Keeping warm in your EB-
by: Kurt Millard-
Winter is once again upon us, and one thought that comes to mind if you
plan on driving your Bronco through the season.... is HEAT! There are many options for
improving warm circulated air in the EB, including better insulating the interior,
choosing the appropriate top, improving existing heater capabilities, and auxiliary heater
options.
First of all, a poor seal around the doors, top, etc..., will drastically
decrease heating efficiency by allowing cold air in, and heated air out. Replacement seals
are readily available from a variety of aftermarket supply companies. Most offer Dennis
Carpenter seals, which are noted for their excellent fit and quality. Another way to keep
the cold elements out is to improve the insulation of the flooring and sidewalls of the
interior. This can be done by either adding carpet and an underlayment pad, or going all
out, and having the interior, and possibly the inside of the top, spray-lined. As always,
it depends on how much time, effort, and money you want to spend.
Second, one of the wonderful attributes of our old steeds are the
available tops to choose from. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
They include:
1) Full hardtop
+ Allows maximum insulating effects and passenger capability.
- Increased cabin space also increases volume of air to heat.
2) Soft top
+ Allows same passenger capability as full hardtop.
- Iced up plastic windows are difficult to de-frost without simply waiting for heater to
warm up. Using a scraper will scratch them.
- Insulating effects are less than retaining a full metal top.
- Kayline owner's manual recommends pouring warm water over plastic windows to defrost.
3) Half-cab top
+ Has all the benefits of a full top, except reduces passenger capability.
+ Least amount of interior space to heat
Next, the improvements listed above will do you little good if the heater is operating
inefficiently. The first thing to look at is the fresh air ducts. Over the years, they
tend to fill up with leaves and other debris, causing reduced airflow. Also, plugging the
fresh air intake and removing the flexible air inlet hose and recirculating warm cabin air
instead of cold outside air may be an option to consider. While you're at it, replacing
the heater core and resealing the heater box will also help maximize heater output.
Finally, flush the radiator, fill it with the appropriate coolant, and check to see if the
thermostat is rated at 180-190`.
Third, after making a virtual airtight seal and maximizing the stock EB's
heater efficiency, one might still want extra heat, especially the passengers in the back!
So, an auxiliary heater should do the trick. They are available in a variety of options,
but the most common are electric heaters, which Napa and similar part stores sell, or
splicing into the heater hose, and placing a second EB heater in the cab.
For a really good description of performing the latter modification (with photos!), please
check out this page at Jon Hanna's website.
So, following this advice or coming up with your own ideas that fit your
needs, driving the EB in the winter need not be an unpleasant experience.
Now if only we could get the street salting crews to find a non-rusting snow/ice remover.
Kurt Millard aka Joker
.