Installing Glove Box

[vincesf]

Since I installed my radio and put together my heater control panel, it motivated me to work on one more project, installing a new glove box. I destroyed my original glove box when taking out the clock. In searching the threads, I now understand that I need to remove the blower motor in order to twist and bend the glovebox in place.

Can anyone provide any practical help before I start? For instance is there any trick in lowering the blower motor?

Thanks in advance for any help.

vincesf

[Darrel]

glove box comes out the front. You see the folding/collapsing lines along the sides?

[ezzzzzzz]

Darrel, not on my 71 240Z. The early boxes are made of cardboard and must go in from the backside. Stupid design! There are at least three bolts/nuts holding the fan box to the firewall. There is also the control cable for the fresh air vent and the wiring for the fan motor. I vaguely recall screws holding the glovebox on either side of the opening too. All of this needs to be removed to get the glovebox in properly. It is a PITA! I haven't tried it but you made be able to replace it with a later plastic box that does slide in from the front with a little effort and/or mods. The simpliest things seem to be be the hardest sometimes. Good luck.

[madkaw]

That's why I made my own--see forum "what I did today".

It is a bad design for the cardboard box and it doesn't collapse to install-at least the one I had.

I used it for a pattern and made one out of 24 guage aluminum, but some galvanized sheet would work great too. I bought a 8$ hinge from Menards and made the box fold up just so I can get it in from the front. Then the inside sides remove with screws.

Now I can get to some of my guages and wiring without removing the whole box. If I do need to remove the whole box, it is just a few more screws!

[Inf]

The cardboard glove box can go in from the front. Although it's pretty tricky, I've done it many times without destroying anything.

I wish there was a straightforward procedure to do this, but honestly, it's just one of those things I always do by trial and error, and the process of "which side to bend inward" seems to vary each time I do it.

I have always done this with the blower and air box in place. In fact, it's been trickier in my case than I imagine most of you will have because one of the large diameter A/C hoses is routed right behind where the glove box needs to go. I think the extra clearance would make it easier if it were not there.

If it'll save you a bunch of time, I suggest trying from the front first. Just go slowly and be careful not to "over-bend" any parts of the cardboard.

[ktm]

You can make a 280z glove box (made out of plastic) fit with minimal modifications to the glove box itself. Much easier than making one out of aluminum and durable than the POS cardboard.

[madkaw]

:classic::)So where's the challenge in that Bo:)

[vincesf]

I found it was easiest to lower the fan unit and install the glovebox from below.

Thanks all for the help and advice.

vincesf

[ksbeta]

Good read. I've had the glove-box sitting in the garage for a few months now, and have been wondering how it's going to go in there. Even in terms of depth it doesn't look feasible; part of the dash wiring harness is right there. I'll give it a shot using some of these tips. Thanks.