I can’t take any credit for this modification because my buddy, Scott Kruize, came up with this idea. I’ve not done it to my TJ so I really can’t give you any additional information past what is in this write-up. Scott sent me the pictures and I told him I would put it on my web-site so that the other dust choked folks could appreciate the ease in which they too can become dust free. Considering how straight forward it is, I think you will be able to duplicate the results with just the help of the pictures. This is one of those mods that requires you go dig through the hardware store a bit (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) to come up with the pieces and parts, albeit there are not very many of them. Sorry, I don’t know the part number for the K&N filter.
When you have a half dozen Jeeps winding there way down the back road that leads to the trail, it can get pretty dusty if you are near the rear of the group. If you would rather have dust free air blowing in through your vents, this low budget modification is right up your alley. Of course, if you routinely run topless or you leave the doors at home, then this will do little for improving the “in cab” environment..
Remove the cowling from in front of the windshield. Looking at Scott’s TJ, it seems there is a fair amount of dust in there already. Out here in Arizona, we see a lot more dust than we do mud….a whole lot more.
This is a hardware store item. One of those roof vents you can use above the bathroom in your home. So, pick up one of those from your local Lowes or Home Depot store. Note that the lines don’t come on the sheet metal vent. Scott took some measurements from the fresh air intake on his TJ and turned those into what you see on this picture.
Cut the sheet metal and bend it to fit the fresh air opening. Using some flexible vent hose, Scott attached a K&N filter (what ever size will fit in space you have available) to the sheet metal vent. RTV was used to seal up the seams.
Another view of the completed project.
Scott used a short section of metal strap to secure the end of the filter. I believe it is called “plumber’s strap” (at least that is what I’ve heard it called) and is often times used to secure gas and water pipes from floors, etc. Anyway, it too can be found at the hardware store.
Scott ran this setup in his TJ, for a couple of dusty summers, before selling the Jeep. Both he and his wife appreciated the filtered air that blew through the Jeep. One of these days, when I am wandering around Home Depot, I’ll probably pick up some “parts” and do this mod myself. Yeah, it is probably fluff, but then again, having clean air to breathe may not be such a bad thing either.