Retrofitting heater/defroster

patrickt · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1795

Dan,

Thanks, that helps a lot. I imagine that the template and screw layout is the same. Just got off the phone with Doug at ERA, Bob had left already and he talked me through it. I am planning on starting work this weekend when it warms up. I will take all the photos that I can.

Jim

How far did he think you needed to pull out the dash?

1795 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 03:56 PM

He thought that I would just have to disconnect it, so that it was loose and cut a few cable ties on the wiring harness to loosen things up. He said that I may have to unbolt the windshield and tip it forward to access the screws on the deflectors for hooking up the vent tubes; however I found this nifty little right angle Phillips had ratchet that may have enough clearance to get the job done without loosening the windshield. Will let you guys know in a few days, it is single digits out right now and will be below zero tonight. A little too cold for me to be messing around with things.

patrickt · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1795

He said that I may have to unbolt the windshield and tip it forward to access the screws on the deflectors for hooking up the vent tubes; however I found this nifty little right angle Phillips had ratchet that may have enough clearance to get the job done without loosening the windshield.

Oh, wow, you're right. I hadn't even thought of that part of the job. Doing anything on these cars is a PITA.

1795 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 04:24 PM

They sure can be a PITA, but it is my PITA now and I am enjoying every minute of it

I have always been a glutton for punishment

DanEC · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 04:37 PM

I forgot about the defroster vent screws securing the defroster ducts also. It's pretty tight in there - if you do decide to lean the windshield forward (which is really pretty simple) I would put a strip of masking tape at the front of the seal all the way across. The seal will slide forward as the windshield is stood up and any dust or dirt trapped under the edge of the seal will be pushed across the paint, scratching it. I would slip the edge of the tape just slightly under the edge of the rubber before you move it.

Do you have a glove box? Is so and if you decide not to pull the dash completely, you might want to remove the glove box - I think there are just two screws in the back of it. That will free up a lot of access to work with. I know I mentioned it before, but those defroster hoses are really stiff and difficult to work into position while screwing the defroster ducts into position.

Dan

1795 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 04:54 PM

Dan,

I do have a glove box and plan on removing it. I do expect that it will be a pain, but I have worked in tight places before and have long fingers (can palm a basketball in either hand and I am only 5" 10"). I imagine that there will be a lot of @@@@ & #### along the way.

Thanks for the suggestion with the windshield, hopefully I will not have to loosen it.

Jim

Mark IV · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1795

. A little too cold for me to be messing around with things.

Candy Arse. It is over 10 degrees F! Go forth and drill!!!!

Of course we do have a heated building............

1795 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 05:46 PM

Now if you are offering your heated facilities.....

...I will gladly bring my candy arse your way....

Mark IV · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-2014, 06:55 PM

Welcome to use it. I can give you a door lock code......of course you need to drive the ERA 50 miles in sub freezing temps, but hey, no problem.....I don't have to do it!

DonC · #10 (**permalink**) 03-04-2014, 08:32 AM

I would suggest you pull the windshield rather than tipping it forward for clearance to the defroster vents.
Pulling the windshield is relatively simple and the only difficult part is the 2 screws that hold the center support in. Take those out first.
Don't remove the side supports so you don't have to worry about getting the correct angle re-established. Just pull the 4 screws in each side and lift the frame out from between the supports. You might want to have an extra set of hands to lift the unit out since it's fairly heavy and will tend to fall backwards once the 4th screw is removed from each side. If you have windshield wipers remove the arms before you start.
When you're ready to reinstall the unit put a rag over the depression for the center support until you get two of the screws started on both sides of the windshield then pull the rag out. The rag will help prevent scratches to the dash from the center support as you're realigning the frame in the side supports.
DonC