow tires and driving her up to the ski slopes with the skis hanging over the top of the windshield! One day! |
Granted, CA isn't super cold, but with my old FFR (which had no provision for a top whatsoever), the heater was better than nothing in winter- it kept my legs warm.
The builder of the FFR routed the hoses to blow around the knee area. On my SPF, I have not needed to use the heater yet. It does have an up/down vent setting, I'm curious to see what difference it makes. -Dave |
Has anyone ever had their control module mounted in their glovebox? I don't like how the controls "clutter up" the interior look of the car. I would rather a stealth install. Another thought is being mounted further back under the dash (if there is enough room). Thoughts?
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Hope not to sidetrack, but has anyone tried the electric heaters? Seem like small compact units... I think one of the greatest let downs in most of the aftermarket heaters are the knobs! Makes them not so desireable to showcase...
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Are there any pictures how the vintage air is installed?
I would like to know what space is used and where it is installed! Thanks! |
I live in North Alabama where winter temperatures are just above freezing. We can drive our Cobras on sunny days using hooded coats and gloves.
The biggest benefit of a heater is the defrost. Keeping the windshield clear. In late fall and early spring the defroster is a must. I would not have a Cobra without a heater / defroster. |
Still waiting for pictures!
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heated seats, easy to install and hide the controller. wear a nice warm hat, and tourmaster synergy heated vest. just be sure you have got a high output alternator. nice and toasty for me and wifey in 40degree f temps at 80mph.
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