Cabin Filter-Cheap replacement

Cheap Cheap Cabin filter replacement.
Open Glove box, push in sides and drop further down to access the rectangle box door above the fan housing.

I was using a home filter like Filtrite, 20"x25"x 1" thick, it is more ridged (however not better), cut to fit 8.5" and then make cardboard edges all around, pretty much like stock. It was fair but much more time consuming and a bit more expensive. I think this new mod below is faster, much better and simpler.

Removed my cabin filter aprx 6 mnths old, it was covered with leaves & dirt. Went to wall-mart and finally found a replacement 20$ (CF10374 Fram freshbreeze), the fit isn't exactly perfect air tight and isn't intended to be.

So I went to the home AC filter section and found what looked to be a good replacement idea and much much cheaper. The Purity home air filter is 20"x25", has a wire type frame that can be cut to fit, then cut the filter material to fit.

I cut the frame out on the corner and made it 8.75" wide slightly wider then stock 8.5", this way it slides in and curves downward on the fan housing above the blade. Then cut the filter material out same.

You can get 5 replacements out of the filter by cutting to size and then there is two smaller pieces left over that I just stapled overlapping to make the correct size. Works Great, I have good coverage on all sides, maybe better then stock due to slightly over sizing the soft material(makes snuger fit). I inspected all around inside with a good quality light and see no problems. Plenty of fan clearance.

Cost is $10 but you get 5 uses from this filter. The plastic frame that U cut out on the 1st piece is last time you have to do this, as it will stay and the filters will just slide in and out.

After installing the glove box back, I had to place the little damper on the box gently into place and then used small screws to keep the little mouths open on the damper holders. they get squeezed down and want hold the damper after you close it a couple of times, so place it on, then screw small screws into the ends, just enough to spread the opened back and just enough screw to hold till next time.

 

But ... but ... it's not OEM! It's not as good!

I'll buy you a virtual beer out of the first $20 I save

 

You can buy cabin filters online for about $4 each. I think they were $3.68 when I bought half a dozen a few months ago.

 

if lazy : http://www.logical-source.com/2006-TOYOTA-TACOMA-7586.html

 

But what about the satisfaction you did it yourself!!! and the hours wasted doing it........

But I think this beats the OEM fit. Not that it really matters that much. Hell your in a truck..

Where online did you say? I would still stay with mine, I am very picky and this suits me.

 

Good link! Didn't know you could buy the TYC non-chirping blower fan there as well: http://www.logical-source.com/2009-TOYOTA-TACOMA-11965.html
They even have a drawing:

 

https://www.logical-source.com/cart.aspx?id=7586&year=2008&action=add&qty=1
$3.62 plus $10.50 shipping =$14.12. Shipping ridiculous. Better to make you own.

 

That's why you buy 10, shipping OS almost the same as 10 or 1

 

This^^

 

Great idea OP...Thanks for sharing!!

 

Before you buy, hit up some local buddies that want some, get a lump sum to order, disperse and collect

 

Amazon sells them for about $4 each also.. If you are a prime member, you get 2 day shipping for free..

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VKTUJQ

 

Wow 3-4$ for the Lazy mans filter isn't bad at all.

Wally'sworld wanted darn near 20$ for their Fabreeze version. Thought I was on to something.....

I still stand behind mine being a slightly better fit.

 

DAMN!! $8.09 now