Invasion in smugglers box

[chris anderson]

Was smelling gas at fill ups so ended up detailing and removing all parts related to the evaporator system including fuel inlet pipe. While there I opened up the smuggler box and was a bit surprised. The mice or rats had quite a nest. Had not really noticed the large opening to the right of the steering column bellows. Basically a super entry point. I cut a piece of sheet metal and glued it into place but wonder if there is a better solution. Any thoughts?

[JM9090]

Part nbr 27 is a cover for this hole. Part nbr 90150474700.
This is a fiberboard lid, so do not know if this would resist against mice or rats.

[NorthernThrux]

Yes, that is the piece. It actually has a small notch in the edge to accommodate the drain for the air intake. It gets glued in the top and I think you'll be fine with it.

Ravi

[lbpa18]

If that was mine, I'd be thinking back and wondering if I ever heard a faint "WEEEEE!!!" coming from under the front hood

[rgupta250]

Was smelling gas at fill ups so ended up detailing and removing all parts related to the evaporator system including fuel inlet pipe. While there I opened up the smuggler box and was a bit surprised. The mice or rats had quite a nest. Had not really noticed the large opening to the right of the steering column bellows. Basically a super entry point. I cut a piece of sheet metal and glued it into place but wonder if there is a better solution. Any thoughts?

Chris,
Are you referring to an opening inside the smuggler's box or an opening outside and above the smuggler box lid?

Best,
Ravi

[chris anderson]

Ipba18, now that you mention it there was several sounds, many sounded like “slow down, you are crazy and I am trying to sleep “.

Ravi, thank you, yes. I should have been clearer. It is in the smuggler box, it is where the steering column goes through, there is a plastic bellows but also a fairly large odd shaped opening just to the right of the bellows. I have seen some pictures where this opening is used for brake or a/c hoses. My brake lines take a different route. I was just hoping there was a more elegant solution.

[rgupta250]

Chris,
I believe the opening you are referring to originally left the factory with foam filling the void.

/Ravi

[Richy]

No , it left the factory with a rubber cap / cover .

[ESully]

When the rubber cap fell apart on mine, I replaced it with a 3" rubber plumbing cap.

[chris anderson]

Hi guys, here is the image of the opening, just right of steering column (facing the car).