Retrofitting heater/defroster

[patrickt]

With the SC dash and glove box, the three middle Smiths gauges will be amps, fuel, and oil temp, in that order, from left to right. The job will be more difficult than you think. Here's a pic of mine going in during the build.

[1795]

Patrick,

That is the order that the gauges are in. Just took a quick peek under the dash, it is 3 degrees outside right now with one hell of a wind chill, and it does look like it will be a tight fit. Will probably have to remove the dash to get a little clearance with the wires and may need to move the wiring around a little. Good thing that I am thin and flexible. Otherwise, it would be one hell of a pain in the a@@!

Jim

[patrickt]

Those little angle support braces are fake -- so you can pull those. The dash is going to have to come out a bit, but I think you can get by with just removing the dash screws and pulling the dash back a couple/few inches. Maybe, but maybe not. I don't know if you have the quick release steering hub, but that helps. The steering wheel is a PITA when you're under the dash. Removing a seat helps too. You'll be working on your back with your head towards the front of the car so you can either flip your legs back over the seat or just take the seat out. Make sure you disconnect the battery cables before you go in there....

[1795]

Thanks Patrick, I was planning on removing them and I think that you are right about only needing to move the dash back a little to gain some working room. It will be a pain, but as Bill S. has said previously regarding his own situation, "She who must be obeyed" is requesting it. The weather is supposed to be warmer Saturday, so I may give I a try as I do not want to have the car tied up in the garage during good driving weather. I was able to fit with my back on the floor quite easily, so I have that going for me. Will have to snip a few zip ties so that I can move the wiring out of the way.

I appreciate all the guidance.

Jim

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1795

It will be a pain, but as Bill S. has said previously regarding his own situation, "She who must be obeyed" is requesting it.

Buy her a 12v electric fleece lined travel blanket and, if you don't have a cigarette plug, just wire a quick one straight to the circuit breaker next to the solenoid on the passenger side of the firewall. You could do a quickie wire job in 15 minutes -- she'll be toasty warm and it will work tons better than the heater ever will. If that's the only reason you're putting it in, do yourself a favor and listen to me on this.

[1795]

Patrick,

It is not just for her, NY requires working defrosters in the car, so I have to do it, she is just a convenient excuse for my complaining

[patrickt]

Very clever. Post pics of your work -- Chas uses his one good eye to pore over them.