My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Modifications"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Incites => Topic started by: garage gnome on March 04, 2012, 08:45:40 AM

Title: Harrison heater mods
Post by: garage gnome on March 04, 2012, 08:45:40 AM

When I tested my heater, I noticed more air was going through the big hole right above the passenger's feet. So I got the good idea of making some doors to open and close two of the the three vents. I also planned ahead for the defroster duct so I could close off all floor heat and run just the defroster for those nights after leaving a show and the window is a little fogged up. I had one spot that had a little rot, which I patched up too. Someone along the line updated my fan to a 12v one. That thing cranks on hi.

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_6173.jpg)

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_6174.jpg)

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_6178.jpg)

My heater core was bad, but luckily, one of my junkers had a rotted out heater with a good core. Made one from two!

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_6180.jpg)

What's left of my original Willys sticker.

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_6169.jpg)

This is what I replaced it with. :)

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_6184.jpg)

My heater had part of a defroster system on it. I'm not exactly sure if this is home made or not. Looks pretty factory based of the the neat bends and cuts.

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_6177.jpg)

And installed in the jeep.

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_6185.jpg)

And a year later, I added the defroster. It does work, and it works very well! I took my '53 out for a winter cruise around the top of the hill (all frozen dirt roads) and just the defroster alone kept is so it was sweatshirt temp. It was pretty cold that day, I think it was about 15�F or so.

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_7204.jpg)

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_7206.jpg)

(http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx125/willyscjmj/100_7218.jpg)

Title: Re: Harrison heater mods
Post by: Matto on March 04, 2012, 09:28:23 AM

Nice work G.G. Definately makes that a four season rig.
Matt

Title: Re: Harrison heater mods
Post by: garage gnome on March 04, 2012, 09:31:35 AM

Thanks! Yes it does, but I don't dare drive it much in the winter. Only on the coldest days when the dirt roads are frozen like pavement. I wouldn't take it on the paved roads because of that nasty road salt!

Title: Re: Harrison heater mods
Post by: Comanche_County on March 05, 2012, 11:45:26 PM

This is such a sweet Jeep.

Title: Re: Harrison heater mods
Post by: garage gnome on March 06, 2012, 06:11:40 AM

Thanks!

Title: Re: Harrison heater mods
Post by: garage gnome on March 07, 2013, 08:29:49 AM

Bill, I think this should be moved to the FAQ section, what to you think? It is a good upgrade/modification and an easy DIY project.

Title: Re: Harrison heater mods
Post by: F Bill on March 07, 2013, 09:04:01 AM

How about cutting and pasting just the specific heater mod stuff over there?
I'd title it  More heat from a Harrison heater..and installing a defroster. Maybe even make it two posts.

You know, when you did your dual carb thing I was expecting the defroster dusting to show up as an air horn assembly.  :D

Someone has discussed the replacement of a harrison motor with an off the shelf part sometime this year. Wish I could find that post too, as that would be a great thing to add .


Eventually all the FAQ/ HOW TO stuff will be divided into categories, basically following the parts manual format. Right now there isn't enough in there to justify that but if you keep going it will get a little hard to find a specific subject.