How to retro-fit a Caterham heater?

[tomperkins]

Hi there,

I've got a 1.8 k-series that doesn't have a heater and I'd like to add one.

This one (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Micro-Heater-Rally-Subaru-Evo-Escort-Kit-Classic-Car-/200827343087?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2ec23e10ef&clk_rvr_id=585297519787&afsrc=1) has been recommended as it's cheaper than the official caterham one.

Does anyone have any guides or experiences on how to fit one?

I've heard talk of a guide published in an old copy of lowflying, does anyone have a PDF of this guide maybe?

Thanks in advance,

Tom

[Gingerbread Man]

I've just ripped mine out. Could maybe dig it out?

[tomperkins]

That would be brilliant, how much would you want for it?

[Steffan]

Having built a variety of kit cars over 50 years I reckon the easiest and cheapest way to fit a heater generally is to use a BMC Mini heater. Easy to fit and v cheap. Actually quite a good heater. With the K series great care must be applied to any changes in the cooling system because these are very powerful engines but susceptible to cooling problems. Given the tight constraints of a Caterham I might look at the various elecriic heaters now offer to satisfy IVA with a screen in the car. How effective these are I know not but I would think pretty effective in screen clearing. Must be smaller than any water heated system IMO.

[Grubbster]

Caterhams use a heated screen for demisting purposes, the heater is purely for the comfort of the occupants

[tomperkins]

Steffan said:

Having built a variety of kit cars over 50 years I reckon the easiest and cheapest way to fit a heater generally is to use a BMC Mini heater. Easy to fit and v cheap. Actually quite a good heater. With the K series great care must be applied to any changes in the cooling system because these are very powerful engines but susceptible to cooling problems. Given the tight constraints of a Caterham I might look at the various elecriic heaters now offer to satisfy IVA with a screen in the car. How effective these are I know not but I would think pretty effective in screen clearing. Must be smaller than any water heated system IMO.

Thanks for your thoughts Steffan

[Steffan]

tomperkins said:

Steffan said:

Having built a variety of kit cars over 50 years I reckon the easiest and cheapest way to fit a heater generally is to use a BMC Mini heater. Easy to fit and v cheap. Actually quite a good heater. With the K series great care must be applied to any changes in the cooling system because these are very powerful engines but susceptible to cooling problems. Given the tight constraints of a Caterham I might look at the various elecriic heaters now offer to satisfy IVA with a screen in the car. How effective these are I know not but I would think pretty effective in screen clearing. Must be smaller than any water heated system IMO.

Thanks for your thoughts Steffan

My pleasure. My first kit car was a Lotus Super Seven Big Valve Twin Cam in 1963 which I bought from Colin Chapman himself (Lotus was a tiny outfit then). I started building kit cars somewhat earlier than that with a neighbour who was an RAF technician and very methodical in his approach and therefore excellent as a teacher.

Just finished my latest kit car a Quantum H4 RS Turbo Surrey Top now IVA'd and registered on the 1st March 2014 no MOT's for three years. Great! I am working on five others currently with a number waiting to be built. Yes I am mad I am a retired Chartered Accountant and this is my hobby and has been for pushing 50 years. Best of luck with your car you should enjoy it. I certainly did! Never driven a more rewarding, entertaining or enjoyable and driveable fun car.

[Gingerbread Man]

Mail sent Tom