Heaters for USA Personal Export, Nov. 1961 ?

[jl46]

Hello All,
We are in the process of restoring a Mk1 Austin Countryman built Nov. 11th 1961.
We are not sure what heater would have used for this build. The FACTORY ORIGINAL book notes that
all UK spec. Countrymans came with the recirculating-type as standard up until Oct. 1962 .

As our car was a Personal Export, is there a chance that it would have been built anything other than the UK
recirculating type heater. Just wondering

Thanks for your help.
Jim

[iain1967s]

Hi Jim. Heater options are usually listed on the heritage certificate if ordered, for example the “4kw export” fresh air heater was frequently fitted to USA market cars destined for the northern states.

[jl46]

Hi Iain,
I do have the Heritage Certificate. Details of Factory Fitted Equipment lists just " Heater ". Not really that helpful.

I have owned the Countryman since 1965. We did an engine swap to the bigger MG 1100 back in 1970's and we
might have changed heater at that time, I just can't remember.

The reason I'm asking is that I found a later heater (car, screen, off lever) in my parts bin. I wanted to confirm
that this was NOT correct for a Mk 1 Countryman built Nov. 1961. It is my understanding that this later heater as not
introduced until Oct. 1962 .

I think I have to find a square recirculating Heater Box to make the restoration correct.

Thanks,
Jim

[cmiller]

I have a Countryman also with a build date of October 1961. The heater is original as I am certain as I know the history of the car. It was a North American Export car also. The heater assembly on my car has the under bonnet "squirrel cage" blower unit with the heater box inside the car in the usual location. Good luck finding all the bits to make it work. Very rare stuff I must say.

Chris Miller (I am in Seattle)

[Craig]

Jim , I have a selection of some early heaters and might be able to help .

I’m located in western Canada

Craig

[jl46]

Hello Chris,
Thanks for your help.
It sounds like your Countryman has the early Fresh- Air heater.

Interesting additional info: The Austin Seven Drivers Handbook (AKD1173 D ) Here they describe both the recirculating type and the Fresh-air as optional equipment.

Again, I think my car would have had the early recirculating type.
Jim

[CooperTune]

I have a 61 850 mini I'm stripping for parts. It is a US import. I can text pictures if you contact me. Steve (CTR)

[jl46]

Hello All,
Here is what I’ve learn so far.
All Minis 1959-1963 were available with the OPTIONAL Square Body Fresh Air or Recirculating Heater. There was also a cold weather
version with blower under bonnet.

All Minis 1963- 1969 had the Metal Fresh Air (lever on front).

If this info is correct, is there any possibility of my Countryman built Nov. 1,1961 being fitted with the later Metal Fresh Air model?

Just to confuse things, today I found my AKD 3519. It lists the change point for the newer heater as A-AW7 36802 !
My chassis number is 174346 ! What am I missing here?

Attached are two pages from AKD 3519 pg. BM 7

Thanks,
Jim

69FC6F4D-AD4A-4554-8366-E2546B7244C9.jpeg

[NickD]

Just to confuse things, today I found my AKD 3519. It lists the change point for the newer heater as A-AW7 36802 !
My chassis number is 174346 ! What am I missing here?

Hi Jim,

36802 is the body number change point, not the chassis number.

Is there any possibility of my Countryman built Nov. 1,1961 being fitted with the later Metal Fresh Air model?

The early heaters were attached through holes in the parcel shelf, whereas the later heaters had extra mounting brackets welded to the bulkhead.
Does your shell have these brackets?