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Old 12-11-2019, 11:21 AM   #1
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Patching coolant line holes with a welder?

I just took the driver's foot warmer out and the two coolant lines running to it were connected by hose barbs to the main line. Is there any reason I can't just grind down the two barbs and patch them with a weld?

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Old 12-11-2019, 12:04 PM   #2
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Bigger question is why are you deleting the foot warmer? It's extremely important in freezing temps. Yes, a weld patch will work.
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Old 12-11-2019, 12:11 PM   #3
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I agree with Marc on the question of removal. I also think buying a cheap coolant hose union (cheap as in price, not quality) would be quicker & easier than welding two fittings together.
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Old 12-11-2019, 12:15 PM   #4
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Pretty much had to to get at the rotten plywood underneath the driver's seat. I've still got dashboard heat and I mostly plan on chasing good weather too. And if I ever do find myself in super cold weather I can't imagine I'll be that cold with the engine right next to me and warm clothes on and dashboard heat blowing on me.
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Old 12-11-2019, 12:39 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lebusmagique View Post
Pretty much had to to get at the rotten plywood underneath the driver's seat. I've still got dashboard heat and I mostly plan on chasing good weather too. And if I ever do find myself in super cold weather I can't imagine I'll be that cold with the engine right next to me and warm clothes on and dashboard heat blowing on me.
Speaking from 5 Wisconsin winters experience driving flatnose Bluebirds, your upper torso will be fine with dash heat but your feet and legs will be FREEZING without the drivers floor heater.

I would look at options for retaining that drivers heater if at all possible imo.
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Old 12-11-2019, 12:56 PM   #6
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Speaking from 5 Wisconsin winters experience driving flatnose Bluebirds, your upper torso will be fine with dash heat but your feet and legs will be FREEZING without the drivers floor heater.

I would look at options for retaining that drivers heater if at all possible imo.
It's already at the landfill so I'm just gonna have to deal with it or buy another one lol.
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Old 12-11-2019, 02:59 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by WIbluebird View Post
Speaking from 5 Wisconsin winters experience driving flatnose Bluebirds, your upper torso will be fine with dash heat but your feet and legs will be FREEZING without the drivers floor heater.

I would look at options for retaining that drivers heater if at all possible imo.
I've driven a bus without heat in winter. I looked like FDR with a blanket on my lap. Was MISERABLE.


Shaking, jaw clenching, it was just pure COLD.
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Old 12-12-2019, 10:10 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
I've driven a bus without heat in winter. I looked like FDR with a blanket on my lap. Was MISERABLE.


Shaking, jaw clenching, it was just pure COLD.

such will be my lot!
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Old 12-12-2019, 11:04 AM   #9
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Good luck. That trip made me very hesitant to wanna do anything like that ever again.
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Old 12-12-2019, 11:37 AM   #10
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@lebusmagique, you can replace your foot warmer with this: WR4000 - Products - Aqua-Hot Hydronic Heating

The only problem is that it needs 3/4 inch hose. I have been unable to find even a single new heater with one inch hose. Most manufacturers make only heaters with 5/8ths hose. I have found 2 retailers so far that have a few heaters with 3/4ths inch hoses.

Aqua-Hot makes a total of 4 models that come with 3/4 inch hoses. The one I linked above is the smallest. The others go up to 30,000 BTUs. But I have concerns about Aqua-Hot. They want you to prurchase by phone and I don't normally give out my phone number, especially to retailers. Retailers normally get a disposible email.

Aside from Aqua-Hot, all I have found so far is that Fisheries Supply has one heater made by Red Dot that is available in both 5/8ths and 3/4ths. There are several other Red Hot heaters listed on Fisheries Supply, but all the others come only in 5/8ths hose size.
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/red-...00-btu-150-cfm

I have already removed both heaters from my passenger compartment. I intend to replace them with one after market heater. I would like to replace both the front heaters too, just because they are 25 years old now. I will continue my search for heaters with one inch coolant connections, but I am not very optimistic about finding any. If anyone could point me to a source I would be very grateful.
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