March 24, 2004
First of all, thanks go out for the post regarding gauge repair. Dan at Nisonger instruments was VERY helpful. Their rates and turnaround time are far more reasonable than Palo Alto Speedometer and Gauge Repair.
I live in Denver and own a 1962 P1800. In regards to the hot interior temperature of these cars, I have found a reasonable solution to the summer heat and cold winters: two thermostats. My summer thermostat keeps the coolant at a constant 150 degrees. Only once, when driving up a very long hill on a 95 degree day did I see the gauge creep up to 190. During the summer, my winter thermostat keeps the coolant at 205. As you can likely guess, the resulting heat renders the need for a jacket moot on even the coldest days. I change thermostats every March and November, and as you know, it's only about 15 minutes of work. With ebay, parts are readily available, too.
Luis Terrazas
Littleton, Colorado