Wiring and heater

I built this simple fuse box / relay holder, it will go on the firewall.

I welded several studs to the firewall before paint, so I have a way to hang the fuse panel, regulator and heater.

I used these "euro" bulk connector to connect the dash to the rest of the system.
All vital functions will be activated by relays, so there will not be any heavy loads going across here.

Normally, the wiring from the turn signal switch goes on the outside of the column, but with the two inch steel tubing on the outside, I can hide it between the tubes.
The harness should come out just behind the column drop. This one also gets a bulk connector, for easy removal should it be necessary.

This Allstate brand heater was found at the swap meet. I cut off the 6V fan and brackets, and shortened the tubes.
I will make a shroud and use a compact 12V fan here.

This is the only place it can go, really... I will only see the bottom half after the dash is installed.
By closing the front doors, it will blow upward, so I am going to build a defroster system as well.

I want the heater as close to the firewall as I can, and I do not want to run the heater hoses thru the firewall either, so I have to make it very compact in the rear.
The fan is a heavy duty brushless version, used for a diesel heater on a 38 foot boat. It's only an inch thick, and it uses very little power, and it blows...pun intended...It is very quiet as well. I just made a plate so it will sit close to the back. 

Now is a good time to make a template for the firewall upholstery.

Since I no longer have the water tubes to attach thru the firewall, I welded some studs on the bottom and top, and just used some thin-walled tubing (recycled IKEA curtain rods !)  to one of the firewall bolts for stability.

With some new gray hammerite paint, and a restored emblem, the heater box looks presentable.

I put the heater valve on the bottom, I may use a rod going forward, attached with speed clips.

Well, here it is ready to keep me warm...I will explain all the relays later...

This is all you see after the dash is installed. In order to avoid clutter on the dash, I hid the switch for the fan under the dash, as well as the horn button. Also, the head light switch is low beam in the first position, and high in the second position. The ergonomics wasn't there to support a floor mounted dimmer switch, plus...you guessed it...less clutter !

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