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T-Series New Heater For My 55 TF

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PAUL161

PAUL161

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Just bought this for the TF. It's a British made Smith and I believe it's period correct for the 55 TF. Needs total restoration, but I think I was fortunate to find it. Actually someone else found it and told me. PJ



 
very cool!
 
After some investigation, I can not confirm this style was used in an MG. It was used at some time in Jaguars, but mostly other British sedans. It might just get shelved for a while. ?? PJ
 
Just found one used in a TR-3. Looks like it's mounted facing down. ?? PJ

 
Aloha Paul,

You are correct, that heater is used in TR3's. It is mounted so the doors open downward and the fan is controlled by a rheostat/off switch mounted on the dash. The two round outlets are used to mount flexible ducts to supply warm air to two defroster nozzles. There is a valve mounted on the cylinder head to control the flow of hot engine collant to the heater. There is no remote control for this valve on a TR3, so it must be set with the car stopped and the bonnet up. The operating pressure of the TR3's cooling system is 4 PSI. These heaters are prone to leak because of age, I recommend you have it test for leaks at pressure before installing it.
 
Thanks Dave, Now I know that it was used in some of the sport car series. I will totally restore it and also have the core tested. I believe there is a company in England that manufactures a new core for these heaters. Probably cost more than the heater, we'll see. I still don't know if it will fit in the TF properly. The TF is buried for another month or so until our new house is finished. My shop is full of house wares! PJ
 
Paul
Didn't know you were looking for a heater. I have a couple of TR3 heaters like the one shown. The 54 TF I have now doesn't have a heater either. Probably won't worry about it.

Marv
 
Marvin Gruber said:
Paul
Didn't know you were looking for a heater. I have a couple of TR3 heaters like the one shown. The 54 TF I have now doesn't have a heater either. Probably won't worry about it.

Marv
Click to expand...

Marv, I thought it would be a good idea to put one in the car as it gets pretty cool in the mornings here in Oklahoma, Spring and Fall. I was mainly interested in a period correct heater, mainly British made and not being to concerned with brand, as long as it would fit well without any modifications to the body. Now I need to get the car back out in the open to check. After looking at the TR-3 heater, I think mine was designed for another car, as the core seems a little smaller in thickness and the defogger port is different with the TR being a 90 degree angle. PJ
 
I found this after researching Smith heaters. It's a Clayton, made in England and can be had new. Looks period correct, but very expensive, around $350. US. But, I think they can supply a new matrix/core for my heater with a copper one, might cost as much as a new complete heater. The original Smith heaters came with a tin core and are now prone to leaks because of their age. I guess that could also depend how many years it was on the shelf. Here's the Clayton. Oh yea, they will custom make the inlet and outlet pipes to fit your situation. PJ

 
Looking back at the Smiths heater you posted, it is thinner than the TR3 ones I have. There's enough room under the dash that you could use either one.

Marv
 
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