NEED Laurel owner help - A/C Box MOD Questions

[BCs300z]

I posted this over in the Stagea Forum, but came to dead ends.. hoping to get a little help here.

I own a 97 Stagea. Had Heater box Servo issues and while in the process of removing all the things, I made this discovery.

My A/C box has been modified (cut into) and had filters fit. This is not normal, as filters were not a thing until later on (S2 Stagea).

Once I removed the box, I saw Laurel inside. I also notice the box does not fit as you would expect it to for OEM. I can only assume this is a mod that Laurel owners 'might' (?) make. Any thoughts??

Since the box is cut open, I have two courses of action... find replacements, or insert the empty ones. Would like filters. BTW: These are definitely NOT Stagea filters.

Pics below.....