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utahseries
10-02-2009, 01:04 PM
I have been hearing that you can't repair the matrix in the round smiths heaters... Is that true?
Les Parker
10-02-2009, 01:40 PM
A good rad shop may be able to overhaul it.
I beleive an outfit in UK was advertising them for 300.00 GBP each.
Couldn't find a link today, though...:(
gudjeon
10-02-2009, 02:02 PM
The very topic is being discussed on the Series 2 Club Forum:

http://www.series2club.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=30719.0
SeriesShorty
10-02-2009, 02:13 PM
I remember seeing a site about a year ago that showed a guy creating his own matrix using copper u-joints and copper pipe bent and fluxed together. He spiraled it all up and it fit inside the round Smith's casing. I coulda swore it was on the Mustang Sally's mr. Bean site but I can't find it now. Anyone else remember this tech write up???
amcordo
10-02-2009, 02:44 PM
I bet there's a similar heater matrix in some other car out there that might fit...? I've never seen the series one before so I'm just speculating. Can you measure it? If you've got the dimensions we might be able to find another matrix from a different type of vehicle that could be purchased on ebay or amazon.
leafsprung
10-02-2009, 07:13 PM
they have steel fins, when they start to leak they are normally full of rot. You may be able to fix them, but if they are corroded, they will simply spring another leak. The core material itself is difficult to get. The kodiak is a much more robust heater in terms of its durability and parts availability.
Eric W S
10-03-2009, 08:53 PM
The core is available from Holdens in the UK. www.holden.co.uk I think. It's a pricey piece as well.

EwS
utahseries
10-04-2009, 01:52 PM
unfortunately my S1 didn't even come with a heater, I'm just running through my options before I buy a second hand one to repair or whatever.. I know that the depth of the smiths varied between 2 1/4,3, and 4 inches. Does anyone have the other measurements?
utahseries
10-04-2009, 01:52 PM
or is anyone in their series ones running other heaters?
czenkov
10-04-2009, 04:35 PM
I have something similar to this on g00gle - except much older:


h1115 (5000 BTU Hydronic Cab Heater)
Eric W S
10-04-2009, 06:34 PM
unfortunately my S1 didn't even come with a heater, I'm just running through my options before I buy a second hand one to repair or whatever.. I know that the depth of the smiths varied between 2 1/4,3, and 4 inches. Does anyone have the other measurements?

Why would you need to buy one to repair? The claytons in SIs are still available...
leafsprung
10-04-2009, 07:10 PM
You can install a kodiak MK 4 in one without too much hassle . . .
utahseries
10-04-2009, 11:14 PM
Why would you need to buy one to repair? The claytons in SIs are still available...

It's rather dumb of me, but I don't like the look :sly:. I was also thinking it would be alot cheaper if I got a used smiths with a leaky matrix, and buy a new one?
utahseries
10-04-2009, 11:14 PM
You can install a kodiak MK 4 in one without too much hassle . . .

Do you have any pictures of it? How did it fit under the hood/fender?
Eric W S
10-05-2009, 06:36 PM
It's rather dumb of me, but I don't like the look :sly:. I was also thinking it would be alot cheaper if I got a used smiths with a leaky matrix, and buy a new one?

I guess of you can find one for cheap... They are going for a premium when they come up for sale. Few I have seen were similar to a new Clayton.

I'd just get a Kodiak MK4
utahseries
10-06-2009, 03:00 PM
Does anyone know where one is for sale? (a kodiak mk4), and do they have any pics of one installed in a s1? Does it fit underneath the fender and still bolt to the passenger footwell? I'm just wondering, because I'm running out of space under the hood with the 2.25 in there!
gudjeon
10-06-2009, 05:24 PM
I went with an aftermarket heater unit from Princess Auto. Plumb, wire and bolt into place. I made the manifold from leftover tin and poprivets. Close all the little doors and you get defrost. Put a ball valve inside for a modern convenience. I had an 88" with a Kodiak years ago and this thing runs circle around it. Passengers feet can fit in the footwell behind it. They may complain its too hot though.:thumb-up:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/gudjeon/RoverPics05024.jpg
amcordo
10-06-2009, 09:09 PM
Hey! Do you remember which model this one is? Thanks!


I went with an aftermarket heater unit from Princess Auto. Plumb, wire and bolt into place. I made the manifold from leftover tin and poprivets. Close all the little doors and you get defrost. Put a ball valve inside for a modern convenience. I had an 88" with a Kodiak years ago and this thing runs circle around it. Passengers feet can fit in the footwell behind it. They may complain its too hot though.:thumb-up:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/gudjeon/RoverPics05024.jpg
gudjeon
10-06-2009, 10:05 PM
Heater details:

http://www.princessauto.com/truck-trailer/truck-accessories/12v-heaters/4240028-24700-btu-12v-auxiliary-heater

SKU 4240028
24,700 BTU
295 CFM
3 speed

It even on sale right now.:thumb-up:
utahseries
10-07-2009, 01:06 PM
would it be possible to get some closer pics of that heater installed in your 86"?
gudjeon
10-07-2009, 07:49 PM
Howdy Utahseries - you have PM