Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LockDoc** · 10-09-2009, 07:15 PM

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Part of the '69 lives on! I finally talked my friend Ron into welding up a couple of cowl vents to see how much work it would be and how they would turn out, so I made a jig out of the '69 cowl and dash section. I will take the jig and a couple of cowl vents up to him in the morning to see what he thinks.

I will cut the grille sections out when he shows me where he wants them cut and make the filler pieces and he will weld them in and finish them out. I have a slip roll and metal shrinker/stretcher to make the panels with and if need be I do have access to an english wheel and planishing hammer. I know there are people who have done this and I don't think it is as easy as it sounds to get the radiuses correct and still get it smooth. If anyone can get the job done Ron can, he is an awesome welder. It may take us a week or two to get one finished with the other projects we have going on but I will update this thread as work progresses.

LockDoc

rwolf9653 · 10-09-2009, 07:20 PM

That sounds awesome!! Good luck.

PanelDeland · 10-09-2009, 11:01 PM

Now that is creative use of your junk lockdoc.

**LockDoc** · 10-09-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Now that is creative use of your junk lockdoc.

You know you can't waste anything off of these trucks...

LockDoc

FRENCHBLUE72 · 10-09-2009, 11:20 PM

Is the cat part of the smoothing deal?

**LockDoc** · 10-09-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Is the cat part of the smoothing deal?

Yeah, Rosie is checking the sheet metal with her paws to make sure it's straight...

LockDoc

ERASER5 · 10-10-2009, 05:17 AM

Well, i don't know about you, but the cat thinks the jig is purrrfect!

Hottrucks · 10-10-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERASER5

Well, i don't know about you, but the cat thinks the jig is purrrfect!

ok that was a good one....subscribed to see the finished product on a truck

Mordachai · 10-10-2009, 10:52 AM

nice junk jig!

**LockDoc** · 10-10-2009, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordachai

nice junk jig!

.. Thanks. I dropped the stuff off at Ron's this afternoon and we cussed and discussed the possibilities. He doesn't seem to think it will be too hard, just a lot of slow welding. I am going up in the morning and help him get started on it.

LockDoc

72BlckButy · 10-10-2009, 11:39 PM

Leon, great idea!

Do most fill-in each opening, or would they cut out the area and then weld in a complete filler plate?

**LockDoc** · 10-11-2009, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Leon, great idea!

Do most fill-in each opening, or would they cut out the area and then weld in a complete filler plate?

I think pretty much everyone that has done it cut out the vent area and welded in one or more pieces. That's the way we are going to do it.

LockDoc

**lolife99** · 10-11-2009, 08:40 AM

Leon,... if you get this all figured out,... would you consider building some to sell?
I may be interested.

**LockDoc** · 10-11-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Leon,... if you get this all figured out,... would you consider building some to sell?
I may be interested.

It all depends on how the time figures out and if Ron would be interested in doing more than one or two. We made a pattern and cut the metal out for the first one today. I will know more after we get the first couple done.

LockDoc

ebfabman · 10-11-2009, 06:47 PM

I think it depends on how far you take it, whether they are metal finished or bondoed and primered. I've done several over the years and for the time it took me there was no way I could charge less than $600 to do one and make it worth doing. Not a lot of takers at that much but to metal finish one, it takes time. Maybe you can figure out how to make it worth doing for less. That would be great. Here is one that was done all by hammer and dolly, no wheeling or air planishing.

**LockDoc** · 10-11-2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebfabman

I think it depends on how far you take it, whether they are metal finished or bondoed and primered. I've done several over the years and for the time it took me there was no way I could charge less than $600 to do one and make it worth doing. Not a lot of takers at that much but to metal finish one, it takes time. Maybe you can figure out how to make it worth doing for less. That would be great. Here is one that was done all by hammer and dolly, no wheeling or air planishing.

Thanks for your input. I agree on the time involved. We are going to try a combination of metal finishing with a small amount of Metal to Metal for final smoothing. We will see how it goes.

I can't imagine completely metal finishing one...

LockDoc

Hottrucks · 10-11-2009, 07:21 PM

maybe a little old schoo body work......LEAD!

mclairmo · 10-11-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebfabman

I think it depends on how far you take it, whether they are metal finished or bondoed and primered. I've done several over the years and for the time it took me there was no way I could charge less than $600 to do one and make it worth doing. Not a lot of takers at that much but to metal finish one, it takes time. Maybe you can figure out how to make it worth doing for less. That would be great. Here is one that was done all by hammer and dolly, no wheeling or air planishing.

That is truly beautiful. I did this same thing to my 67 Camaro but I used bondo to finish it up. Has lasted over 15 years but not as nice as yours. All metal is the best.

68C15 · 12-09-2009, 02:05 PM

nice work you 2. now let's see the back side to tell the amount of work involved.

couldn't the repop guys do them by deleting the louvers?

Mordachai · 12-09-2009, 02:35 PM

looks great. I'm another guy who would be interested in the back if you'd be willing to show it

**LockDoc** · 12-09-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mordachai

looks great. I'm another guy who would be interested in the back if you'd be willing to show it

I will take a couple of shots of the back when the weather straightens out a little bit. Too snowy/windy/cold right now...

LockDoc

C20-67_N_MO · 12-09-2009, 03:22 PM

Yeah I wish my body man could do some fine work such as yours.

Looks great guys!

72BlckButy · 12-09-2009, 03:24 PM

That turned out great Leon/Ron!

lclippard · 12-09-2009, 09:25 PM

has anyone thought of tacking a backing plate under the cowl, and laying down fiberglass? the thought crossed my mind but i havent had time to try it yet

VA72C10 · 12-09-2009, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lclippard

has anyone thought of tacking a backing plate under the cowl, and laying down fiberglass? the thought crossed my mind but i havent had time to try it yet

There's someone selling them out of fiberglass already.

10-09-2009, 07:15 PM	#1
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,774	Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent - Part of the '69 lives on! I finally talked my friend Ron into welding up a couple of cowl vents to see how much work it would be and how they would turn out, so I made a jig out of the '69 cowl and dash section. I will take the jig and a couple of cowl vents up to him in the morning to see what he thinks. I will cut the grille sections out when he shows me where he wants them cut and make the filler pieces and he will weld them in and finish them out. I have a slip roll and metal shrinker/stretcher to make the panels with and if need be I do have access to an english wheel and planishing hammer. I know there are people who have done this and I don't think it is as easy as it sounds to get the radiuses correct and still get it smooth. If anyone can get the job done Ron can, he is an awesome welder. It may take us a week or two to get one finished with the other projects we have going on but I will update this thread as work progresses. LockDoc Attached Images __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

10-09-2009, 07:20 PM	#2
rwolf9653 more ideas than money Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: spring grove, pa Posts: 1,068	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent That sounds awesome!! Good luck. __________________ Randy 1948 Chevy 3100 5 window 1966 Chevy C30 Dually 1967 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy K20 1972 Chevy C10 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 1987 Chevy V10 2003 Chevy Suburban

10-09-2009, 11:01 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent Now that is creative use of your junk lockdoc. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-09-2009, 11:20 PM	#5
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent Is the cat part of the smoothing deal? __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

10-10-2009, 05:17 AM	#7
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent Well, i don't know about you, but the cat thinks the jig is purrrfect! __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

10-10-2009, 10:52 AM	#9
Mordachai Fat Fendered Fleetside Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: WPB, S. FL, USA, Earth Posts: 718	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent nice junk jig! __________________ 71 GMC lwb 56 Big window swb 93 GMC Sonoma (dd) radiused fiberglass fender project for 67-72

10-10-2009, 11:39 PM	#11
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent Leon, great idea! Do most fill-in each opening, or would they cut out the area and then weld in a complete filler plate? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

10-11-2009, 08:40 AM	#13
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent Leon,... if you get this all figured out,... would you consider building some to sell? I may be interested. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

10-11-2009, 06:47 PM	#15
ebfabman Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 2,488	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent I think it depends on how far you take it, whether they are metal finished or bondoed and primered. I've done several over the years and for the time it took me there was no way I could charge less than $600 to do one and make it worth doing. Not a lot of takers at that much but to metal finish one, it takes time. Maybe you can figure out how to make it worth doing for less. That would be great. Here is one that was done all by hammer and dolly, no wheeling or air planishing. Attached Images

10-11-2009, 07:21 PM	#17
Hottrucks Redefining LowBudget Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,538	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent maybe a little old schoo body work......LEAD! __________________ 1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=335721 SunShine Syndicate.. Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011 http://www.thesandwichfair.com/html/...auto_show.html

12-09-2009, 02:05 PM	#19
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent nice work you 2. now let's see the back side to tell the amount of work involved. couldn't the repop guys do them by deleting the louvers?

12-09-2009, 02:35 PM	#20
Mordachai Fat Fendered Fleetside Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: WPB, S. FL, USA, Earth Posts: 718	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent looks great. I'm another guy who would be interested in the back if you'd be willing to show it

12-09-2009, 03:22 PM	#22
C20-67_N_MO Champagne Taste on Beer Budget Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: High Ridge, Missouri Posts: 2,190	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent Yeah I wish my body man could do some fine work such as yours. Looks great guys! __________________ Coming Soon: Project 1970 Country Truck

12-09-2009, 03:24 PM	#23
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent That turned out great Leon/Ron! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-09-2009, 09:25 PM	#24
lclippard Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: huntersville, nc Posts: 144	Re: Going To Try Smoothing A Cowl Vent has anyone thought of tacking a backing plate under the cowl, and laying down fiberglass? the thought crossed my mind but i havent had time to try it yet __________________ 69 burb/01 yukon chassis 65 Comet Caliente 289 4 Door Sedan 99 Millenia S (supercharged) 4 Door Sedan 02 Yamaha R6 69 swb c10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...36#post3799136 building with a buddy: 85 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...94#post3708194



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