My limited time in 7alikes has been in warmer months, but I'm keen for my build to be as cold weather usable as possible. My question is this - with all that wind buffeting about, is there any noticeable benefit in having a heater blowing hot air into the footwells or at you from the dash? I'll not have a windscreen to demist so no SVA issues not having one, as far as I know?
Gut feeling tells me it'll make not a lot of odds. On the other hand drop top manufacturers seem to go to a lot of trouble to blast their occupants with hot air, ie mercedes airscarf system which (I think) blasts you from over your shoulders. And you've got a lot of heat to play with when you tap it from the coolant circuit...
So what do people think? What difference has it made in your cars if you bothered?

Fit a heater and stick the ducting up either your trouser leg or into your jacket, toasty you could go all NASA and fit plumbing connections onto a jacket for a high tec spaceman look

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Whippy
Fit a heater and stick the ducting up either your trouser leg or into your jacket, toasty you could go all NASA and fit plumbing connections onto a jacket for a high tec spaceman look

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^^^ the sun came out earlier down here but its a bit overcast now

My feet rarely get cold when I'm in the car- the firewall and drivetunnel get quite nicely toast warm. Might be nice to have some warm air for the rest of the cabin but Se7ens are so open it'd be difficult to keep the air in place. By the time the warm air has mixed with the cold air and you've taken wind chill into effect I doubt it'd make much difference....

What about a heated seat. You can buy after market seat pads which plug into the cigarette lighter.

http://www.waeco.co.uk/shop/details.aspx?c=3&s=12&i=&p=281

I am sure you could add another battery

Another battery would only be a temporary measure (ie if the alternator can't keep up with supply you'll only get so far before running out of electrons)... A beefier alternator is the answer if you're running high current drains (the battery should only be discharging during starting)....

I've got a nice 12v heated blanket in the garage. Not had to use it yet whilst out on a blat... Good thing too what with my 28A alternator!!! Hehehehe....

heated seat... hmm. If i'm going to plug anything in I like the idea of >this<.

Of course, a cheaper version would be a good thing.

[Edited on 10/3/08 by jlparsons]

I like it....... looks a bit village people though

fit a pinto. the draught from the exhaust manifold keeps you nice and warm in all weather.

tom

This might do it... link.

What about a cheap version that also gives you a massage?

linky

Caber

I have a jacket / trousers set that I used to ski in. That keeps me lovely and toasty when out and about in the silly car during the winter!

Cost me about £60 all in, best of all it doesn't need a battery, and if I sell the car it'll come with me! Also keeps you warm when filling up with petrol (even if I do look a bit like a michelen man!)

Mike

Along the lines of the ski suit, what about a hang gliding suit? This one is on special and comes with high visibility top part into the bargain. Looks reasonable for £79linky

Good set of thermals!

We build these cars to enjoy....heaters are for wimps :O) just take all your clothes off and prented its warm get in the car and drive it like you stole it....no ones every gonna stop you!