Heater defroster

[Mike I]

Tim,

I think you're missing the point. The E-M heater/defroster system is certainly adequate for southern winters, but I have to believe that it would be marginal at best for the likes of what Michael will be exposed to in Tacoma. I don't know when you purchased your kit from E-M, but the last pricing guide I have from E-M (mid 90's) has the price of the kit at $207 and I doubt they've dropped the price lower since then. As for the heat vs defrost issue, when the fan motor is on, forced hot air is normally directed to both heat and defrost outlets unless the manually controlled heater flaps are pushed closed as you pointed out, then the hot air is directed exclusively to defrost. As I said, very simplistic yet functional, but without the degree of control apparently available with the VA unit. And you added the resistor to decrease the speed of the one speed motor. In all likelyhood, Michael will not need less motor speed, he will need more. I have tried to remove moisture from the inside of the windshield glass on humid nights and quite honestly, the motor does not produce enough forced hot air to do an adequate job without wiping it dry occasionally with a rag (it gets pretty humid here at times...). I'm not refuting what you say Tim, but Michael is asking if there is maybe a better choice. Bottom line, is the E-M unit acceptable? Sure. Is the VA unit better for Michael? Probably.

Dave, nice job coming up with a cheap and obviously successful alternate.

Mike