ERA Modifications Possible to Existing Car?

REDSC400 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 10:28 AM

Hi Bob:
On an existing ERA 427SC model, is it possible to add a glovebox and the dual pusher fans (in front of the radiator).

Just wondering. The current car has the dashboard that does not have the glovebox nor does it have the dual pusher fans in front of the radiator. The car currently has the electic fan that pulls air thru the radiator and it is mounted in the rear (engine side) of the radiator.

Typically, when the pusher pair of fans are set up, do they turn on at the same time (automatically) as the puller fan or do they come on when the water temp reaches a higher level (ie: via their own temperature sensor)?? Also, could the dual fans been set up via flip switch activated from the cockpit in a manual manner?

Are these modifications (installation of glovebox and fans) that I could undertake on my own? Or is the dash with the glovebox really best done as a swap out?

Thanks in Advance....
Art in CT

snakeeyes · #2 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 10:43 AM

Art, I can't answer regarding the glovebox but I bought the pushers from ERA and installed them on 329 a few years ago. It was very easy. The ERA wiring harness even had a pigtail already included for the pushers, so I simply "plugged in" the fans and didn't even have to mess with wire strippers, etc. This also meant that the pushers came on automatically when the existing fan turned on via thermostat. My car also had an override switch already in place on the dash, so I could turn all of the fans on manually if need be.

P.S. You might want to put some Locktite on the set screws holding the fan blades onto their shafts. There has been discussion here on CC in the past about the pushers coming loose, holing the radiator, and causing accidents. I Locktite'd mine when I installed them and never had a problem--

Chaplin · #3 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 10:45 AM

Art-
I can answer some of these for you until Bob shows up. Bob can tell you if I get any of it wrong.

Quote:

Originally posted by REDSC400

Hi Bob:
On an existing ERA 427SC model, is it possible to add a glovebox and the dual pusher fans (in front of the radiator).

Yes, you can add fans and a glove box

Just wondering. The current car has the dashboard that does not have the glovebox nor does it have the dual pusher fans in front of the radiator. The car currently has the electic fan that pulls air thru the radiator and it is mounted in the rear (engine side) of the radiator.

Typically, when the pusher pair of fans are set up, do they turn on at the same time (automatically) as the puller fan or do they come on when the water temp reaches a higher level (ie: via their own temperature sensor)?? Also, could the dual fans been set up via flip switch activated from the cockpit in a manual manner?

the pusher fans are typically wired to turn on at the same time as the puller fan, but I am sure you could wire them to a separate manually controlled toggle switch

Are these modifications (installation of glovebox and fans) that I could undertake on my own? Or is the dash with the glovebox really best done as a swap out?

You could probably do these mods on your own, but it depends on how comfortable you are cutting up your nice dashboard. If it were me, I'd probably by a new dash and just swap it out. Probably be easier and you wouldn't have to worry about screwing it up

Thanks in Advance....
Art in CT

REDSC400 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 12:02 PM

Snakeeyes and Chaplin! Thanks so much for the quick response!
It is so nice to know that the fine ERA wiring harness is indeed plug ready for the pusher fans to be added. Happy Day!

Thanks so much for the tip on the Loctite as well, regarding the mounting of the fans! Sheesh! My cousin's Cobra had his fans fall off at speed one or two weeks after he got his car on the road (BTW, my cousins car is not an ERA).

It is also cool that the fans can be manually or automatically switched.

Now, regarding the dashboard, I too am concerned about buggering up the current dash. I have all the tools and talent to do this. Just kinda squeemish with something THAT visible.

Again thanks guys... what a great place ClubCobra is! Its folks like you that make this place a wonderful resource!

Caio'
Art in CT

Bob Putnam · #5 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 04:15 PM

Art,

I wouldn't try to modify an existing dash. The lip for the glovebox is molded in, and it would be a bear to add on when the dash is already covered. We can supply you with a new pre-holed and upholstered facia, glovebox door and the glovebox "box" that you can install your gages into.

John A. Simpson · #6 (**permalink**) 09-12-2003, 06:08 PM

Bob, by some chance would those parts be available to someone who doesn't own an ERA?

Thanks

John

REDSC400 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-13-2003, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob Putnam

We can supply you with a new pre-holed and upholstered facia, glovebox door and the glovebox "box" that you can install your gages into.

Thanks for the reply Bob. That is probably the way I will go. When I get the car here, I will be bringing it over to you guys to do some things for sure. Again thanks.
Art in CT

Bob Putnam · #8 (**permalink**) 09-13-2003, 05:42 AM

John,

I don't know whether the dash is available. See the e-mail address below for parts inquiries.

John A. Simpson · #9 (**permalink**) 09-13-2003, 08:35 AM

Thanks for the reply Bob.