34 replies to this topic

[Shaggy33]

If I'm not fitting heater do I need any of the under wing ducting? Not really bothered about anything feeding the two round vents in cabin

[THE ANORAK]

If you have no heater or vents then no, you dont need the ducting. Personally i would keep the dash vents at least and these would work best with the ducting

Edited by THE ANORAK, 15 January 2017 - 09:13 AM.

[cal844]

You don't need the heater fresh air intake pipes, I've removed them and welded up the holes, if you need air(to demist windows) just open a window :)

[roblightbody]

I don't know how anyone can use a Mini with zero incoming ventilation!  Even minis with no face-vents, still had the big duct from the grill to the heater box to bring fresh air into the car (whether heated or not).

[cal844]

Easy, you need air wind the window down a bit, or if you have opening 1/4 windows use them, it ain't rocket science

[Cooperman]

The early cars just had a recirculation heater with no fresh air at all.

[mab01uk]

Early Mini's had a recirculatory heater which so called because it received air only from the cabin and did not have a duct supplying it with fresh air from outside the vehicle.

 

It was most commonly to be found on very early Minis, since it was gradually phased out from 1963 onwards.  In theory, lowly 850 Saloons and some export 1000 saloons retained the recirculatory heater as standard fitment until the early 1970s (in reality, most customers asked for the optional fresh air heater instead), while Vans and Pick Ups persisted with it all the way through until the end of the 1970s.

 

"Often referred to as the 'fug-stirrer', the recirculatory heater would make already stale cabin air quite revolting after a prolonged drive, while its demisting abilities were non-existant (actually, it often made visibility worse)."

http://www.somerford...age=page&id=100

[CityEPete]

If you are on a wet track day, helmet on and glasses like me opening a window won't do anything. This is us at Oulton in November, couldn't see a thing without the blower on full.

[Rocket.]

I don't know how anyone can use a Mini with zero incoming ventilation!  Even minis with no face-vents, still had the big duct from the grill to the heater box to bring fresh air into the car (whether heated or not).

 

My 85 City "E" has no eye ball vents and doesn't have the ducting from the grill it's blanked off with a little plate

[roblightbody]

I guess I'm speaking from experience of driving minis in all weather, in one of the wettest places in Britain.

[cal844]

The early cars just had a recirculation heater with no fresh air at all.

Exactly my point ;)

[CityEPete]

And they were so bad only van drivers and foreigners were left to cope with them, lol.

[Ethel]

Early Minis also had single leading shoe front drum brakes, it wouldn't justify me fitting them. 

 

Given the Min's ability to leak and steam up I'd be grateful for all the ventilation on offer. Granted the heater ducting can be a source of some leaks.

[cal844]

Early Minis also had single leading shoe front drum brakes, it wouldn't justify me fitting them. 
 
Given the Min's ability to leak and steam up I'd be grateful for all the ventilation on offer. Granted the heater ducting can be a source of some leaks.

And corrosion

[CityEPete]

For the weight saving of a heater compared to the ability to at least clear a bit of screen, warm your toes and remove a bit of heat if needed I wouldn't remove one.