Defroster vent replacement?

[johnj92131]

I need to replace the plastic defroster vent right at the bottom of the windshield because mine is cracked in at least 3 places.  Also plan to replace the entire dash at the same time because I found a near perfect one from a 93 XJ.

 

Read and made a copy of this dash removal  How To thread:  http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/dash-removal-35444/

 

My problem is I do not see where the plastic defroster vent comes out.  I seem to have missed it - Can someone who has done this point me in the right direction?

 

Thanks,

[gogmorgo]

There's a trim piece over the vent, which is addressed in that write-up. It's the one I followed when I pulled my dash back in February this year. One thing you will notice that isn't included in the XJ writeup is that an MJ's parking brake release handle is bolted to the lower dash panel. I'm pretty sure you can get that trim panel out without pulling the entire dash, if that panel is what's broken. Pulling the dash is a lot of work.

The actual defroster vent itself sits behind the dash, and won't come out with it., which is likely why it's not in the write-up. I don't know how it comes out as I wasn't interested in that part when I had my dash out. It's probably obvious how to pull it once you've got the dash out.

[johnj92131]

Good information, Thank You.   So if I get time, I will try to practice dash removal with one of the Comanche trucks I found in local yards.  That is if they are still there and they may be gone by now.

 

Still need to figure out how to remove & replace defroster vent.  Anyone know about that?

[Strokermjcomanche]

Once you remove the dash , there will be (2) 5/16 bolts at the top of the defroster and (1) 5/16 bolt that attaches the bottom of the defroster vent to the HVAC box . I have pics I can send to your email of the defroster vent and of the heater box if you need visuals .

 

If you haven't changed your heater core in awhile or at all I would recommend changing it when the dash is out to save the hassle of removing the dash twice .

[johnj92131]

Please do send pictures!!  email    johnj92131@yahoo.com   I could really use the pictures.  Think I am going back to the JY tomorrow or Friday.  The JY is an 8 hour drive away, so this will be a whole weekend salvage trip and the longest trip I have ever taken in the Comanche by 200 miles each way.

 

Assume once the bolts are removed the vent will slide or pull out of the heater box??

 

Heater core has never been changed in the 8 years I have had the truck.  Heater has only been used to run the defrosters when windshield is fogged up.  When/if the heater core starts leaking, I will bypass the heater core and run like that for a while.  Now the radiator has been changed twice in 8 years. And will likely need it again in less than 5 years.

 

Thank you for the assistance!

 

Once you remove the dash , there will be (2) 5/16 bolts at the top of the defroster and (1) 5/16 bolt that attaches the bottom of the defroster vent to the HVAC box . I have pics I can send to your email of the defroster vent and of the heater box if you need visuals .

If you haven't changed your heater core in awhile or at all I would recommend changing it when the dash is out to save the hassle of removing the dash twice .

[Strokermjcomanche]

Wow !! You're gonna drive 8 hours ?? I have an extra defroster you can have for the cost of shipping . I'm sure that would be cheaper than 8 hours in gas . I'll go out and take some pics and send them to you .