Reply to "Heater tube replacement (Success)"

Mark,

Good eye. I've had the Backyard Buddy for 7 years and it's one of the best investments I've made.

According to Dennis Quella, they stack the tubes vertically and make a single bracket out of .060" sheet metal about 1" wide. They curl over the bracket top and bottom to hold the tubes and put a bolt through the tunnel and through the bracket between the tubes to draw them against the tunnel.

I didn't put mine in yet but I've been thinking about it. My idea is to make a 2 piece clamping bracket and I made a quick drawing of it. I will also put some rubber between the tubes and bracket for cushioning.

One of these brackets just behind the shifter opening will be sufficient and easy to get to. The rear tunnel opening cover will hold them at the rear. Even though the tubes are stacked vertically at the bracket, there is enough length remaining to have them exit side by side at the firewall. You would want the tubes stacked as close together as possible with just enough room to get a bolt between them(my drawing is off a little). Just as the originals, the tubes will cross over each other so that the left tube under the dash will exit on the right at the firewall.

With my bracket, you could also put a spacer between the tunnel and bracket if necessary to get a little more playing room to get the tubes exactly where you want them. I hope tis helps.

Dennis