What is this behind the glovebox?

[Fergus]

I just picked up this 06, Right-Hand-Drive, TJ. I saw some duct tape below and behind the glove box. I removed the glove box door to find this hackery behind a piece of cardboard and a whole bunch of duct tape used to enclosed this air distribution box(?) Inside is the heater core which seems to be held in place by a tube full of hardened caulk. Frankly, I'm not sure what I'm looking at. This is a picture looking through the glove box... on the LEFT side. Any insight would be helpful.
Thank,
Fergus

 

[Lou]

Previous owners can be a nightmare....

 

[Chris]

Wow, what the fuck?

You know what I think happened here? I think some dumbass (the previous owner) dropped something down in the vents and was unable to get it out, so they cut a "access panel" in the HVAC box to get it out.

This has stupidity written all over it. I've seen some stupid shit from previous owners in my time, but this is definitely up there.

 

[Lou]

Wow, what the fuck?

You know what I think happened here? I think some dumbass (the previous owner) dropped something down in the vents and was unable to get it out, so they cut a "access panel" in the HVAC box to get it out.

This has stupidity written all over it. I've seen some stupid shit from previous owners in my time, but this is definitely up there.

Im seeing hose clamps on that heater core inside of the HVAC box. Fairly positive there shouldnt be hoses or clamps in there. Unfortunately, alot of shade tree mechanics think this is a good idea.

 

[Chris]

Im seeing hose clamps on that heater core inside of the HVAC box. Fairly positive there shouldnt be hoses or clamps in there. Unfortunately, alot of shade tree mechanics think this is a good idea.

I wonder if some idiot used this as a way of replacing the heater core without taking everything apart?

I'm still scratching my head over this one, but one thing we can all agree on is that there is some serious stupidity going on here.

 

[Lou]

Thats what i think. I dont understand the mountain of silicone underneath the cover.

 

[mrblaine]

I just picked up this 06, Right-Hand-Drive, TJ. I saw some duct tape below and behind the glove box. I removed the glove box door to find this hackery behind a piece of cardboard and a whole bunch of duct tape used to enclosed this air distribution box(?) Inside is the heater core which seems to be held in place by a tube full of hardened caulk. Frankly, I'm not sure what I'm looking at. This is a picture looking through the glove box... on the LEFT side. Any insight would be helpful.
Thank,
Fergus

View attachment 208609

Due to the tapered tank on the end of the thing being held in or sealed by the caulking, that appears to be a heater core. I'm going venture that one of two things is the cause of that mess, the owner couldn't find parts to repair a RHD HVAC unit or couldn't find the right heater core which is what the hose clamps might explain. The good news is there is a RHD HVAC unit on eBay you can snag. Bad news is there is a RHD HVAC unit on eBay you can snag because that isn't a fun job.

 

[mrblaine]

Im seeing hose clamps on that heater core inside of the HVAC box. Fairly positive there shouldnt be hoses or clamps in there. Unfortunately, alot of shade tree mechanics think this is a good idea.

Not having seen an actual RHD heater core, I'm going to assume they just stick through the firewall on the other side of the engine. I will also assume they work the same way which means you are correct.

 

[mrblaine]

Thats what i think. I dont understand the mountain of silicone underneath the cover.

Looks more like latex painter's caulking than silicone.

 

[Lou]

Looks more like latex painter's caulking than silicone.

If he wouldn't have used the whole tube under the heater core, he could have used some to seal the piece of plastic he cut out of the box.

 

[flyinfish]

From the looks of it, it appears the access opening was broken/ripped out in pieces.

I'd be worried about what else is fubar'd on the rig waiting to be found!

 

[Viking Jeeper]

I can actually use this technique to replace my leaking heater core without taking the dash apart. Thanks!

 

[Chris]

I can actually use this technique to replace my leaking heater core without taking the dash apart. Thanks!

Fair warning to the next owner of your TJ

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I can actually use this technique to replace my leaking heater core without taking the dash apart. Thanks!

You better reverse the picture before you start.

Actually though, I don't like it. Even if the reason was just to get more heat on grandma's feet, there has to be a better way.

 

[mrblaine]

You better reverse the picture before you start.

Actually though, I don't like it. Even if the reason was just to get more heat on grandma's feet, there has to be a better way.

Set the rig on fire would not be a step backwards.

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

Set the rig on fire would not be a step backwards.

Just insure it first!

 

[Rubicon John]

Oh my.

 

[LONGJP2]

The previous owner probably thought he was a genius for figuring out a solution to what might have been his only choice at the time. Don't be so quick to judge.

Or maybe he's never heard of Flex Tape.

 

[AndyG]

Previous owners can be a nightmare....

This coincides with my theory that the biggest problem with most TJ's is the previous owner.

 

[Lou]

This coincides with my theory that the biggest problem with most TJ's is the previous owner.

Ive heard alot of people complain "jeeps are horrible vehicles, ive changed X sensor so many times!". Then i ask where they buy their parts. Then they tell me autozone. Conversation over.