Gas heater removal

[rcroane]

Hi folks,

I'm looking at a bug that has a B2 gas heater installed. I was wondering what would be involved in removing it and converting back to the stock heating system?

Thanks.
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'65 Sunroof Bug

[Eric&Barb]

You should post images of the gas heater in question.

Stock system would not be out of commission with a gas heater properly installed.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[rcroane]

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'65 Sunroof Bug

[Eric&Barb]

Looks like the VW dealer proper install. Does it have the ducting up under the dash to warm your knees?

So far would suggest you just leave the gas heater in place. It is a neat piece to your VW and does not affect the trunk space that much.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[rcroane]

[Eric&Barb]

[quote="rcroane"]

[bluebus86]

Id be inclined to keep this cool correct vintage accessory installed, working or not. It increases the cars value, upon removal, you will be left with holes in the body, which will decrease value.

Bug On! The Heat is On!
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Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[hitest]

I fully agree with Bluebus Robert- a gas heater is a neat piece when installed, but the repair of the holes is very difficult to get looking right from top and bottom. In other words, the repair would far exceed the swap value of ditching the heater.
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[rcroane]

Thanks, guys. I also learned that the car has J tubes. I’m not too familiar with that set up, but my understanding is that it means it has no heater boxes. Could that set up be easily converted to a heater box set up?
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'65 Sunroof Bug

[67rustavenger]

Eliminating "J" tube is easy. If the seller didn't remove the under seat heater ducts. all the way back to the Bakelite connectors under the rear package tray.
Just search the classifieds for a suitable replacement set of heater boxes and warm air ducts (in the correct size) for the year of car. It won't be real expensive to source.

I'd get that Esparger heater in good running condition and use it. If it were mine.
I detest foggy windows on my short drive to work in the wet winter months here. Just about the time I hit the parking garage entrance. I get a little heat. Not much!

Good Luck.
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GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!

[rcroane]

Thanks. Here's a photo of the under dash vent.

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'65 Sunroof Bug

[bluebus86]

J tubes can be replaced with the heat exchangers. However sometimes a highly modified big motor will have larger exhaust ports, hence the need for larger pipes than a stock heat exchanger. there are J tube type versions of heat exchangers with bigger pipes in them, but they lack the aluminum fins inside so dont heat as well. for a stock motor, the heat exchangers should bolt right up. Of course you need the correct fan house and related rear tin piece and hoses. You will also want a stock type muffler

What year car, what year engine, what fan house??

the bakalite parts under the rear seat are not needed on early cars without the rear seat heat vents.

Shoot and post an engine photo, and muffler photo so we can see what you may need to convert.

Bug On!
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[rcroane]

Here's a shot of the engine.....I'll have to request one of the muffler set up. Car is a '64....engine is 1600 DP.

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'65 Sunroof Bug

[Eric&Barb]

Get a set of original VW German made heat exchangers then, and get them fixed up. The repro HEs made/sold to day are junk.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[Eric&Barb]

Engine is missing some of the tin. Engine lid latch striker plate looks homemade.
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In Stereo, Where Available!

[bluebus86]

good news is your fan house is the one you need for the stock heater, the rear tin is not, but that is a simple inexpensive piece.
We will need to see the muffler, to see if it is the correct type.

Bug On! in Warmth!
_________________
Help Prevent VW Engine Fires, see this link.....Engine safety wire information

Stop introducing dirt into your oil when adjusting valves ... https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=683022

[bluebus86]

[Eric&Barb]

[cn63bug]

[rcroane]

Sorry...should have updated sooner. We took a pass on this car. I did notice the odd array of fuses...never got a chance to ask the owner about them.
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'65 Sunroof Bug