Adding A Heater??

BUCKEYE COBRA · #1 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 03:55 AM

Looking for any feedback on usefulness / installing a heater.
Wondering how useful a heater is in a Cobra. Having another convertible here in Ohio, I know the heater can come in handy even in the summer on cool nights. I haven't had mine long enough to know how much heat radiates in from the motor.

Has anyone installed one? Any recommendations as I have seen many kits out there?

Thanks,
John

DonC · #2 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 07:40 AM

Without a top and side curtains the heater isn't much use on the highway but around town you can feel it.
With top and side curtains I've been out in temps down to 35 degrees and been comfortable on the freeway. It's still drafty but hey, this is a mid 60's British roadster, by law they have to be drafty and leak.
DonC

uncltodd · #3 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 08:43 AM

I had a heater installed by KeithCraft Motorsports, the same crew that built my engine. Due to space limitations, the heater is located where the glove compartment would be in a "normal" car.

Off-Hi-Lo. That's it. Blows straight down on the passenger's legs.

I believe I paid $400 installed.

Almost worthless without a ragtop, though.

Hey, Reg- where IS my top? The first week of Dec. you told me three weeks.

Oh, well.

UT

Dennis Kelley · #4 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 08:12 PM

Hey UT,

Hows the car coming along? Hey John I don't have a heater in my car and I can't imagine one reason to have one as I don't have a top, but my wife said she would like one.

later Dennis

Jack21 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 09:29 PM

Installed heater/defroster in mine from the start, but intended driving car in all but snow & ice.

If floorpan, firewall, and footboxes are properly insulated, there is no engine heat in cockpit. Heater is darn nice even on chilly summer nights. This was not a futile idea.

With just tonneau cover, car is driven on very chilly early spring/late fall days & nights. Footwells stay toasty.

With top and sidecurtains, car is driven in sub-freezing temps. Car stays right toasty.

Water still gets in during a downpour, but stays reasonably dry in light rain.

Thought rain would enter hoodscoop and wet ignition or soak aircleaner. It doesen't. Engine heat keeps things dry.

Sub-freezing temps will cause plastic sidecurtain or rear window to crack if folded too sharply.

Continue thread and I'll detail how.

Edley Rondinone · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2005, 10:10 PM

Heater keeps knee or foot or small portion of leg hot. With top up and side curtains on, SOME heat may stay inside! My advice is to wear LOTS of layers, and thick, gauntlet-type gloves, and something to keep the ears warm!

BUCKEYE COBRA · #7 (**permalink**) 01-31-2005, 03:12 AM

All,
Thanks for the advice/input. As I have no current plans for a top, I'll just keep and extra jacket and hat in the trunk for now.

Need a warm day. I feel the need for ...........

John

Boudy · #8 (**permalink**) 01-31-2005, 10:57 AM

You want heat, install a side oiler and remove the firewall insulation under the stainless panels. That'll make it nice and toasty. As for an aftermarket heater, it's almost futile. If you do install one, try to split the ductwork to give you flow on both sides.

Boudy

BUCKEYE COBRA · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2005, 04:06 AM

Boudy,
Thanks for the tip. The next time my wife asks for heat, I'll tell her what we need......
It would be tough to split the duct. Replacing some switches right now. Not to much room behind the dash.

John

pdaley1 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-02-2005, 08:08 PM

How about the heated seats? I saw them advertised here for a while. Has anybody tried them out and are they worth it?
I've got the heated seats in my suburban and man do those things keep you toasty. I've thought about them for my roadster but wanted to see if anybody else has tried them first.
I dont have a heater in mine but I did get the softtop. The softtop keeps the majority of the cold wind off you, but I still wear a leather coat and skull cap to keep from getting frostbit in this 30-40 degree weather. If those seat warmers work they may be just the ticket vs. a heater.

tfarhood · #11 (**permalink**) 02-14-2005, 08:20 PM

I put the heated seats in mine, I love them. Cost less than a heater also. If my Butt is warm, I'm warm. Cover your ears, and fingers and put in heated seats. No top required.

pdaley1 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 11:16 AM

tfarhood, who did you purchase your heated seats through?

thunder1 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-23-2005, 06:29 PM

I have a heater in mine and backdraft put a duck to the drivers side. you can see it, but well worth it to put it in.

Teacher · #14 (**permalink**) 02-25-2005, 12:24 PM

Got mine from Reg. I think mine was the first one ever made by Backdraft. Get one from him, it's the only one that will fit. Don't bother unless you have a top.
Scott

Dave Grabowski · #15 (**permalink**) 02-26-2005, 12:32 AM

I put a/c and heat in my BDR. It fits fine, looks good and works great. I was able to hide all the vent hoses. It does help even without the top up.

Commodore · #16 (**permalink**) 03-01-2005, 04:36 PM

It has been said that some states require heater/defrosters to pass vechile inspection for registration. True/False??

Trueoo7 · #17 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 03:07 PM

True in NY

Junket · #18 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 04:02 PM

I put one in to keep the wife happy didn't do real good on the heat part. I used a early dodge manual water shut off with a choke cable to it had trouble getting one that didn't leak took 3 trips from napa.
Ken

Jack21 · #19 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 07:22 PM

Virginia requires functioning defroster for annual safety inspection. Only option is to put Antique tags on car.

got snake? · #20 (**permalink**) 03-29-2005, 06:06 PM

http://www.cobraheat.com/

I will be putting these heated seat elements in mine. Cheaper then a heater. I've been in a few cobras with heaters. Personally I don't think they work that great.