Help with 196 heater install

[Hlymons]

Going to put a heater in a friend’s 2001 196 and was wondering how people are mounting the vents and where to pull the hoses. Seems like a tight fit to put the heat-tube in the kick panel. Looks like the waterlines will come through where the steering cable comes through. Any help or pictures would be appreciated.

[j2nh]

Correct on running the hoses coming up through the hole where the steering cable comes through.
On my 02 and 05 both heater outlets terminated at the kick panel by the drivers feet. Unbelievably cramped but that is how they came from the factory. Those guys have the luxury of installing them before the top deck gets attached.

I could probably get you some photos early next week if that is not too late.

[Hlymons]

Thanks J2nh,
Are the vents at the feet or more at the shins. Why I ask is there is a step up that would need to be drilled through twice to make it work at the feet. If we put them between the control box and the step up (shins)its a real tight fit and will need to re-rout the glove box drains. Yes pictures would be great and we will gladly wait.

Thanks again!

[M3Fan]

The vents are up at the shins. The stock 2-outlet heater has one outlet going to the kick panel, upper left and the 2nd outlet goes to a Y splitter between the dash defroster vent and a foot vent in the upper right corner of the kick panel. For a new install I'd 86 the dash vent and just go for 2 hot tubes. I can take some pics for you tonight if needed. The heater is mounted transversely, not front to back. It's tight but there's more room back there than you think.

[j2nh]

Outlet at shin height or higher. You are correct, going lower would mean more holes and is not necessary.
Weather permitting I am picking up my 09 196 on Friday and can get you some pics Friday night.

M3 is right I forgot about the defroster vent and I would nix that as well. Cutting that hole in the dash from below would be a real bugger.

[Hlymons]

Thanks Guys for the help,
We ended up taking it to WCCC and having them do it. There first attempt wasn’t there best work however my friend left it with them to correct. I will let you know how it turns out.

[M3Fan]

Here are some long-overdue pics anyway: