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Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:49 am

Hey. I'm rebuilding a type 1 engine and the heaterboxes have some minor damage from
rocks and around the edges of where they connect to the exhaust. There are a couple of
small (< 1" in diameter) holes and rust/warping around the exhaust connections. Any advice on if I should get these patched w/ brazing and whether or not it would be worthwile (as opposed to just dropping the cash and getting new ones). Thanks.

Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:53 am

I don't think its worth the effort. They are not to har to find in decent shape nor are the prices too outragous for ne ones.

Mon Feb 23, 2004 10:05 am

Agreed. Although the best new exchangers still aren't as good as new original ones were, they certainly are better than crusty old leaky ones. Basically, the radiator core in the new ones doesn't have as many fins for heat exchange as stock, but they still work very nicely and provide good heat assuming all the tubes are hooked up properly. Plus they are cheap for a type 1. Now, for my 1979 type 4, that's a different story. When they go, I am screwed. :shock:
Eric

Mon Feb 23, 2004 10:40 am

These are the cheapest ones I've found:

http://store.cip1.com/Merchant2/merchant.php?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=cali&Category_Code=18-02-02

I'm guessing that I'm just a cheapwad :lol: Should I go ahead and buy the insulated
hose for attatching the boxes to the body? Mine are pretty crusty inside and I was
thinking they might stink everything up when I run the heater. Thanks for the help!

Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:07 am

Here are some used ones.
http://thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/index.php?alert+200402170720350336
http://thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/index.php?alert+200402091831567216
http://thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/index.php?alert+200311111514522534

Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:09 am

You can use Beetle boxes and just swap the valve levers from your old bus boxes.

Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:15 am

1979westie wrote: Basically, the radiator core in the new ones doesn't have as many fins for heat exchange as stock, but they still work very nicely and provide good heat assuming all the tubes are hooked up properly.
And the heatsink isn't as heavy. Dansk is the best available unless you can find NOS. NOS will need repainting before installation if you expect the paint to last.

Quote: Now, for my 1979 type 4, that's a different story. When they go, I am screwed. :shock:
Just start looking for parts at used prices now. I'm only a couple of pieces away myself.

As for getting the most out of what you have, the whole system is complicated and many places exist for leakage. I wrote up an article on leaks:

http://homepage.mac.com/ratwell/Heating.html