Heater / defroster

My search didn't turn up an applicable thread here, but I'm sure this is a frequently asked question:

Is it possible to install an effective heater / defroster in a Beck Spyder? If so, for about how much? I contacted Vintage Air and got their form letter about no way nohow will they deal with air-cooled cars.

Thanks.

Spyder brand ski gear is the closest I have ever come to a heater that works.

Mines a WW2 USAF Flying Jacket....can't beat it

Magwa

Heater--nice bright yellow Liz Claiborne ski jacket that my Mom got cheap at a garage sale; ear muffs when it's really cold.
Defroster--leave the driver's side window out. In fact, my driver's side window stays out all the time.
I hope you don't mind our little jokes.
v v

That's what I figured. Got some chuckles out of your responses - thanks.

Skip,

I installed a '60s gas fired heater in my Beck last year. I'm still working out the kinks, but it does work and it does get warm in there!

I bought a restored Eberspacher BN2 heater from a guy in NJ called the Heaterman. Do some searches on the web for these. You can also buy a new Espar cabin heater if you don't want to go the vintage route.

I can send you pictures of the install if you want 'em.

Mark P.

Sure, Mark, make all us jokesters look bad. ha
v v

Has anyone thought about this type of product. Adding a 12v outlet would be easy.

sorry here's the link. I don't know about this specific brand, but the concept seems solid.

http://www.gerbing.com/divfish/clothing/bdsuit.html

We put a 12V outlet underneath the dash with a dedicated 30 amp circuit. Use it to power a ceramic heater. It does a decent job keeping the toes warm. No defrost on this, just a square box that blows hot air.

If time/money allows, the gas fired heater is truly the bomb. No pun intended... angela

Here is something to consider, on my Beck, where the shift tube goes throughth firewall, there is quite a bit of hot air blowing in when the engine is running. You could duct some of that air from the engine fan - possibly down the side channels under the door and put a flapper valve in line...

Hey Mike,

I heard that there was an equal or greater amount of hot air emanating from the passenger compartment???


How have you been???

I would contact Simon on the Spyderclub.com site and ask about his heated seat. If I lived in an area where the temp gets around freezing I would not be without it.

I'm doing great Larry! How bout you?

Regards,
Mike

doing great,

VW (and Porsche as well as Mercedes) offered gas powered auxiliary heaters in the 60-70's. Most came from Eberspacher (BN2 for T1 and BN4 for Thing and Bus) but Stewart Warner also produced one for VW (InstaHeat). Even with top down they produce amply heat to drive you out of the vehicle. Used they run $100-300 depending on condition. Make sure you get all the pieces as some parts are difficult to come by - separate gas pump, dash switch, exhaust pipe. You need to really check the one you find before firing it up - they can be dangerous. NewerVW buses and the 411/412 use more complicated units (BA4)which incorporate safety features. Eberspacher currently makes a brand new compact unit but cost is about $1k.