Ok, what's small, common to most JYs (cheap), and heats a model A? I'm thinking maybe a jeep CJ box? BTW, I've been working a lot lately, so if this popped up in the past couple weeks, just shoot me the url. Thanks
What kind of engine are you running? I originally bought an old aftermarket job at Carlisle for $20, but with the windows up, the flathead in mine puts off more than enough heat through the wood floorboards. I'm kind of concerned that it'll be too hot come the summer! Glad I didn't have to give up the interior room. It's tight enough inside as it is.
Hit your swap meets. I got this cool old Tropic-Aire for $30. As found. And restored. 'Course the car's a loooooong way from needing it. Be cool (umm.. warm) someday though. If you can't find a real heater, find a small generic heater core, get a small muffin fan, and find some cool old box to mount the stuff in. If you must have a JY unit, I have heard the Jeep units are pretty self-contained. The aftermarket Jeep guys also sell some nice self-contained under-dash units. For a traditional car though, an older heater is the ticket. Good luck, Pete
If you have a wrecking yard nearby that has some old European sports cars check it out. Most of the old ones had very little room so had very compact heating units.
Landcruiser FJ40 has a older looking, exposed heater thats center mounted and has the heat/defrost controls directly attached. A muffin fan or two (easy way to vary speeds!)would be an easy addition to the top to make it self contained. (The OE mounting used a remote fan in the engine compartment and a duct to the heater top.) Worst problem with a recirculating type heater system (no fresh air from the outside) is the problem of condensation buildup on the windows. Due to our climate that can be a major PITA during fall and spring. I imagine it wouldn't be too big a problem in most areas and besides...not too many Hot Rods get driven in all seasons! Anyway...check out any old Cruisers you find...might be worth your while!
Aircooled VWs had jacketed exhaust heat or an add-on gasoline heater. You could use a really small heater core like a Chevette and make your own housing out of sheetmetal or 'glass. It doesn't need a very powerful fan, either.
Model a's had a gasoline fueled heater from Southwind that was an option. Pretty scarce to find as I think most caught on fire and exploded. VW did the same thing. Wouldn't recommend either. If you are running the original the banger the Autolite Exhaust manifold will keep you warm enough. Otherwise look for one of the remote hot water units at the swap meets. They are plentiful and cheap.
Old Chrysler K cars (81-2-3, etc.) had a very small, almost tiny, easily hidden, virtually self contained heater with a small divorced control head (about 1 1/2 X 3 inches or so) containing the fan switch and bowden cable operated slide controls for temp and defrost. I saved one "back in the day" to put in a Model A, of course now that I have a home for it, I can't find it. Good luck finding an old K car these days, much less one with a straight non AC type heater.
Heres a pic of one version of FJ40 heater...there are several. The plastic top with the fresh air outlet is removable and could be replaced with a simple box (or less) and the core lays flat under it, so a big muffin fan would fit nice and the whole heater takes up little room as its only about a foot wide or less IIRC. The hose nipples are on the right side and don't penetrate thru the firewall. Spector offroad (SOR.com...where I found this pic) sells ANY rebuild parts you would need.
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