I just finished reading all I could find re heaters in Hot Rods. My issue is a little different. I want to install 2 small heaters under the seats in my 32 Tudor sedan, because I don't want to run hoses thru the firewall. I'm going to run them inside the frame rails, then to the under seat area. I've read where it's posssible to have air get trapped in the lines, that's difficult to remove. Is this a problem that any of you have had and if so, how did you cure it? Any other suggestions? Thanks all Jim
if you plan for it its not that big of a deal. Just put in some air bleeds at the high points so you can remove the air.
They sell seat warmers that are electric and hidden or are you specifically looking for an old school fix?
You won't get air in the lines unless there is a point where the hoses are higher than the filler cap. The only problem I can see is hooking up defrosters. Why not use an under dash unit and run the hoses through the toeboard?
I installed a heater under the floor of my A sedan..right behind the drivers seat with directional vents on the floor. Ran the hoses as you described with no problems.
I insatlled electric seat heating pads when i upholtered the seats, easy to do and you can't see anything. Like Rottenleonard says, very little draw. Used separate contoller for each side. Also eliminates hoses under the hood if you want to minimize stuff in the engine compartment. They also make small electric heat boxes you might be able to hide under the seat. But these may draw more.
If you're not adverse to a firewall mounted heater, you could solder elbows and new stubs on the heater core to re-direct the hose location. Still need attachment bolts through the firewall, unless you come up with creative bracketry. RB
I installed a heat/air setup under the seat of my Deuce pick up mainly because I didn't want to run hoses through the firewall and I don't like seeing a ugly aftermarket heater hanging down under the dash. With the fruit salad seat in place you would never know it's there. HRP
seat warmers are dangerous after you get in your 50's. if you have them on for a long drive there is a very real danger that you will trip on your testicles when you get out of the car.
Thanks everyone for all the info and suggestions. HRP, that's a great setup. I have a tudor sedan so I'll have to do some more research
Here's how I mounted the universal unit I got from Summit under the floor on my sedan. I built the box that forms the lower part of the plenum and the floor board seals against the top forming the rest of the plenum. The vents are defroster vent from a mid '60s Chevy pickup smoothed up so as to make them a slip fit that can be rotated to direct the hot air.
IIRC '54 Chieftian was one of the Pontiacs that had 'em. Probably a tough find in a 'yard now though. Ed
Sunbeam Any more info on the Toyota heaters? Thanks Jim Also, Rich, I like your idea but I have no room under the floor for a setup like that
Toyota used a hot water heater in the sienna 1998-2003 I did a search on ebay and there is one but a little pricey.
There are many aftermarket heater/defroster combos available. Red Dot makes many different heater and heater air conditioner combos. I've put many heaters in various types of heavy equipment. Most have cabs that are above the engine and I never had any trouble with air locking unless an engine had a head gasket leak pushing air into the system.
that would be the engine as it is what heats the water . the heater just controls the heat it doesnt produce it.
Had a '47 Pontiac convertible a few years ago with under seat heater. I ordered heaters with the Glide seat for my '34 roadster.
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