Clipper defroster/footwarmer vs underseat heater

Posted by HH56 On 2015/2/19 14:44:50

A probably silly question for those who have Clipper style offerings and familiar with the operation and efficiency of the defroster and underseat heater. I don't think I ever rode in a Clipper when either of those items were used and could be evaluated. Would appreciate an opinion or two to help me in trying to decide the best way to free up space in the instrument switch area or how Packard would have done it if an owner decided to "accessorize". I'm reluctant to consider moving something under dash because of looks and also because the available space is already crowded.

The front unit is mostly a defroster. How effective is the tiny door on the bottom that opens to operate as a footwarmer and does anyone often use it just for that purpose? The underseat heater is usually great for backseat passengers but since the Clipper unit does blow in both directions does it really do much for those in the front seat. I know the later units only blow toward the rear so not very good for a drivers cold feet but curious how the Clipper unit compares.

The reason for the silly question is I'm considering sharing one switch for both units. Rather than both units operate simultaneously, operation would be similar to the prewar deluxe heater where there is only the single unit and one switch reverses the motor to control both functions. My approach all depends on which unit is more efficient or would be better at a job. Current thinking is have the defroster come on first at a single -- maybe high -- speed and then the second and third positions of the switch would stop the defroster and operate the heater at low and high. Does this sound feasible or would it be better to have two speeds on the defroster/footwarmer and single on the heater?