Carpet fitting/heater

[Broadside]

I have fitted my pedals and handbrake and about to start fitting the dash, should I fit the heater assembly first and will I be ok leaving the carpet fitting until last?

On the subject of the heater, its very heavy, any thoughts on fitting a small lightweight motorsport type heater or even just a blower fan (which is what we do in the race cars)? It will never be used in cold weather, probably just needed as a demister. I would keep the original safe to return it to standard if required.

Thanks again
Graham

[BDA]

I would mount the heater first. It might be easier to lay the carpets before the dash goes in but it might be better to do them last so they are less likely to be damaged from installing the dash, windshield, etc.

I haven’t heard of anybody using a different heater but depending on how clever you are, it might be a good idea. On the other hand, I’d take the heater to a radiator shop and have them check it out.

[TurboFource]

Search for "rally car heater" and you will find something that will probably work.....

[Clifton]

I used a Vintage Air unit with heat and a/c. It weighed less than the Europa heater. They may sell heat only units. Everything is aluminum now. The factory heater is heavy.

[4129R]

Fit the underlay and carpet first. You will need spray contact adhesive to do that and you don't want it all over the dash.

It is much easier to fit the carpet to the footwells and tunnel with increased access without the dashboard and steering column.

I am just fitting dash #5. Check everything is connected properly before bolting in place. Look at all the gauges, pump, flasher, voltage stabiliser etc to make sure all the connections are in place, oil pipe tight, speedo cable tight, etc as it is a nightmare to do anything when the dash is fitted. You have to do everything upside down, with minimum space, a torch and it is very uncomfortable like that.

[Dilkris]

I am just fitting dash #5. Check everything is connected properly before bolting in place. Look at all the gauges, pump, flasher, voltage stabiliser etc to make sure all the connections are in place, oil pipe tight, speedo cable tight, etc as it is a nightmare to do anything when the dash is fitted. You have to do everything upside down, with minimum space, a torch and it is very uncomfortable like that.

Is your windscreen in or out??

[Broadside]

I am just fitting dash #5. Check everything is connected properly before bolting in place. Look at all the gauges, pump, flasher, voltage stabiliser etc to make sure all the connections are in place, oil pipe tight, speedo cable tight, etc as it is a nightmare to do anything when the dash is fitted. You have to do everything upside down, with minimum space, a torch and it is very uncomfortable like that.

Is your windscreen in or out??

Out, I think that will be one of my very last jobs - mainly because I don't like the look of the job! 

[4129R]

I get a professional to mastic the windscreen in place, after all the inside work is finished.

A leaking screen will very quickly trash an expensive dashboard.

[Broadside]

I get a professional to mastic the windscreen in place, after all the inside work is finished.

A leaking screen will very quickly trash an expensive dashboard.

Direct bonded to the frame like a modern one? That is what I was thinking of doing but am unsure of how to trim the edge afterwards....

[SilverBeast]

Was the screen bonded previously, or was it fitted in a rubber seal? I believe the screen is the same for all, so if it was previously fitted with a rubber seal the hole may be too big to bond in the screen, so you may have to stick tu using the rubber seal.

[S2Zetec54]

….hi

Just a thought but I always like to have a heater available even though I don’t take her out in the Winter as the interior heater is also a good place to dump heat if the main rad is struggling. It's not a terribly pleasant place to be when I do that but at least it protects the engine

[Broadside]

Was the screen bonded previously, or was it fitted in a rubber seal? I believe the screen is the same for all, so if it was previously fitted with a rubber seal the hole may be too big to bond in the screen, so you may have to stick tu using the rubber seal.

I believe its the bonded type, but I was thinking of direct bonding to the frame (like in a modern car) as opposed to using the original type bonded surround. I haven't offered it up yet to see if its feasible though

[Broadside]

….hi

Just a thought but I always like to have a heater available even though I don’t take her out in the Winter as the interior heater is also a good place to dump heat if the main rad is struggling. It's not a terribly pleasant place to be when I do that but at least it protects the engine

I've decided to leave it in, it's not actually as heavy as I thought so for the sake of originality, simplicity and cost - in it goes! (and it has already been nicely restored by it's previous owner)

[SilverBeast]

Was the screen bonded previously, or was it fitted in a rubber seal? I believe the screen is the same for all, so if it was previously fitted with a rubber seal the hole may be too big to bond in the screen, so you may have to stick tu using the rubber seal.

I believe its the bonded type, but I was thinking of direct bonding to the frame (like in a modern car) as opposed to using the original type bonded surround. I haven't offered it up yet to see if its feasible though

I believe the original bonded screens were bonded direct to the frame. The trim was bonded to the screen. I think it is described somewhere on the site.

[dakazman]

  I ditched the water heater and went for a 30amp 1200 btu electric heater/ demister.
I’ll use it for the demister mainly. I still need to build a new containment box with exhaust ducts pointing ing the correct position . Basically I tore the original unit apart and will mount just below wiper gearing .
Dakazman