It appears a previous owner has bypassed the heater tubes that run inside the firewall and has run rubber heater hose inside the engine compartment to all relevant connections. The connections and hoses are all tastefully done and the heater functions reasonably well with the cockpit controls. I assume the internal heater tube(s) were leaking at some point for someone to go to that length to bypass them. I understand replacement tubes are readily available through numerous sources. How involved is a project to replace all of the heater tubes on the cockpit side of the firewall? My interior is in outstanding shape and I'd hate to tear into it to access the tubes. For those who have been there before me, thank you for saving my back with your experience and insights.

 

TigerGuy,
Replacing the heater and vacuum tubes are not a difficult job, but it is involved. My E-type is a 1968 FHC. In order to access the tubes you would have to do the following:
1. Remove the dash top. This will give you access to the inner workings of the windshield wiper mechanism at the extreme right and left, and make it easier for you to move them around and reach everything.
2. Open the center gauge dash and remove the flasher unit to give you full access at the center access opening. It will give you access to the internal wiper mechanism.
3. remove the windshield wiper motor in the engine compartment, and wiper mechanism that is accessible from inside the cockpit.
Once you remove the internal wiper mechanism, now you have access to the inner cavity between the firewall and the interior.
Getting the tubes into position takes a bit of patience, creativity, and practice, and rubber arms. There are a couple of you tube videos that show the procedure on how to install the heater tubes. Once you have the tubes in place and secured with the washers and rivets, just reinstall everything, the wiper mechanism, dash top, wiper motor. Your done.
You can do this in a day or a weekend. It will be easier to secure the tubes in place if you can get an extra pair of hands to help you. Before installing the tubes make sure that the securing holes (For the securing rivets match with the holes on the securing washer). pass a rivet through every hole to make sure there are no burrs that will interfere with the rivets.
Good luck.
Bill.

 

Nice description Daytona!

 

Thank you OCDHerb. I did this job not too long ago, so it is still fresh in my mind.
Bill.

 

I made the dubious decision to buy a car that someone else had taken apart. I'll be looking for lots of advice when I start the assembly process.

 

Oh, I know how that feels. A good parts book with good, exploded views is an invaluable help in understanding what parts you have, and where they belong.
Many years ago, I bought a Pantera that was completely disassembles by someone else, it was like a kit that was supposed to be complete. In order to determine what was missing, I spread all the parts on the driveway in groupings for brakes, suspension, stc... and using a parts book I marked everything and noted what was missing. My neighbors really enjoyed the view. Luckily most of the parts were there.
Good luck with your project.
Bill.

 

Daytona that was a great description. I replace both tubes on my 1966 XKE roadster several years ago with stainless steel tubes and had to take out the windshield to get proper access. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you on a coupe with the windshield in.

 

Hi piper,
Thanks.
Actually, when I changed the tubes in my FHC, the windshield was out for the restoration. But frankly I don't feel it helped or hinder. I did all the work from inside the car. For sure I would not have been able to do the job with the dash top in place. The dash top has to come out.
Bill.