289 Heater Project

[LMH]

Another heater project update. It took me a while but had to do some research on the correct motor as used the post-2201 series cars. I found that the motor used appears to be the same motor used in the Cortina MK1 and early Mk2. I located one in England and had it sent to the states. Once I had it, everything matched up with my measurements and photo's of the original Cobra heater.

The motor as it came out of the Cortina heater:


Restored, replated case and wires/sheath changed to match the Cobra motor.



The heater motor hole will have to be enlarged slightly to fit the motor but no biggie for a die grinder. Mounting holes are the same as the original Prefect heater motor. So now on to fitting the motor!
Larry

[1795]

Larry,

Nice find and nice work on the restoration. Too bad that it will be hidden inside the heater, nobody will be able to really appreciate it.

Jim

[LMH]

Thanks. I'm actually involved with original cars more than with replicas, so this project applies to restoring an original heater as much as modifying a Prefect unit for a replica.
Larry

[LMH]

Update on my heater project. Armrer put together these awesome sides with doors and hinges. I spot welded every together, then spot welded them to the heater box. Motor is restored, replated and correct wire color and sheath added. Currently working on the matrix, which will be added once complete and finish the heater project.







Too bad Photobucket screwed up my previous photos but I'm not paying that absurd fee!

Larry

[cobrakiwi]

Looks great,
Excellent job Larry

[Ivygreen65]

Great work, Larry.

[1795]

I would not expect anything less from you Larry, looks great.

[LMH]

Thanks guys! Every detail is a labor of love!
Larry

[AndrewB]

Awesome, great work!

[Mongoose930]

That came out great!!

[LMH]

Wanted to share a couple photo's of the heater matrix and it's mods. The Prefect heater tubes stick out the end of the matrix tanks while the Cobra needs them out the top. I reused the tubing from the Prefect, straightened them and silver soldered them into place. Holes were patched with a small piece of copper and silver soldered all in place.




Note that the tubes are silver soldered inside the tank as well for strength on the tube. This is the same way they were done originally.




The matrix was cleaned, rodded out and the tanks soldered on. Once completely soldered, the matrix was pressure tested and installed into the heater box.



Larry

[MAStuart]

Hey Larry did you see the heater that was for sale on Ebay within the last couple of months. I tried to post a link. But I must be too dumb.

[LMH]

Yes, I did. Watched it but didn’t bid on it. Went for $2550!
Larry

[rsk289]

HOW MUCH??????

Well, at least I can tell my wife how much money I've saved by building one.

[LMH]

I figured it would go for a lot being an original. It needs restoration though and of course, that’s after the purchase price!
Larry

[rsk289]

I don't suppose anybody's got a link to it? I've tried a search but nothing comes up. Just interested in seeing what they got for the price of a small house (nearly).

[LMH]

Let’s see if this works.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F112834705677

[rsk289]

Perfect, thanks Larry. That's actually quite a find, but a lot of dosh.

[1795]

Would much rather have yours Larry and invest the rest in some nice tires.

[LMH]

It’s an early model heater with the smaller motor. Wouldn’t be correct for a later car but especially with those DG elbows, very rare!
Larry