Date:         Sat, 25 Nov 2006 13:11:39 -0500
Reply-To:     Wil Haslup <whaslup@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Wil Haslup <whaslup@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Aircooled? - building my own interior heating system!
In-Reply-To:  <861306.7830.qm@web37405.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
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Mike Rouby wrote:
> Thought of this, this morning mainly for camping...but it should work for when the vehicle is moving as well....Kinda a DIY project that makes me wonder why the Bug crowd hasn't done this already...So i'm second-guessing myself.

> Anyway...here's my idea....Since I already converted my Mercedes Diesel to run on veggie oil - I realized the same parts can be utilized to build a heating system.


> Parts:

> * Inline 12v heater (bought on Ebay for $70 - basically a temp. controlled glow plug in a metal Tee)
> * inline electric carb fuel pump (or 12v water pump - eg early Westy)
> * water container (small windshield resevoir or header tank from an import car)
> * antifreeze/water
> * small 12v electric fan (forced heating)
> * vent panel (fitment under rear seat)
> * small heater core
> * 3/8" hose - a couple of feet
> * some bracketry
> * relay and wiring to aux. battery including switch

> Fit the whole thing under the rear seat.

> Can anyone tell me why this would be a bad idea?

> Thanks.

...using an electric element for heat will suck amps so I'm unsure if
your aux. battery will be getting enough charge from the alt. to keep it
at a relatively charged state if you use the heat consistently and for
long periods.  It may, but I just can't tell without knowing more about
the power required run the unit as you describe it.

Using a fluid system to move the heat keeps your element inside a
housing so you're minimizing risks that would be present with a forced
air over electric element sitting under your seat.

...hmmm.

Thought the AC compressor was removed from my Air cooled before I got
it, I still have the duct work behind the front seats on the ceiling.  I
wonder if there might be a way of utilizing those for heat distribution.



--

Wil