Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 11:38:04 -0800
Reply-To: Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Removing front heat exchanger
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
I just moved from Austin, Texas to Seattle, Washington. I, too, have an
engine conversion in my '87 GL. I switched from the WBX to an engine from an
'87 Porsche 911 Carrera. I didn't go to the trouble of hooking up heat.
I also reasoned that heat for my Vanagon wasn't all that important. I spent
last winter driving around with a blanket across my legs. Not always so
effective. I would HIGHLY recommend going to the trouble of hooking up the
front heater. In the long run I think you will find it worth the trouble.
Remember, no heat up front means that you won't have a defroster. I consider
this a safety item, as well as a convenience.
Other considerations: no heat will greatly decrease resale value if you ever
decide to sell your Vanagon. As I mentioned, I now live in Seattle. Man, do
I ever wish I had heat up here. I have an Eberspracher (sp?) on order. I
can't wait until I get installed. Remember, you may not always live in
Texas. When I did my engine conversion I had NO idea that I would ever be
leaving Texas. Well, it happened. I wish I had done the heat when I was in
Texas. Remember, too, that your passengers will quickly tire of not having
heat in the van.
Good luck!
Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce@hotmail.com
>From: "Mark A. Kreuzer" <markk@OURWESTY.COM>
>Reply-To: "Mark A. Kreuzer" <markk@OURWESTY.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Removing front heat exchanger
>Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 11:30:14 -0600
>
>Looking for feedback... thanks group.
>
>I'm in the process of planning an entire fresh of the mechanicals of my 85
>Westy. This includes installing the new Zetec engine.
>As part of my project I'm planning to take out the rear heater core and now
>that we live in texas i'm considering removing the front as well. I'll be
>taking off the dash to fix the vents so i'll be right there already.
>Here's my rational:
>1. I don't want to spend the time or money on replacing hoses and the
>exchanger to ensure the refresh is complete.
>2. It's just another potential failure point that i'm not sure i'll
>actually need.
>3. compared to the midwest, texas just doesn't get cold enough to warrant
>having heat. i'd rather bundle up if it's a little cold.
>
>thanks in advance for your thoughts.
>
>-- mark
>
>
>Mark A. Kreuzer
>email: markk@ourwesty.com
>85' Westy
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