Choosing the right heater setup for a street rod balances warmth, space, installation, and vehicle electrical capacity. Below is a quick comparison of five products suited for street rod heating, portable warmth, and installation wiring support.
| Product | Type | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX | Propane Portable Heater | Compact radiant heat for small spaces |
| Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared | Electric Infrared Heater | Indoor/outdoor plug-in infrared heat |
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG | Natural Gas Unit Heater | High-BTU fixed garage/stall heating |
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG | Natural Gas Unit Heater | Very high output for large spaces |
| WFLNHB 14 Circuit Wire Harness | Wiring Kit | Street-rod ready wiring with heater circuit labels |
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Heater MH9BX
The Mr. Heater Portable Buddy is a compact propane radiant heater designed for localized warmth. It uses advanced infrared technology to directly heat people and objects, which can feel like sun-like warmth even in drafty garage or open vehicle spaces.
- Heat Output: Adjustable from 4,000 to 9,000 BTU suitable for up to ~225 sq. ft.
- Safety Features: Improved tip-over safety switch that audibly engages if the unit is disturbed.
- Ignition: Piezo igniter for quick, match-free start.
For street rod use, this unit is portable for temporary warming during work sessions or shows. It is indoor-safe for ventilated spaces, but requires attention to ventilation and propane handling protocols when used in enclosed garages.
Dr Infrared Heater DR-238 Carbon Infrared
The Dr Infrared DR-238 is a plug-and-play electric infrared heater rated for both indoor and outdoor use with IP55 approval. It offers clean, instant, and odorless heat—advantageous for workspace heating around a street rod without combustion byproducts.
- Power Settings: Multiple power levels (900W, 1200W, 1500W) to match space and electrical limits.
- Weather Resistance: IP55 rating makes it suitable for covered patios or partially open garages.
- Convenience: Standard 120V operation and remote control for easy adjustments.
This unit is useful for maintaining a comfortable working area while wiring or fabricating parts on a street rod. Ensure your garage circuit can support the chosen power setting, and maintain safe mounting clearances.
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU50NG Natural Gas
The MHU50NG Big Maxx is a fixed natural gas unit heater designed for garages and workshops. With 50,000 BTU capacity, it targets year-round space heating for medium-sized areas and integrates with venting options for permanent installation.
- BTU Output: 50,000 BTU, suitable for up to roughly 1250 sq. ft.
- Venting: Powered exhaust allows vertical or horizontal venting flexibility.
- Serviceability: External access to thermostat and gas connection simplifies maintenance.
This heater is a candidate when converting a home garage into a dedicated shop for a street rod. It requires proper gas hookup, venting, and clearance planning. Consider electrical and gas permitting based on local codes.
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas
The MHU80NG Big Maxx increases capacity to 80,000 BTU for larger garages or multiple-bay shops. It includes conversion options and mounting brackets for more demanding workshop environments and long-duration heating needs.
- High Output: 80,000 BTU coverage for up to ~2000 sq. ft.
- Installation: Category 1 vertical or category 3 horizontal venting; minimum clearances must be observed.
- Package: Includes angle brackets and propane conversion hardware for added flexibility.
For hobbyists with multiple vehicles or large restoration bays, this unit provides robust continuous heat. Professional installation is recommended to meet gas, venting, and clearance requirements for safe operation.
WFLNHB 14 Circuit Wire Harness For Street Rods
The WFLNHB 14 Circuit Wire Harness
- Labeled Circuits: Wires labeled for wipers, relay, signals, battery, brake switch, accessories, gauges, heater, and more.
- Quality Construction: Uses thicker coatings and quality wire for durability and expandability.
- Installation: Designed for convenient routing and future growth of electrical accessories.
Using a labeled harness simplifies adding a dedicated heater circuit, mounting switches, or tying in thermostat controls. Match harness capacity to your heater’s electrical or control needs and verify fuse ratings for the heater circuit.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right heater solution for a street rod or associated workspace involves multiple considerations. Below are the key factors to evaluate before purchase.
1. Intended Use And Location
Decide whether you need portable warmth for short sessions or a fixed heater for a garage workshop. Portable propane heaters like the Buddy are suitable for temporary directed heat. Fixed natural gas unit heaters provide sustained heat for full shops. Electric infrared units offer clean, immediate heat for covered or ventilated areas.
2. Fuel Source And Ventilation
Match the heater to available fuel: propane, natural gas, or electricity. Combustion units need adequate ventilation and clearance to manage exhaust and combustion byproducts. Electric infrared heaters avoid combustion but require sufficient electrical capacity.
3. Heat Output And Coverage
Consider BTU ratings for gas units and wattage for electric models. Estimate the space volume and insulation level of the garage or work area. Higher BTU heaters suit larger spaces, while infrared heat can feel warmer with lower energy if targeting people or a specific work zone.
4. Safety Features And Installation
Look for tip-over protection, automatic shutoff, and certified listings for indoor use. For permanent installations, ensure compliance with local codes, proper venting, and professional gas connections. Verify required clearances and service access.
5. Electrical And Wiring Integration
If adding an electric heater or installing thermostats and controls, assess the vehicle and shop wiring needs. Use harnesses labeled for a heater circuit and confirm fuse sizes and relays match the heater’s draw. Proper grounding and routing protect against heat and abrasion.
6. Mounting And Space Constraints
Measure available mounting locations. Ceiling or wall-mounted unit heaters need structural support and clearance. Portable units need stable placement and safe distance from flammable materials. Infrared panels often require specific mounting angles for effective coverage.
7. Maintenance And Serviceability
Choose units with accessible service points for thermostats, gas connections, and filters. Regular inspection of fuel lines, igniters, and wiring extends service life and reduces safety risks.
8. Noise, Odor, And Indoor Compatibility
Combustion heaters may produce slight noise or odors during ignition; electric infrared models are quieter and odorless. For enclosed or climate-sensitive areas, electric options minimize emissions and odor concerns.
9. Expansion And Future Needs
Plan for future upgrades: additional bays, higher capacity heaters, or integrated thermostatic control. Choose wiring kits and mounting arrangements that allow expansion without major rework.
10. Comparison Perspectives
- Portability vs Permanent Install: Portable propane is flexible but temporary; unit heaters are permanent and higher capacity.
- Combustion vs Electric: Combustion offers high BTU density; electric infrared offers cleaner operation and simpler installation in some setups.
- Initial Cost vs Operating Cost: Consider long-term fuel and maintenance cost alongside installation complexity.
Use these points to align product selection with your street rod workspace, installation capabilities, and safety requirements. Proper matching of heater type, fuel, and wiring ensures an effective, safe heating solution for restoration, maintenance, and show-day preparation.