[MikeK]

There is a THIRD alternative. A "South Wind", Junior model, totally enclosed combustion gasoline heater. Stewart Warner sold over 3 million of them. Southwind division is still in business and makes commercial vehicle and aircraft cabin fuel heaters. They were safe and reliable.

I have two, including one N.I.B., but currently do not have one installed. I REMOVED the first one from a car I sold because I liked it so much. Heat in less than two minutes from a cold engine, no flame (it's internal in a vacuum, not an external open flame).

The advantages- 1)Heat in TWO minutes from a cold start. A manifiold heater takes about seven minutes, hot water at least 15 to full output, which is only luke warm unless you run a 180+ thermostat. 2)LOTS of heat output. 3)6 Volt internal fan. 4)There are no bulky, ugly external water hoses or special exhaust manifold. The underhood installation looks "period".

The disadvantages: 1)Used ones are often missing the carb fittings and need rebuilding. You really need to find a complete NOS unit or a properly rebuilt unit. 2)Like most heaters, the necessity to cut a hole in the firewall. 3) Idle may not be as smooth, as you are sucking in the heater exhaust. You may need to readjust the idle mixture screw winter/summer for best idle.

"Mr 42" on the H.A.M.B. posted a link to the manual. He has every page, including the loose mounting templates. It's post #15 in this thread, go there and click the link in his post: Southwind Heaters Thread

Where to get one- Here's one source for a proper rebuilt unit if you don't want to cruise ebay or fleas. LINK