Smugglers Box Openings

[ClickClickBoom]

Just like I said, the opening around the steering shaft, and brake lines is open to the ground. My query is, was this the way the factory intended? It seems that this opening channels air, cold or hot, right up to the instrument panel area. This might even explain the gauge fogging issue.
So the big question is how to seal that area from the outside environment/rats/mice, ect. I can cut and bend sheetmetal, but would prefer to use the factory solution, if there is one.

[GH85Carrera]

That is why there is a lid on the smugglers box. It should keep the major part of any air down in the box. You can't get to restrictive around the steering shaft. Make sure the lid fits tight, and the carpet for the trunk is on top.

I have never heard of an additional seal.

Last November I drove my 85 from OKC to Eureka Springs, Arkansas in rain. I never shut the wipers off. I did have them in delay mode for a while, but it rained for the entire trip. My gauges never fogged up.

[wayner]

It was vented so that you gas heater inside would be less likely to explode

[bkreigsr]

I cut a couple of pieces of acoustic DynaMat to size.
Peel, stick, done.
Bill K

[proporsche]

as Wayner said....this was inside on early 911`s ..Webasto gas heater

ivan

[wayner]

Do newer cars still have the exhaust pipe welded in and louvers stamped out?

[ClickClickBoom]

Its strange, the area to the left of the steering shaft is completely open, I could stick my fist though though the opening. The area around the steering shaft leads right up to the dash area. I can feel wind flowing around the gauge area. Guess I am gonna have to start some sheet metal work. Having that much open area is like having a open house sign for the rats/mice.

[porsche930dude]

I stuffed a rag in there

[HaroldMHedge]

On later cars with factory AC the evaporator lines are run next to the steering column out out to the bottom as well.

[wayner]

On my old car, without air conditioning, I pop out my clock when I need cool air

[ClickClickBoom]

Originally Posted by HaroldMHedge

On later cars with factory AC the evaporator lines are run next to the steering column out out to the bottom as well.

I ripped my old non functioning a/c stuff out awhile ago, I guess now I get to fill the last holes.

[ClickClickBoom]

I filled the large area with a piece of 1/8” silicone sheet cut to fit, and riveted in place, and sealed with body seam seal goop. It’s been drying for a couple days. Plenty of climbing in and out of the frunk making puppets for shaping.

[E Sully]

There are 2 seals for LWB smugglers box openings. One metal and one I believe was fiberboard(901 504 747 00). In the photo I found on the web, a rubber seal is substituted for 901 504 747 00

[Harpo]

My 74 is wide open as well. Some day if it is ever on a roticery I will make up a sheet metal patch.

[Snitzler]

I have a 1988 3.2 that had the same problem. I don't know if the hole in your 74 is the same diameter. Got the cap from local big hardware store, they had a bunch of different sizes. About $5.00

[kanadary]

I used a plastic container that use to have Thai takeout in it. Strapped on with a hose clamp

[ClickClickBoom]

This:

[piscator]

Pool Noodles!?

[kfosburg]

Originally Posted by ClickClickBoom

This:

Nice. I used mesh, but this is a lot cleaner...

[ARCSinAK]

I am facing the same issue in my 74. I assumed the factory rubber gasket was long gone however the parts diagram list nothing. Strange that the Gmen never designed a flexible seal for the hole in the tub were the steering rack travels through. Nice work ClickClickBoom, want make another one?