Hot Rods SW South Wind heaters

I looking for a completely rebuilt SW heater. Do any of you run them? What is a reasonable price for them?

 

I bought this one a number of years ago at Carlisle for $10, but everyone seems to want a fortune for them. There were lots of them made so you may be able to find one at a "reasonable" price. This one cleaned up pretty nicely and the fan actually works. Never pressure tested it 'cause I just wanted it for a conversation piece. The real challenge is finding the little kit that is used to syphon fuel from the intake to the heater. Good luck. I like 'em because of the art-deco styling.

 

They are cool looking. Have had chances at nice ones. Don’t have the nerve to use one in a car after the stories of them causing fires inside the car.

 

In the early '60s, I made a 30 mile commute every day at 4:00 AM in the winter. The '46 Ford sedan I drove had one. I never did get warm and the ice on the windshield was still on there until the sun came out. Save your money, if you can't find an original Ford heater, there are lots of Arvins out there that will work way better than that South Wind.

 

Bought one years ago at a swap meet. Don't have a clue as to how it works but now that I'm making the Austin electric, I might consider figuring it out so that I can get a heater in the car.

 

@goldmountain , if you're making your Austin electric, you won't have gasoline for the SW heater, or am I missing something?

 

Betting that just 'cause there's no gas-engine, or at least as the prime-mover, doesn't mean there can't be a small(er) fuel tank for warmth/etc.
Marcus...

 

All the old stories about Southwind heaters exploding are pure bullshit.
Southwinds are an absolute delight when installed correctly & maintained. Any problems occur when fuel leaks occur & fittings shake loose.

 

I mean they put 'em in small aircraft, so they must be relatively safe when used correctly.

 

If a lawnmower can have a small tank, a heater can too.

 

The car’s engine sucks the exhaust of the heater down the intake manifold. So basically a South Wind needs a regular engine to operate correctly.

 

I have a box full of them in the original packages, (edit) my real challenge is finding that box

 

I found the kits. does anyone else want one?

 

I think it would be relatively easy to convert one to a water heated one. Use a small computer fan for moving the air. I’m restoring an Arvin that way. Check out my thread “blowing this thing apart “

 

Manyolcars;
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Marcus...