Heater location

[PaulRSchmidt]

I’m in the usual “heater interferes with glove box” quandary.

I could build a spacer box for the firewall and/or section the glovebox, but I just noticed the heater (a DemonTweeks lightweight unit) would sit nicely all the way forward on top of the trans tunnel. I don’t think I’d even have to run ducts! But it does mean the heater hoses have to run into the passenger compartment, and I’m not sure that’s a safe thing to do. Thoughts?

[JeffP]

Technically with the standard vintage heater the heater hosts do kinda run into the passenger compartment. The heat exchange is on the passenger side of the firewall behind the dash, so i wouldn't see that as any more or less of a concern.

I used the firewall forward kit and modified it a bit to get it to fit with the glove box.

[CraigS]

I agree that having the hoses in w/ you isn't generally a good idea. OTOH when was the last time you had a hose leak? I'd really be tempted to go for it and I'd do my best to go a little overboard safety wise. Buy black hose of highest quality. I haven't researched it but I'd look for hose from a major manufacturer like Dayco or Continental, or Goodyear. Then get clamps like these.
https://www.mcmaster.com/5413K49/
I show these just to show that you want the type of clamp that has an extended band so the band slots and the threads on the screws do not cut into the hose. I think Breeze has them but website seems to be down. I think you will be able to find them locally at better auto parts stores.

[rich grsc]

Why would that be an issue? Factory built cars have the heater and hoses in the passenger compartment.

[PaulRSchmidt]

Why would that be an issue? Factory built cars have the heater and hoses in the passenger compartment.

The heater, yes, but the ones I’ve worked on (granted, it’s been a while) have the hose connections extending through the firewall.

[BRRT]

Japanese cars I owned in the late '70s and '80s had heater hose in the passenger compartment. Never had an issue.

[GoDadGo]

I built my own; however, it only puts heat on my wife's feet.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=982

We really don't need it because we live way down South near New Orleans.

[JohnK]

I agree that having the hoses in w/ you isn't generally a good idea. OTOH when was the last time you had a hose leak? I'd really be tempted to go for it and I'd do my best to go a little overboard safety wise. Buy black hose of highest quality. I haven't researched it but I'd look for hose from a major manufacturer like Dayco or Continental, or Goodyear. Then get clamps like these.
https://www.mcmaster.com/5413K49/
I show these just to show that you want the type of clamp that has an extended band so the band slots and the threads on the screws do not cut into the hose. I think Breeze has them but website seems to be down. I think you will be able to find them locally at better auto parts stores.

Even better than worm-drive clamps (even really good ones) would be the Gates PowerGrip clamps.

[MB750]

I built my own; however, it only puts heat on my wife's feet.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/album.php?albumid=982

We really don't need it because we live way down South near New Orleans.

I like that rig. My wife is the only reason I'm mulling over the heater, this is a clean solution.

[rich grsc]

Even better than worm-drive clamps (even really good ones) would be the Gates PowerGrip clamps.
I agree thats what I used. They just continue to get tight every time they heat up.

[CraigS]

They are great clamps. I didn't want to spend a lot of time searching and had forgotten the name for the shrink clamps. Most important point is to use clamps that don't harm the hose.

[Derald Rice]

Put your heater on a shelf in the garage.

Then install seat heaters.....Better heat, less cost, easier install.