manifold heater

I have a 1964 CJ-5 with no heater. There is a metal inlet duck on the left side of the grill that enters the engine compartment with an approximately 3" round duct. I have no idea what it was used for originally. I am thinking about making a manifold heater and using this inlet to supply air. Has anyone done this or seen it done.

 

That's the fresh air inlet for the stock heater.

 

If you actually want a functional heater, bite the bullet and put a real coolant version in it. You will end up with a lot more bulk boxing a manifold heater and it will still need a blower of some type to push sufficient air through it. Bunch of heater threads here-do a search.

 

The heater kits from Summit and others have been installed by several members here, with good results. You can even cobble up a heater from junkyard parts, if you want to. I think someone installed the rear area heater from an Astro Van in the past? Something like that. Search old posts here using Google - "site:earlycj5.net <your search string>".

The factory heater is often called "the placebo heater" for good reason. The aftermarket heaters are much more effective. And, if you've ever owned an air-cooled VW, you'll get an indication of how ineffective a manifold heater is.

 

All of the above......................The cold air intake up front is just that...........Cold air. That is what Willys / Kaiser used in the early CJ's and was marginally effective since you would always be trying to heat Cold outside air. Most modern systems reheat existing air within the cockpit. The Summit heaters do a pretty good job of reheating inside air using engine heated water running through a small radiator with a fan blowing........the only negative on the Summit is that it is just a Box that blows hot air without the ability to direct or throttle air to separate areas like floor or windshield defrost vents........If your handy and creative with sheet metal building a plenum that diverts air using the Summit as a base system does work...........also later Jeep heater systems that were installed after 73 when AMC took over will not fit the early CJ Firewall do to them both being shaped differently.

 

I have a stock "placebo" heater on my CJ. I drove it occasionally at -5C last winter and I found the heater adequate if you keep your winter coat on and boots. The biggest issue is the fan speed which doesn't push enough air to the windshield vent. There are plans and instructions on the net to swap the fan for a Bronco fan. I remember reading from the author that the heater put out enough heat but the weak Kaiser fan is the culprit. That said, It doesn't really bother me since I only drive the Jeep on nice days in the winter when the roads are more or less dry.

 

I did this with mine using a GM blower motor. It greatly improved the function of the stock heater but it is significantly louder.
Of course, this is a moot point for the OP who has no heater at all. In that instance I'd get the Summit or other aftermarket heater and be done with it.

 

Thanks for the info.

I will probably never put a top on my Jeep. I was thinking that some warm air coming up on me would feel good in moderate weather. I have not taken it out in weather cooler than 60 deg. I have added a bimini to keep the hot sun off during summer but removed it when weather got cooler. I have been driving it with the windshield down recently. I think I will leave it just like it is now and leave it in the garage on cold days.

 

I'm hardcore (yeah right) I removed mine altogether and made a firewall plate for my swinging pedals and hydraulic clutch..