Even though I rebuilt the heater, upgraded the heater motor, and put weather stripping around the doors, I'm still nervous about how cold the Bronco might be in mid winter.

I read several threads about putting seat heater into my stock seats, and that eventually led me to cheap seat pads that just strap on and plug into the cigarette lighter. I read the reviews for allot of them and eventually decided to buy one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANOUHQ

I've had it since Monday so I can't give a long term review yet.

The heater has a 3 position switch for High Off and Low. It heats up in less than a minute, and in high position it can get a bit uncomfortable after 15 minutes of driving. I have cloth seats and haven't had any trouble with the pad sliding when I get in and out of the bronco.

My biggest problem is that my cigarette lighter doesn't switch with the key so I have to remember to unplug the pad every time I stop. I haven't forgotton yet, but its just a matter of time, so I think I'm going to either switch my cigarette lighter to another circuit (probably with a relay and an inline fuse) or maybe even make a place to put some new "power outlets" in the back relayed and fused.

Last night was a pretty cold breeze blowing nd I had several errands to run. It was nice climbing back into the Bronco and turning on the heated seats.

very nice. I am planning to go one step further with this type of heating.
I own heated gear (chaps, vest and gloves) for winter riding on my bike.
If I didnt already have that it would be way expensive, nice thing is that when you get out you get to take the heat with you.
More than likely only use the vest as it can be worn under a Jacket the chaps will only come out if it gets really cold and they can go under insulated pants.

I keep coveting my buddy's heated riding gear, but $500 for a full gerbing set and all the controls just seems a bit much. I put on my skiing gear if I want to ride on a cold day. The windshield helps allot on my bike.

I have the Widder setup.
bought one peice at a time.
Now that I have it I couldnt go back to just layering clothes. I have ridden in 18* with only a few drafty spots that made me chilly. the leaks in your gear really show up at those temps.

I may look at some of those for the family though.
you will have to give a long term report on how they work out.

Sounds like a nice set up...

If you havent already you might want to think about a headliner. For about 100.00 + 25.00 for the trim, it makes a world of difference with road noise, heat and cold. Mine is a daily driver too, so I know what it means to have some of the creature comforts.

Billie

Reading the argument about top or no top in the winter, and Hockeydad saying he'd just use heated seats, reminded me to update this review.

It's nearly a month and the heated seat cover is still working great. I have yet to forget and leave it plugged it, but truthfully, it's been so warm I haven't used them more than a couple times a week. I have bought a relay to put in so the cigarette lighter isn't powered full time, just haven't done it yet.

Heat wise, it reall does warm up. Eventually a thermostat must kick in because after peaking, the heat eventually backs down to something very comfortable.

Hmm with the soft top on and in mid winter/ elk hunting the 74 stays decent. Im sure with the hard top and some insulation it would be better. Im just too lazy to get it out and change the tops.

The heated seat cover continues to work great. It was sure nice last night and this morning with -6 degrees. Who knows how low the wind chill was. Last night it was snowing inside the Bronco with all the little holes and gaps letting air in. Without gloves my hands were freezing, but I could stick one hand under a leg and warm it back up pretty quick.

I haven't forgotton to unplug the seat cover yet, but I'm sure I will.

Hmmm, may have to look into that. I'm usually good to drive 5-10 miles down to about 20 degrees, but thats with 2 pairs of fleece pants with Goretex bibs over them, thermal shirt, fleece vest, down coat, hat and gloves. I probably ought to put my doors on one of these days.

Here I am 1 year after buying that heated seat pad.

I used it all of last winter, even on those -14 days we had where the Bronco shifted like I had peanut butter in the transmission.

The heated seat pad was a godsend all winter. It warmed up within a minute. After 10 minutes I needed to switch from high heat down to low heat.

The pad finally died some time in April, but for $19 I was still completely satisfied with the value I got.

I recently bought another one, but the model has been upgraded. They claim more padding around the heating wires, and stronger stress relief on the cable. Maybe that will make it last longer.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041RV1D8

PS I did finally rewire my cigarette lighter and most other auxilliary devices through a home run 12 GA wire, fuse, and a relay. I also added a second cig adapter. Everything now switches with the ignition, saving me from having to remember to unplug the heated seat pad.

Glad to hear it! I've been thinking about adding heating elements to my Mastercraft seats after I get a center console in.