To all those of you with a CMC - are the subframes made to transfer engine heat? Round pipe connection on rear frame toward front of engine to pre-cut holes in front of frame under carpet in foot well? My car came without heat connected, and as I researched CMC frames, I saw a picture of one with to round cutouts in the front, interior side of frame. I figured I might have this cutout under my carpet so I could hook up heat if I wanted. Thoughts?
craig
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Yup, they're there and you can use the frame to transfer heat, but the heat loss is substantial.
Folks have had much better luck running the heat through the central tunnel. Do a search on here for "heat improvement" or variations. Al Merklin and Troy Sloan have both perfected it well And have documented it on here.
There has to be a way to insulate the down the side heater pipes. Not real concerned about heat in FL (do have heated bun warmers) but would like some defrost heat.
Mine has foam board insulation glued to the inner side of the heater duct.
Thanks all. Past blog info was helpful. I was planning to do the re-route with hose but wondered what the downside was to using the frame. I understand now. I saw a few cars done with the re-route and they used what I guessed was 2" metal flex exhaust pipe. Cheaper I'm sure than the aircraft hose mentioned in past blogs. I assume I could also insulate it with thin duct wrap material. Would have to test it at the higher temps for flammability. However, I do not NEED heat, just want to have it included for re-sale. I bought this car cheap in Florida, 2013 and had it shipped back to Delaware where it sets all winter when I'm back in FLA. It was very spartan, but had good bones. Donor was a 1974 VW and it had incredible paint for being an older CMC which looked like it sat outside a lot. Evidenced by some water damage around doors. I've just had to dress it in new chrome, name emblems, wheels, four wheel disc brakes and a laundry list of at least thirty little "fixes". I love having it around for something to do when I'm bored.
By the way Wolfgang, I bet you needed heat this past winter in Florida. Coldest one I can remember since 2010.
Craig - Shuuush!, We're keeping that week of 19 degree mornings very quiet in FL for fear of scaring off Northners moving down from cold north. Funny in FL they keep telling me of the 100 year occurrences (27" rain in 12 hours, multiple hurricanes in one year, freezing cold for a week, BP spill). Kind of makes me wonder. Have definitely learned not to bring up the UN-Civil war!
We're coming anyway.
Wolfgang, are there wide-eyed waittresses there as well?
I have the CMC arrangement connected up.......Does give "some" heat and defrost.
Living in Scotland, heat is needed 
so I have bought some high temp hose and plan on re routing the hot air so as to minimise heat loss, one of these days ......
