Seat Heater - where to install relay

[txboiler]

I am about to install the upper truck sheet metal and rear wall, but before I did I wanted to finalize the plans for the seat heaters. I have contemplated installing the relays in several locations.

1) Install the relays behind the dash and splice more wires for switch and heater elements to run down the transmission tunnel. This is not a show stopper but cutting and splicing perfectly good wires for switch and heater elements seems contra productive.

2) install the relays in the rear cubby area. The wires are long enough to install the switch in several locations on the transmission tunnel and the leads could reach the seat. The relay(s) would be somewhat accessible in the cubby for replacement if needed.

3) install the relay(s) on the rear wall behind the seats. The wires are long enough to install the switch in several locations on the transmission tunnel and the leads could reach the seat. The relay(s) would be somewhat accessible but exposed to whatever elements could get behind the seat

4) similar location to the option above, but on the back side of the rear wall below the upper trunk skin. the wires are long enough to install the switch in several locations on the transmission tunnel and the leads could reach the seat. The relay(s) would be accessible but exposed to whatever elements from underneath

5) final option is in the transmission tunnel. I already plan to have a removeable transmission cover for accessibility.

Has anyone found a weather tight box that they have used?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

[Avalanche325]

Mine are under the seats. My switches are in an under dash panel. Never had an issue or had to change a relay.

I would not put them behind the seats. You will find that you can store all kinds of stuff back there. I have sunblock, hats, hand towels, tire pressure gauge, hand cleaner, and probably a couple other things that I don't know about. I know that there are always multiple old earplugs too.

In the tunnel is putting something in a much harsher environment than it needs to be.

[edwardb]

Under the seats for me too. Multiple builds.

[txboiler]

Under the seats for me too. Multiple builds.

I hadn’t thought about that but I might be able to make it work with the Kirkey vintage low back seats. I might be able to mount them to the seat bracket, or under the front thigh support (not sure if they will interfere with the anti submarine belt

Have you installed on the vintage seats?

[Papa]

Another under seat with plenty of room using the Breeze mounts.

[vtullomk4]

Under the seats with Breeze mounts. Easy to connect seat pads to harness. See photo.

168103

[edwardb]

I hadn’t thought about that but I might be able to make it work with the Kirkey vintage low back seats. I might be able to mount them to the seat bracket, or under the front thigh support (not sure if they will interfere with the anti submarine belt

Have you installed on the vintage seats?

No, my installations have been on standard Roadster seats and one time with Corbeau seats. In all cases, plenty of room under the seats for the relays and associated wiring. No experience with Kirkey seats. But I do agree with the suggestion to keep the relays and wiring inside the cockpit. I ran everything before laying in the carpet. Wires tucked into the corners.

[Chopper]

I have Kirkey high back drag seats in my car (Kirkey 41500 series, now replaced with series 55 pro street drag). It's the same as the classic Kirkey lowback, but wit ha higher back. I don't have seat heaters, so I can't comment on that...but I think it's worth mentioning that the way the seats fit you with the high hip bolsters, and also the vinyl covers, make they get pretty warm pretty quickly anyway.

I mounted mine with Kirkey brackets, in my build there is room under the seats to mount a relay as they sit at a bit of an angle.

-Brandon

[txboiler]

I have Kirkey high back drag seats in my car (Kirkey 41500 series, now replaced with series 55 pro street drag). It's the same as the classic Kirkey lowback, but wit ha higher back. I don't have seat heaters, so I can't comment on that...but I think it's worth mentioning that the way the seats fit you with the high hip bolsters, and also the vinyl covers, make they get pretty warm pretty quickly anyway.

I mounted mine with Kirkey brackets, in my build there is room under the seats to mount a relay as they sit at a bit of an angle.

-Brandon

Brandon...thanks for the feedback on the amount of room under the seat. I Plan to mock it up this week and will send photos for other following this thread. I also appreciate the feedback on how "warm" they will be. Hopefully that, plus the seat heaters, will help keep my wife warmer on those cold fall/spring evenings. ;)

[toadster]

Under the seats with Breeze mounts. Easy to connect seat pads to harness. See photo.

168103

assume that's just dangling free? assuming you can't hear it rattling around, but probably want some amount of 'stick' to keep it from banging around - right?