Re: How do you clean the suitcase on a Dakota?
[Re: hp383]
#1570693
01/29/14 07:25 PM
01/29/14 07:25 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
85_Ram_4speed
master
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master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
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Quote:
Is there anyway to get in there without removing the entire assemble from under the dash?
No.
Quote:
Or would it be possible to do the old cut a hole trick as seen on the full size AC trucks?
Only if you want to, but why would you just not do it right? Also, where the drain is, it is inaccesable from the passenger compartment---I believe the evaporator blocks the way to get it from that end.
I have cleared the drain on vehicles by taking a piece of stiff wire and just bend the tip over---like a dental pick. Then just carefully go in the drain a bit and pull it out. It should drag the trash with it.
Not sure how close the first gen dash is to the second gen, but on my Gen II 1996, you can remove the lower pass side dash and manage to get the box out. It only saves a few more steps than actually unbolting the dash, but to each their own I guess.
Outcast Dodge guy.
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Re: How do you clean the suitcase on a Dakota?
[Re: hp383]
#1570697
01/29/14 10:26 PM
01/29/14 10:26 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
85_Ram_4speed
master
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master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
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If you have someone that can help you (another member here?) vs. taking to the shop, it would be better. I know recharge the AC is a pain. Sometimes you can find a shop that will charge to suck it down and not re bill you when you come back to fill it. Also, the way all the way the doors inside the box are, I really don't think your going to get to where the debris sits.
And finding someone to hack a hole in the side might be difficult too---although I know people that will do whatever you tell them too for cheap, but your on your own if it gets screwed up.
Outcast Dodge guy.
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Re: How do you clean the suitcase on a Dakota?
[Re: pushbutton]
#1570699
01/29/14 11:07 PM
01/29/14 11:07 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538
Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,538
Freeport IL USA
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Quote:
On my 92 Dakota mice had built a nest of hood insulation in the air intake causing water to overflow into the heater. I removed the panel in front of the windshield and used a shop vac to get it out. You might want to check it out first. [/quote
 The cowl drains out both sides of the truck, and often fills with leaves, pine needles, and other junk. By removing the cowl cover, you can usually drag the crap towards the center where it can be removed. once the crap is removed, the side drains can be opened. The heat system air intake is in the cowl area, about an inch off the floor of the cowl, and is likely the main source of your water. The box drain can be cleaned by removing the rubber cover and opening up the opening with a wire, but its purpose was to drain off the water from the AC unit. You need to open the cowl drains.
There may be access to the fresh air side of the box through the inside air port on the extreme right side of the box. There is a door that is either open to inside the cab air or opens to outside fresh air. You might be able to enter the box through that area to clean out debris, but I doubt you would ever get a hand in there, you will have to work through a 1/2 open air duct door and around a corner. The air duct door is behind the integrated plastic square screen deal, which you may have to remove. When I cut up my 90 to fit into the coupe body, I had to cut that end off and relocate it. I will see if I have any pictures of that area. Gene
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You're lucky you don't have a mouse nest in the squirrel cage then killed him when you turn it on. 
