Mystery Air Inlet Cherokee 235

[Phoenix86]

My '64 Cherokee 235 has an air inlet on the right side forward of the door hinges. The backside is connected to a 3/4" scat hose that is unattached at the other end. I cannot find anything in the Piper service manual that identifies this air source. For many years I placed the end of the hose above the radio rack to help with cooling. After some reconsideration, since the air inlet is always open and subject to moisture, I'm thinking that the hose should either be capped, put where it belongs, or possibly point it at my avionics fan inlet.

Does anyone here know what the purpose was for this right side air inlet?

 

[reb]

 

[Phoenix86]

 

[Ed Dartford]

 

[kshaw]

 

[DJ Spathis]