TheSamba.com :: View topic - question from the mechanically challenged (heater)

Sat May 03, 2025 2:33 pm

I'm considering buying a 1974 Thing. It's in Texas with no heater. I'll use it in North Carolina where it can get cold in the winter, or in the summer at night driving with no top.

1) how hard is it to find a device to keep the cabin warm? (it doesn't have to be original technology)
2) is it possible for a non-gear head to install?

Thanks in advance. Wish me luck on my purchase decision.

Sat May 03, 2025 8:03 pm

I don't know what your budget might be, I bought this Webasto heater for my 1974 beetle.

Unlike the diesel heaters you see around the internet it runs on gasoline like the original 1973 thing heaters. It's expensive, but it works extremely well. It was fairly simple to install.
You can buy it here:

https://www.heatso.com/webasto-air-top-2000-stc-gasoline-heater-kit-12v

They are good to deal with. I added this through fitting to exhaust it under the fender.

https://www.heatso.com/hull-skin-fitting-for-boats-24mm-diameter-exhaust-system/

You will see mufflers for it on the site, you don't need one it's not loud.

Sun May 04, 2025 5:55 am

Thanks. That's a good option to know about.

Sun May 04, 2025 7:43 am

For the budget minded, a Chinese replicant of Kevin's Webasto might work for you.

https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Diesel-Bluetooth-Disp...9&th=1

At just over 100 bucks brand new, it could be hard to beat.

The only downside is that it burns Diesel, so you might keep a 5 gallon can of Diesel in your garage.

Alternatively, you could gather the parts to complete the heating system that came with your '74.
The stock heating in '74s works pretty well, at least down to 35º or so.

Good luck.

Sun May 04, 2025 10:09 am

hey finky999

Fastmc25 did a diesel heater install not too long ago...

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...p;start=40

Check it out, it was a nice install and he reported it worked fine for heat.

T

Sun May 04, 2025 2:47 pm

They are no parts left from the 1974 original heat system?
It use the heat from the motor like the beetle and it is enough for me where I live(Bordeaux)! 8)

Tue May 13, 2025 1:07 pm

I put a Chinese 2kw heater in my bug. I run it with kerosene, cleaner burn no stink. Tiny bit more expensive for the fuel.
A half gallon spun aluminum tank lasts a week of regular use on medium heat output.
I replaced all the common failure point, cheap connectors with waterproof Deutch DT connectors.

Get a small unit and run it on high, burns clean. If you get a bigger unit and run it on low, it'll clog up with soot fast.

The unit itself doesn't get hot. You can actually put your hand on it.
The heat output on high will fry an egg or dry off wet socks in 30min.

Tue May 13, 2025 2:17 pm

8k unit

Works great.

Wed May 14, 2025 11:12 pm

This post is full of great ideas. I've been contemplating what to do with heat on my 73 and the factory unit in it looks like it caught fire and melted pretty good. I like the idea of running a modern aux kerosene heater a lot.

Sat May 17, 2025 7:10 pm

I’ve read many cases of people plumbing the parking heater heat ducts straight into the heater channels in their VW’s with great results.
Any gas tank will work as long as is vented properly.
There’s lots of YouTube videos and articles about installing them and the do’s and don’ts.