smuggler's trunk

I've read a lot lately about the smuggler's trunk, and that cleaning around the evaporator unit can improve the ac. I'm guessing the smuggler's trunk is the little lid behind the fuel tank. But how do you get to the evaporator from there? I know that this is probably a silly question, but I'd really appreciate help. Thanks!
David88911

I just removed the fan and it's housing inside the smugglers trunk.I wanted to clean up the evaporator to help my ac along. My mechanic sprayed something caustic on my evaporator to clean it up. I believe it was a form of acid( like batt. acid). Left it on only a few min. He said he does this to all older evap. Now I'v done plently to improve my ac temps. and very happy with it now.

David,

When you lift the lid, you will see a plastic cover to the evaporator/fan housing. You need to remove this (and the hose from the fan on the firewall side) and set it aside. You can then get to the evaporator unit underneath. NOTE: when you clean this, stuff a bunch of rags in the inlet vents in the front center of the driver's and pass footwells. I was also able to lift the evaporator coil up enough to stuff a shop vac hose in the bottom to draw the rinse water out..