Fitting heater

[stowc]

Hi All, I am on the verge of making the decision to buy a used Caterham 7 and feel that for the use I would give it I need a heater. Does any one know how big a job it would be to fit to a car that does not aleady have one. Also is it true that cars with heaters have an extra set of louvres in the bonnet?

Thanks,
Craig.

[ewenm]

No extra louvres - 7 sets on all bonnets. Fitting a heater shouldn't be too difficult.

[caterhamnut]

There are a few things to add - depends a lot on the year of the car - some bonnets are different, but I think most newer ones are the same.
Biggest issue will be the scuttle - if you fot a newer heater, you will need to cut a square hole on the scuttle to fit the heater - I think early heaters just directed the air directly down through a round hole on the horizontal surface of the scuttle in the engine bay, where as newer ones also poke through the vertical surfaceof the scuttle, if you see what I mean. You may find that the car already has these holes cut, and has a blanking plate fitted.
As far as plumbing it into the system, shouldn't be a big deal...

[caterhamnut]

and to add, not a deal breaker if you find a car you want that doesn't have a heater fitted...

[stowc]

Thanks both of you.

Yes I understand what you are saying by vertical and horizontal part of the scuttle. I think I would be looking at a later one so that negates the bonnet issue and I could buy the parts to suit for the heater and find someone to do the cut for me if needed.

I agree it doesn't sound like a deal breaker.

Again, many thanks, both of you, for the quick replies.