MTFCA Forum

So I was up at Carlisle for the Chrysler show and came upon a foot warmer. The outside seems to be covered with what looks like rug material. Then it occurred to me. Is this made out of asbestos? I see them for sale on here from time to time.

Clark Heaters were insulated with asbestos which was covered by wool carpet.

I'll check to see if it has a manufacture on it.

Even if there is asbestos under the rug material, it's safe as long as it's not exposed. If the rug is nice and tight all around, the asbestos would be considered encapsulated and would pose no danger. The problem would come if you were to try and, say, replace the rug and disturb the underlying asbestos material where you might get airborn fibers that you could breath in.

Probably only dangerous if you are barefoot…….

MichaelPawelek wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:39 pm

Probably only dangerous if you are barefoot…….

Or spill out the burning coals. & dont pull the blanket up over your head for the extra warmth.

Do not use a glowing ember from the heater to look into the gas tank to see the gas level……

Ha!! You guys are great. I've been out of the Marine Corps now for about 8 years and I miss people busting on me.. I looked at the rug and it does have a white layer wrapped around it under the rug. Even has a chunk of the black brick left over. I'll make sure I don't chew on it..

The Clark Foot Warmer using a charcoal brick. So as it burns Carbon Monoxide is being released inside the passenger compartment. Passengers then are subject to Carbon Monoxide poising - first headache, nausea they turn green and if not exposed to fresh air they may die. Asbestos dust & fibers are what's dangerous. Vinyl flooring installed between 1952 and 1986 likely contains asbestos, BUT if left undisturbed shouldn't be a problem. The same is true for hot water & heating units back when, but these require professional removal. Both require proper disposal.

Headache, nausea and turning green. Isn't that just part of having a Model T?
Seriously, be safe and consider the possibilities. I have been warned about using the manifold heater in a closed car and have seen no problems so far but knowing there are possibilities is a good thing. An open car without side curtains would have better ventilation.
Rich

Point about Carbon monoxide is moot in an open car with no side curtains..... as for a closed car how tight can you close it, you probably still get gobs of fresh cold air coming in.

I wonder if there is some kind of solid material that you could heat up in the microwave, then put in the foot warmer prior to a drive. No fumes!

Maybe time to wear electric socks ?..... Stay away from me asbestos, it does cause cancer.

Moxie26 wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 19, 2022 4:00 pm

Maybe time to wear electric socks ?..... Stay away from me asbestos, it does cause cancer.

Electric socks would not be period correct.

The period aftermarket offered electric steering wheel hand warmers, but I couldn't find period heated socks. Jay?

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