nostalgic heater... that works

[mattymartin]

hey guys...

i noticed a couple of different air/heat units in various pic's lately... i was wondering is there one that works better than others.

also can some tell what is the correct names for each unit...







the last one is mine (i think its a warmaride)... its poor, its make alot of noise and such little heat... and i think its looks f@#*'n ugly...

who has the best heater & what are they worth...
cause i'm freezing & it takes a while to heat up the whole car, i'd imagine...

matty martin

[smooth]

Ugly? How dare you call anything NASCO ugly!
All NASCO is beautiful and should be treated as gold and praise on it's beauty and function.

The first one is a Bosch and used in many cars of this period. They work well and are very similar to the NASCO version with twin doors common to FE-FC Holden's.

The last is a FB-EK Warm-a-ride and factory correct. This is the top of the range NASCO heater offered by GMH. They work extremely well in fact most people complain that they cook them too fast they are that good.

Of coarse this is relevant to your cooling system. I.E: It has the correct thermostat fitted, all hoses are clear, heater tap/valve works correctly etc.
The Warm-a-ride had a two speed fan and demister vents. It is vitally important that the cables that control the valves and vent are in good working order.

I must say I have never heard anyone complain about the warming factor of the NASCO Warmaride heater ever. But sadly now I have heard someone call them ugly.
BTW: Your "ugly" heater is worth somewhere between $200 to $500 on the open market if it is in good functioning order.

One more thing. Should you paint yours up like Devilrods it would looks shit hot!

Regards, Smooth

[mattymartin]

take it eassssssssssy...

mine makes alot of noise, besides i like the look of the bosch one...
i love the doors.
do the these hook up relatively easy to exsisting plumbing...
but i will get mine looked at as it maybe cheaper option for now...

its still ugly... remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

matty martin

[61FBspecial]

A good old crochet'd rug (nanna rug) across my lap has worked with good results on the past few cold Sydney mornings.

[smooth]

its still ugly... remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

matty martin

isn't that the truth
I hope you took the post as intended.

Regards, Smooth

[Lucy Blue]

A good old crochet'd rug (nanna rug) across my lap has worked with good results on the past few cold Sydney mornings.

been doing that too

[Mephious]

Stick with the original warm-a-rider !!!!

They are a rare option and suit the car , alot of people want these. It looks like your missing your demister tubes which YOU WILL DEFINETLY NEED for engineering purposes if you change the engine. These will connect to the plastic demister vents which should be located under the slots which face the front screen on the inside and slot into the side of the fan unit.

Use your imagination thou, the later models ( EH - HR ) had these behind a center console with the switch unit moved to the front ( basically disconnect the plastic and extend the wires. Spray it the same as your dash maybe, cover the tubes in braid ( might look tackie ), chrome the inner fan motor so it shows thru the front vents etc.

I have a complete unit to go in the sedan and a second unit for the panelvan which is missing the top section above the central unit and the water tank ( if anyone has one im interested please ).

Your unit looks like its in good nick Id be holding onto it and adding your own touches to it. I believe (no offence ment to those with other types) these suit the FBs/Eks best as they meld in better to the interior and dont look like an add on.

[LYNCHPIN]

I don't know whether it's the paint job or what, but personally, i love the look of Devilrod's.

Without the console of the EJ/EH, they are all going to stick out, so why not make really make a feature of them like Devilrod has done.

[oldnek]

Devilrod has done a great job of his heater, if only he take another shot of it with the carpet fitted though.

Regards John

[mrs ratbox]

as long as they warm my toes i love em all
think i've only ever had one wam-a-ride and it was true to it's name
i think mine's the best smiths bullet and it was free plus, i've got a bit of a bullet theme going

[mattymartin]

hey mick,

can you post a pick of this smith's bullet heater for me...

thankyou everyone for their input, i cant really picture a warmaride hearter painted or jazzed up... if anyone has some pics can they post them. oldnek & lynchpin, i also love devilrods heater...

does every ones nan make those crochet rugs... ha

but with smooth, mephious & ratbox all confirming that they are the best, i'm determine to get this warmaride working properly...

can the team tell me if their warmaride's are noisy... and who fix's heaters, is that a auto electricial or machenic...

thanks again

matty martin

[FB MAD]

Matty,

The Smiths heater has a black bakelite housing with SMITHS badge on the end.It is commonly referred to as a Smiths Beehive Heater as it is shaped much the same as a beehive.Some refer it as Smiths Bullet heater again for its similar shape to a bullet head.
Its quite a compact heater and were period aftermarket heaters.
I have one here at home and had one in an FC wagon years ago and it heated very well.
They do appear on evilbay from time to time and at swap meets.Price depends on condition.I bought mine from a swap 2 years ago for $100 but I've seen them for $300 and more.

Terry.

[Tim]

these are smiths heaters apparently, on ebay

[Devilrod]

Devilrod has done a great job of his heater, if only he take another shot of it with the carpet fitted though.

Regards John

Will do, just have to get them off the old computer at home, for some reason I can't get into photobucket from work .....

[Devilrod]

Not the best pick but the only one I could salvage... bloody computers!