Other Heating Improvements

Here are several minor adjustments to the VW bus heating system, which I have found to make a significant difference in productive output.

Securing Kick Panels:

I discovered that the front kick panels, if not secured to the metallic shroud of the front heater vents, would drastically divert the effective heat that flows out. Even if the original mounting screw is intact, I recommend installing an additional screw to each vent. I have found that #8 X 1” Phillips Mod Truss Lath Screws work exceptionally well for this, and many other panel and upholstery securing purposes.

Here is a panel without any screws:

Here is the panel secured as is more beneficial:

Note that the screws are located in relation to the louvers, so as to secure the panel opening tight against the metal back plate, just below the bottom louver opening. This way the heat flows past the panel, without the panel interfering with the flow of heat.

Louver Repositioning:

Another adjustment that makes a major improvement is to use a pair of pliers to bend each of the beforementioned louvers upward. I suggest using a thick rag in between the pliers and louver so as to prevent scratching the louver (or tape each plier tong with a few wraps of electrical tape). A pair of lineman’s pliers works best, due to a wider footprint (surface area). Some chipping of the paint is almost unavoidable however, since the shape is being reconformed.

I discovered on a very cold night, that without this adjustment, the majority of the heat flow, was going below each of my shoes. That works great for melting whatever snow might be clinging to the soles, but it is irrelevant for heating the shoe, and thus the foot itself. By directing the heat flow upward to at least blow onto the shoes, makes a world of difference to a set of frozen toes.

Note the redirected louvers:

Walkthrough Door:

Here is another option that you may find helpful:

Below is a door, that can close off the lower portion of the walk through opening between the front cab, to the rear. When cold, and closed, this reduces any major drafts that may be attacking from the rear of the bus. Any curtains behind the seats, help to reduce drafts above this door and seats.

I used a piece of Ľ” paneling, but any thin wood, or even plastic would suffice. The basic size I used, is 15” wide, and 32” tall, with a couple contours to help it fit.

Two proper hinges, and two latches (one for open, and one for closed) is all the necessary hardware, except for the screws, nuts, and bolts.

Note that the latch for the door in the closed position, should be mounted high enough to be easily reached from the front seat.

I had to use a router, to cut a horizontal line partly through the upper portion of the door, as can be seen with the door in the open position. This was necessary to make the upper portion flexible, so that it would give against the upper portion of the chair that protrudes backward, when in contact (may not be necessary, depending on how you secure the hinges).

This door serves another purpose as well, if you happen to take a dog along as I do oftentimes, and you need to stop in a store, you can leave Fido alone in the back of the bus, with the door closed, and the groceries in the front cab (unless your pet is overly aggressive of course).

One other benefit of having such a door also, is the extra privacy it affords in the rear.

Supplemental Heater:

Last, but not least, I will present my old standby, the heater I used in my old '74 bus about fifteen years ago, which still works great!

I don't know if this type of catalytic heater is even still available, but it always worked well (although starting it is sometimes a bit difficult, using lots of matches). It runs on the small propane cylinders. Each bus, had enough air leaks, that I never had to worry about not enough ventilation.

I mounted it on a piece of 1/4" masonite, for better stability while driving, as well as combustible clearance in front of it (it will toast, or melt whatever gets in the way!). I praise God, for this supplemental heater, although I don't use it as much, since I have made all my modifications.

The one problem I used to have with it, is that it would occassionally fog up the windshield. With all the airflow from the bilge blowers now, that is no longer a problem.

It's great to have supplemental heat (of course an eberspacher is the ultimate, if you can afford it)!