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86 911 · 86 911's Garage

Hi,
Last weekend my father and I were replacing shocks for the bonnet of my 1986 (with 1979 parts) cabriolet. We came across a strange compartment that we have never seen before that is under the matting of the trunk. I assume that it is the tool kit compartment? In that compartment there is a hose which goes from the bottom to somewhere in the interior of the car. What is the hose for? I have attached photos below.
Thanks,
Matt

copper · copper's Garage

Commonly referred to as a "Smuggler's box" for obvious reasons.

In my 69, this is where the head of the rack and pinion is located. (I think, not a mechanic, but something to do with the front linkage.) And also a place for storage of the jack, a work light etc.

And a good place to throw a carton of smokes on border runs...

Jim

OZCarrera3 · OZCarrera3's Garage

Its commonly referred to as 'the Smuggler's box' and unless I'm mistaken (I'm sure I'll be corrected if I am), thats where the petrol fueled (yes, that's right petrol) heater used to be in early cars. Was discontinued early, for obvious reasons (although never heard of any fires attributed to this feature).

Joeaksa · 09-14-2004, 09:04 PM

Its also where the air condition is on later cars.

Yours seem to have vanished!

JoeA

copper · copper's Garage

Not sure about the hose. I don't have one in mine.
Pop off the black cover at the top of the trunk, the long one you can see in the picture. This will give you a better look at the front cabin wall and see if you can trace it inside to a vent or something. Could also be housing wires.

Jim

piedogger · 09-14-2004, 09:38 PM

The hose is the drain for the fresh air vent near the top of your hood.

notmytarga · notmytarga's Garage

Rain water that is scooped up the hood and through the front grill intake and enters the fresh air box is drained via that hose. Mine was broken and eventually Tom at Pelican found me the replacement part. My Targa has never had AC.

Hoffman912 · Hoffman912's Garage

you found the smugglers box!!!!

yes, its the acess to the rack and pinion, and in early cars thats where the webasto gas heaters went.

its also been known to house a few guests, like what one 912er found living in his! (yes.. that is a black widow..)