Mystery hole in transmission tunnel

[bcmbcmbcm]

Hey folks,

Do you know what this mystery hole is in the transmission tunnel? Looks towards the firewall and about an inch in diameter.

It appears by the factory paint around the hole to be an original one.

Any thoughts? Placed by the factory to rust out floorboards?

Brett

 

[73azbronco]

Not original.

 

[DirtDonk]

It's in almost the right place and about the right size for aftermarket air conditioning drain. But there are usually two of them for the old ARA units from the few that I've seen.
Not sure, especially with the paint around it. You sure it's original paint? Could any paint have remained if the hole was punched instead of drilled maybe?

If none of the above, what about those other factory/dealer options such as PTO winches and rear augers and such? Any chance some kind of control cable passed through?

What year is the Bronco and what other details can you share?

Paul

 

[Broncomt]

I have a hole similar to that in my 1970 trans tunnel, but I think it was maybe a 30-06. Looks like it just missed the tranny.

 

[bcmbcmbcm]

Hi it’s definitely original paint. I’m the 4th owner. Original owner never touched it. He was a friend of my fathers. The second owner was a close friend of mine who owned it from 1994 to 2007 and didn’t do anything other than remove the hard top. The ‘po’ in question is who my friend sold it to and owned it for about a year before selling it to me (and bringing it back to the family)! This PO added a lift, gutted the interior and out a Berliner (rhino. Knockoff) in the tub. He could have punched that hole but there was no reason to...no PTO AC or anything.

Looking closely there is paint all around...don’t know how it would stay there even if punched.

 

[spap]

I’m with Paul on this I had the same hole for the ac drain.but never saw an ac
Are there any random holes on the. bottom side of the dash where the ac could have been mounted.

 

[SteveL]

That's where the tranny fluid goes in?

 

[House]

You might have to take a better pic for us, because from that picture it looks like rust inside the hole, not original paint… I am not arguing with you though.
I have seen similar holes cut in that area for a CB antenna cable to be pushed through without taking the connector off…

 

[DirtDonk]

CB was also an option, but in Broncos I don't think I've ever seen anything from them pushed through the floor. But that's a thought.
It's an odd location for sure. But just to be sure, the angle we're looking at the dash is on the left and the right side is showing the hump. Correct?

Paul

 

[mrdrnac]

I have a hole similar to that in my 1970 trans tunnel, but I think it was maybe a 30-06. Looks like it just missed the tranny.

Thats Funny! I have the same story, but mine looks like the PO aimed a 45 at the transmission. Don't know if he hit it or not. I replaced the sheet metal but I had to keep the hole for the memories of just how worn out my Bronco was when I bought it 42 years ago.

 

[spap]

Always wondered how to put the tranny fluid in

 

[needsmoarturbo]

Looks like where a hole would be punched for a snow plow control cable to go through the floor maybe.

 

[bcmbcmbcm]

I looked closely and I think I am mistaken it was cut after it left the factory. but for the life of me I cannot figure out why it would be there. My friend did not out there there so it must have been owner #3. Definintely no plow, no pto, or AC. Scratching my head on this one. At least I know it’s ok to fill up!

 

[SteveL]

Peep hole to see if front driveshaft is spinning? I know theres been a few times I wish I had one

 

[DirtDonk]

that's what the gaping hole in the side of the tunnel with the floor shifters is for!;D

and for letting lots of cold-at-first-then-really-hot air into the cabin too.

Paul

 

[73azbronco]

I removed the dealer slash factory air, no hole. Other holes, all over, not this hole.