30's - 40's aftermarket heater

[Deleted User]

Yanked this out from under the dash - any info on it - how does it work?

53jetman

That is the "Southwind" gasoline heater, a very popular aftermarket accessory in the late 30's and all thru the 40's. I have not had any experience with them, but they were plumbed into the fuel system, and utilized gasoline as the heater fuel. Have not tried it, but you could probably google "Southwind Auto Heater and get more info

[Deleted User]

It was installed under the dash but not hooked up - there in lies the mystery (to me at least). Don't know how it hooks up to the system.

RL Chilton

And dangerous as Hell! Don't smoke and drive. Almost as dangerous as the old heaters that utilized the heat off of the manifold (can you say "Carbon Monoxide inside the cabin"?). They heated REAL well, but OMG! LOL!

Very cool unit though!

Actually it's safer as a hat. Put it on your head, make the Vulcan sign with your hand and say, "Nanu-Nanu".

[Deleted User]

Yikes! I was thinking heating was indeed a feature of this unit second only to carbon monoxide poisoning. I guess being chilly would be the least of your problems, what with your vehicle bursting into flames and all!

StillOutThere

Chrysler Corp offered a gas heater option (diff. design) broadly through '56 and a few '57 cars have turned up with them also. Don't think I have ever heard of anyone experiencing a problem with them. Pretty obvious that if there were a gas leak you should be able to smell it.

Or if one had Parkinson's (which includes loss of smell-ability) or similar problems, then one wouldn't know if their carburetor bowl was leaking in much bigger fashion either.

lostmind

Volkswagen offered their own accessory gas heater. I had one in an early Bug.
When I turned that on , the buyer said " I'll take It" Like anything else , safe if maintained
and operated properly.
The Southwind parts and service are available.

Jon B

Are you attempting to find one of the (3 different) factory heaters offered in 1937?

[Deleted User]

No John B, I own the one in the picture.

JasonNC

The fact that it wasn't hooked up may be self-explanatory....

[Deleted User]

That was my thought JasonNC. She will be snug as a bug in a rug when the snow starts flying up here in New York State!