Retrofitting heater/defroster

[cscobra]

What DonC said is correct--I have removed my windshield from the stanchions and remounted it with no problems.

Overall, I wish I hadn't opted for the heater. I completed my car a year ago, and the heater has already sprung a leak (last November). I've not had time to deal with it yet, but at least it doesn't leak when the water supply is shut off. Doubt ERA can do anything about it since the kit was shipped to me in 2009, so I haven't bothered them about it.

I haven't decided yet whether or not to just eliminate the thing. At least the car is snug with the top (fits well) and side curtains in place.

[1795]

Well, the project has commenced. I took photos, but cannot upload them into an album so that I can post them here. I have then unit in place, but still need to add the heater hoses form the engine, attaché the wiring once I find where the lime green wire is , attach the defroster hoses to the unit. What a pain in the @@@ I had to remove the lower support screw extension, as it is way too long, I believe that someone else had mentioned that in their post. I removed the mounting screws for the dashboard and fought to support that and move it to gain access at the same time Luckily my partner Brenda was there to give a helping hand This is not a job for anyone who lacks flexibility or has put ona few extra pounds There is very little room to work with and you spend the majority of your time on your back underneath the dash. Once I can upload the photos you will be able to see the spider web of wires that I had to re-arrange to make room for the unit. I still have to straighten out the speedometer, it rotated slightly as there is little to no room between it and the heater unit I need to obtain a larger hex key to remove the plug in the manifold and may attach the heater hoses today, but then again I may wait until tomorrow when it is warmer .

A little frustrated, sore and tired right now.

So, basically I removed the air cleaner, wrapped the carb in Saran wrap to avoid any dust or particles getting in the motor and then placed the template on the firewall. Used a prick punch to mark the spots and then used a small drill to drill pilot holes. Removed the template and checked from under the dash to make sure that there was nothing in the way and then re-drilled the holes to the correct size. I looked for a stubby drill for the 3/8" holes but could not find one, would have been easier. Then I , cut the zip ties from the wiring to loosen things up took a close look and knew that I was going to be in trouble, removed the screws form the dash and that was when all of the swearing started! You have to move the dash a significant amount to get that heater unit underneath it. A lot of moving wires here and there, forgot to mention that you have to remove the two vertical supports underneath the dash, and spending hours on your back in tight places looking where the sun don't shine! Will get back to it tomorrow. Hopefully all the gauges will still work when I am done. Had ot move a lot of wiring around, and I still need to find where wire #20 is (light green).

Jim

[DanEC]

I figured it would be a chore to get it in place with the dash still hooked up in the car. Of course completely pulling the dash is somewhat of a chore too, so it's kind of like pick your poison. Sounds like you are on the downhill stretch now - just some assembly still required. Good luck and hope everything is working fine when you are done.

[fjrgary]

kinda late for you now but n.y. gave me a laundry list of things i had to do to get a n.y. vin no. for a registration. defrosters, back-up lights, flashers, etc, etc. this was after i had registered the car for two years already. went to plan B and registered in another more cobra friendly state. every thing was done via e-mail, no inspections no hassle. just have to have a mailing address in the state. also saves me from n.y. front plate law. by the way have you ever been to florida????

[1795]

So far so good. Will be finishing up everything shortly and taking it out for a test. Made it through my first NY inspection OK. Hopefully I do not have other issues.

I have been to Florida, but not in many years.

Jim

[1795]

It works!!! No leaks and I have heat. I will have pictures when I can get them loaded. It was a pain, but will be worth it in the long run.

Jim

[DanEC]

Good deal - Congratulations. Now you have heat with summer coming on - hopefully.