Remove the heater?

[Triman]

Been looking around with no luck. Anyone opt to remove the heater, defrost blower system from their CJ?

My CJ is going to be a second car anyway, and i don't plan to use the heater, defrost anyway.....

Am I gaining anything other than a few pounds and less wiring to dig through when removing it completely?

Figured I'd ask......thanks for the responses in advance.

 

[mylittlecj5]

I removed mine and don't regret it, except on cold mornings in the early summer when the defrost would be nice to have. Just bring a squeegee...

 

[Torxhead]

I have removed mine, and after considering pros and cons, it worked out o.k. After all it is a Jeep, not a cadillac. Weight is not really a factor, that thing was really a dust collector.

 

[bondo258]

Am I gaining anything other than a few pounds and less wiring to dig through when removing it completely?

If that's the only benefit you seek, it seems a bit excessive. Are you using the new found "room" for ignition box, fuel management computer, OBA tank, Stereo stuff? Go for it. Don't look back, either.

If you have a leaking heater core, dead fan, seized control cables, etc. than no harm yanking them. However, you are loosing a small volume of auxiliary cooling capacity, though.

Start running too hot, and turning the fan to high, with the duct open can help cool your rig down. Not by much, mind you, but it's a measurable amount. If you are overheating your heater core is the least of your problems, anyway.

If the CJ interior get's a bit warm for your liking, why not bypass the heater hoses and leave the heater box in place?

Everything you do to your CJ may well someday be a "you won't believe what the previous owner did" rant in the future. Please don't be that guy.

Do what you want, but removing it for no reason at all seems wasteful.

 

[Razorfish]

Just as a trivial factoid -> At least in California I seem to remember a defroster is a legal requirement. But I'm all for removing what you can live without.

 

[IOPort51]

My philosophy is that "all terrain" includes asphalt and everything should work. As a second car my CJ still goes to work a time of two a week and most hunting trips would really sux with out a heater.

that said there have been many days when the heater/defrost were the best part of the CJ. there are only two or three wires involved and it doesn't take up that much space. And what will you do with those ugly holes in the dash where the cables should be??

The 'I don't really need that" practice will eventually turn your ride into major appliances built in some pacific rim, third world country. Or maybe spare parts for the rest of us.

you asked for opinions, this one is mine.

 

[Triman]

Thanks for the replies guys...all good points/opinions.

My first goal was, 'Boy, this glove box sure could be bigger if I could....."

Then the more I looked, the more I figured I could save some space, or us for storage somehow.

Yes, Id like to keep it somewhat stock, but in the south here, we don't get super cold, and if we do...take the primary ride (F-AMC 150 )

Thanks again for the info, will post some pics if I do the teardown.

@IO, if removed, I might get a clean cut dash template from Quadratec and trim for gauges only.

@bondo, not looking to race this thing. just asking if there are truly any gains...guessing not other than storage space. Valid point on the "cooling engine" tip...thanks..

@razor, not sure we have the same requirement in AL. Been on the DOT site lately to verify if backup lights are needed also.

 

[Straplodmc]

Glad you asked that, I'm trying to decide if I should put mine back in.

When I bought it, it wasn't installed.