Hey guys, I dont have a dashboard in my XJ because I'm building a custom one. I did away with EVERYTHING stock inside the jeep including the heater box. I have a heater core that I'm going to use but I'm thinking of ways to build a simple heater box. I was thinking of using an ammo can to mount the heater core in and then cut a hole for a fan. I'm not concerned with duct work yet. I just need a heat source inside the rig. Anybody tackle something like this? I'm thinking that I can just cut into the ammo can and route ducting out of it when I complete the dashboard to run a defroster. I'd like to see what ideas you guys have to solve my problem. Running a stock heater box is not an option.

 

your ammo can idea will work, just make sure to insulate it somehow. but great idea. get a 240 ammo 50 cal will be too big. and go with 2-3 computer size fans one for each duct to allow for better heat distribution. I really hope you get this done and post pics.

 

I like the idea of computer fans for ducting! I think I have a few spares laying around that I can use. Any ideas for insulation? I'm running a cable operated shutoff valve on the intake side of the heater core so in the summer I can just cut off the water flowing into the box. I'm not worried about being able to blow cold air through the box. Thats what windows are for!

 

or doorless... and are you looking for appealing looks or just function?

 

Function over form every time! The whole Jeep ain't pretty but its a beast.

 

Would love to see pics of this build! Very interesting and a solid bad a$$ design.

 

then go with "Great Stuff" the yellow spray foam insulation. it'll also allow you to add support to the back of the can to the fire wall. spray it in the inside and cut out what you don't need and the outside to help with the cracks. Anymore questions? I might be stealing this and running with it too. I'm currently building a trail rig that can drive to and from the trails.

 

I see what you're saying. Yeah that sounds like a good idea. I'll take pics tonight of my jeep and post them if I remember. Like I said, it ain't pretty and its still under construction but its pretty damn cool I think. I'll sit down with pen and paper and draw out the plans for the heater tonight. I'll have to pick up another ammo can cause, well, mine are all full of ammo!

 

yeah i know what you mean, i literally just got my jeep up and running after 4years of sitting b/c of deployments.

 

Oh yes... Deployments. I got out of the Army Infantry in 2009. Thank you for your service. Whats your MOS?

 

89D/68W got out last July as a SSG

 

Congrats! OK I will go ammo can hunting tomorrow. Like I said, I'll try to remember to post pics tonight when I get home from work.

 

here is my idea plus one more fan for front duct, then just fill up the can with great stuff and cut your ducts through it so you have no where for air to go but to the ducts

 

I would say make sure you have the proper computer fans...most don't push enough air for this sort of thing.

 

Thats pretty much what I had in mind