Homebrew Xrunner microfilter

MikeX · 06-09-2005, 06:02 PM

Was poking around behind my glovebox and found out that, even though it's not mentioned in the manual, there is a slot for a cabin filter right above the fan blower. The door just pops open.

The truck apparently doesn't come with one installed (Why?). So, I decided to make my own.

First I made a template and bought a 59 cent home A/C filter to cut up -

Then I cut it out preserving 2 of the cardboard sides -

I re-inforced the other sides with aluminum tape -

Then installed it -

Works great! I might try the white fanfold type also, but you can make enough of these in 30 minutes to last several years. I still wonder why it's not talked about in the manual or why one isn't installed when new. Chincy bastards I guess...

WildSun · 06-09-2005, 07:53 PM

Did you happen to find a part number for such an air filter? btw, nice job.

MikeX · 06-09-2005, 08:37 PM

I think I found the part number on an internet car parts site but the price was $42. I made one out of a 59 cent A/C filter, and had enough left to make 2 more. So that would calculate out to me being able to make 213 air filters for the price of one $42 air filter. If you changed it out every 6 months, that would last 106 years. Granted, the air filter I used was not the best available, but given the fact that the truck came with NO filter, and the manual didn't even talk about it, that's not a bad trade off!

MichaelC · 06-09-2005, 08:39 PM

How do you get the glovebox door out of the way?

MikeX · 06-09-2005, 08:53 PM

Real easy - just push in on both sides at the back when it is fully open. There are 2 plastic "pins" that stick out to keep it from falling out. There also is an air dampening device that slows down the opening of the glove box. Just pop off the lower part on the right side of the glove box door. Then open the filter door by unlocking 2 pastic clips molded into the filter door. This filter mod more than likely is applicable to other Toyotas as well. Be interested to see what other models have this empty compartment.

Sonny · 06-09-2005, 11:36 PM

Nice work, man!

Sonny

lemonlib · 06-10-2005, 01:00 AM

Can I know the size of the cardboard cut out? Save me some time in cutting and experimenting in the size. The Gf would love this..she was complaining about the heppa filters in upper end cars.

thanks in advance
Lemon

rpmspeedyBlue · 06-10-2005, 02:39 AM

How did you get the glovebox off?

***cam2Xrunner*** · 06-10-2005, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpmspeedyBlue

How did you get the glovebox off?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeX

Real easy - just push in on both sides at the back when it is fully open. There are 2 plastic "pins" that stick out to keep it from falling out. There also is an air dampening device that slows down the opening of the glove box. Just pop off the lower part on the right side of the glove box door. Then open the filter door by unlocking 2 pastic clips molded into the filter door. This filter mod more than likely is applicable to other Toyotas as well. Be interested to see what other models have this empty compartment.

MikeX · 06-10-2005, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemonlib

Can I know the size of the cardboard cut out? Save me some time in cutting and experimenting in the size. The Gf would love this..she was complaining about the heppa filters in upper end cars.

thanks in advance
Lemon

8" x 8.5". It might need to be adjusted depending on the filter material you want to use.

netranger6 · 06-10-2005, 09:05 AM

Dude, this shit in on the money. Can you imagine getting this as a dealer installed option? Talk about sticking it to 'em. Tommorrow, I'm off to the Depot to get me a good 3M Allergen to cut up, and slap in. Then, I'm gonna charge my buddy $20 to do it.

rpmspeedyBlue · 06-10-2005, 09:03 PM

Thanx for the info. I opened the cabin filter unit and there wasn't a filter either.

netranger6 · 06-11-2005, 06:57 PM

Just did the mod. Bought a 12x12x1 filtron filter at Lowes for $4.00. Trimmed it 8x8.5 and re-used the card board from the cuts, to cover exposed filter. This one has wires in the element, nothing scissors can't cut though. Used 100 mph tape (for those in the Army), duct tape (for those without military experience), to tape the corners. Actual trimming I ended up at about 7.80x8x1. Get's tight in there, and the cardboard adds to the measurement. Other than that, it took all of about 10 minutes, and fit's like a glove. No loss of air flow either. WoO hoo, now I don't have to re-circulate when cruising down a dusty road, and mabye the wife will quit sneezing in my new truck!

MikeX · 06-12-2005, 07:46 AM

Great! I redid mine also. I got a better filter with the wires holding the filter material and made a re-usable "cartridge" with the cardboard sides. I can now just cut out filter material and slide it in and out of the cardboard whenever I need to change it.

I still don't understand something. Why doesn't Toyota want to make money and sell the filters? Why don't they tell you about the filter holder and make some money off at least some people? That's weird...

netranger6 · 06-12-2005, 10:53 AM

I believe it can be had as an option, or will be one of those "dealer" in-stealed options in 2006.