[TSR6]

Has anyone used a hot-knife to cut the plastic to do the cabin air filterhttp://motors.shop.ebay.com/Car-Truck-Parts-/6030/i.html?_nkw=Air+Filter mod on the 1500's? The hot knife is only $10, and if it makes a clean edge, I'd rather spend that extra $10 to do it right - versus just jabbing in there with a box cutter.

Thoughts?

 

[GearJerker]

Here is somebody that did it in the other thread... Theres some great pictures in there too that I plan to consult when I do mine after I get it...

http://www.ramforumz.com/showpost.php?p=1410490&postcount=29

 

[Arth]

Used a hot knife. Basically melted the plastic as it cut and worked great for the two Rams I did.

 

[TSR6]

Used a hot knife. Basically melted the plastic as it cut and worked great for the two Rams I did.

Did it make for a nice clean edge? I just want to make sure it looks as good as possible.

 

[Arth]

Did it make for a nice clean edge? I just want to make sure it looks as good as possible.

Honestly I don't remember. I am pretty sure it did. Sure made it a lot easier that's for sure.

 

[jerrymannal]

Having used a dremel and a hack saw blade,I really like the hot knife idea. But remember that the cut edge is hidden behind the cover plate and that is hidden by the lower glove box door so no one will see that nice neat edge except you once every two years or so when you change or clean the filter. All that said there is a lot to be said for excellence even if it's never seen

 

[TSR6]

All that said there is a lot to be said for excellence even if it's never seen

This. I'm not a hack-job kinda guy. I want it done right so I don't groan twice a year...

 

[klank]

Did it make for a nice clean edge? I just want to make sure it looks as good as possible.

Who cares? You won't ever see it until you change the filter. I used a box cutter and have nice cuts. Just take your time.

 

[DeVil]

What's a hot knife, and where do you get one? Or do you mean a knife that you hold a lighter up to before you cut?

 

[TSR6]

What's a hot knife, and where do you get one? Or do you mean a knife that you hold a lighter up to before you cut?

It's a heated hobby knife. Some are just tips that you can put into a soldering iron, for example.

I tried it with the heated knife (plugged in to my truck's outlet!) - and it didn't work as well as the box knife. The melted plastic actually remelted behind the blade.

Box knife is the way to go...

 

[spoiler]

I used a carpet knife/box cutter and a propane torch.
I set the torch on the ground outside my truck and left it burning...
Heat the tip for a few seconds. follow the line for about 2-3 inches… heat the tip…. follow the line. It came out clean and perfect and the cuts took all of 5 minutes max.
It literally was like hot knife through butter.
Once you figure out a good position put place your body so you can maneuver the knife - your good to go.

 

[TSR6]

Once you figure out a good position put place your body so you can maneuver the knife - your good to go.

That was the hard part.

I used the hot knife to create a clean groove, and then finished it off with a box knife. Worked good, and more importantly, looks like it was done right!

 

[jwhitney41]

Cabin Filter install

Just installed the cabin filter in my 2014 2500 4 x 4. Took about 10 minutes with a utility knife. Kind of a pain in the a** but took my time and came out well. The filter slides in with little resistance. There is a horizontal support on the inside of the cavity to help with keeping the filter from being sucked into the fan. Just FYI.........
I will post pics in the next few days.

 

[HorseMan]

Anybody know if this mod can be accomplished on the new 6.4 Hemi 2500? I assume it's the same, but before I buy the kit, wanted to check. Anyone done it on a 6.4?

On my CTD, I used a hot knife...much cleaner look and very easy. Just be careful with the hot end!

 

[1ofakind]

keep in mind the cabin air filter mod restricts the air flow quite a bit, I definitely noticed it in my 2012. But than again if your a clean freak like me you'll love the dust reduction lol.

 

[HorseMan]

keep in mind the cabin air filter mod restricts the air flow quite a bit, I definitely noticed it in my 2012. But than again if your a clean freak like me you'll love the dust reduction lol.

I agree...it does drastically cut down on air flow...noticed it on my 2013 when I did the mod...but, I like a clean cabin, and after only 8,000 miles, mine filter was fairly dirty with dust and crud. It could have run another few thousand miles, but I'm a clean nut too!

 

[dodgert]

just use a razor knife its really thin and goes right threw it

 

[RaymondT]

just use a razor knife its really thin and goes right threw it

Mine wasn't thin. I used a Weller soldering gun with the flat attachment. Worked pretty good. If you were going to try a "box cutter", I would recommend getting a good quality Olfa in the large size. Maybe even shoot a little silicone spray as you work to cut down on the resistance.