Heater / demister

Hi
I have a 1641 engine that came with the part built kit Pilgrim I bought.

It came with the heater outlets from the shroud blocked up - the corrugated down pipes are there - just blocked and don't go anywhere.

Now, for the IVA in the uk I need to provide some heat to the windscreen - a demister. I have been looking for an electric blower but these seem to cost next to nothing for some crappy ones that look naff and i would have to cut too bigger hole in the dash, to

screen not required AFAIK.....If you have J-Tubes fitted then the heat exchangers will simply replace them.

My car has full heating, including thermostat as VW intended .....Wife would never be in the car without heating !

and, if fitted, screen will require appropriate "e- marks"

EDIT

From the "kitcar" magazine guide on demist...

"if you have fitted an aeroscreen, or even no screen at all, you do not have to meet this requirement"

got the e mark :) amazingly!

I read somewhere that a left off screen is not acceptable...?

So what are these J tubes?? Sorry I know jack all about VW engines. I think I would prefer to fit the exchangers and do it properly (warmth etc) but just don't know what I need or how it works more importantly! I guess the manifolds heat the air in the exchangers and the air is pushed through from the engines fan??

This would mean I need original exhausts through as dont think mine (it might - how do I check?!) will work with the exchangers?

Guess I'd need some sort of closure valves too for the hot days? Can the demisters work on cold too ?
sorry for all the Q's - I can't find anything definative to get me started.

thanks so much Gerry
Paul

Here's what the OEM heat exchangers look like:

http://www.vw-resource.com/heaterbx.html

If you have J tubes now its just the internal pipe of the heat exchanger (often larger diameter for performance). OEM exchangers have a cast aluminum finned portion inside the outer covering for larger surface area - they are much prefered over aftermarket ones that are just the exhaust pipe. The factory heater can be very effective (after 20 minutes of driving!) if maintained. They will demist even in hot weather.

Here's write up on entire heater system:

http://www.vw-resource.com/heat4.html

If you current muffler uses the OEM slip connectors it can be reused - some weld flanges to both the heat exchangers and the muffler for a more positive connection.

If system is not maintained and your engine leaks oil - you'll smell like you rode in on a 2 cycle chain saw when you arrive at your destination - if you survive the carbon monoxide fumes.

haha thanks I have just realised what these j tubes are.

This is my only concern - the smell and the noise (which apparently travels down the system when on !

thanks I will read up tonight.

Much appreciated.