Blank Out Cowl for 55-59

[ptc]

Hey any of you guys that are interested...

my supplier finally got back to me and said Dynacorn has now restocked their supply of blank out cowls.

They are part number 1106VB and they are only $53 from these guys -RPS

http://restorationpartssource.com/st..._moreinfo.html

[youngrodder]

For $53 dollars I would just make your own panel. They are one of the easier patch panels to make. I bet you would have less than $5.00 in the metal. It would take you some time to make a template.

Marc

[hotrod1]

I just got one. Saved a whole bunch of time welding and grinding and its not all twisted.

Now the question is how to weld it in? Any suggestions? There is a lip that overlaps to mount under the window rubber and another overlapping lip that goes to the engine compartment.

[_Ogre]

how to weld it in?

after modifying my cowl panel, i seam sealed the top and bottom, welded the sides
it was the only way i could figure out how to weld it without spending a month grinding the top seam

[hotrod1]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

after modifying my cowl panel, i seam sealed the top and bottom, welded the sides
it was the only way i could figure out how to weld it without spending a month grinding the top seam

I can see how it would add up to a lot of time making it fit in. I think I can smooth the overlap near the engine compartment but the other one near the windshield would be a challenge.

[_Ogre]

agreed. i should have welded the bottom and the weatherstrip holes
i ended up gluing the hood to cowl weatherstrip down, over the holes

[Kim57]

I welded mine all the way around and didn't think it was that bad to do.
I tried to up-load some pics but I get a message that a security token is missing.
Kim

[Dan in Pasadena]

What am I missing? The stock cowl vent panel screws into place, why can't a solid one?

Maybe I haven't thought it through but would it show badly?

[hotrod1]

Originally Posted by Kim57

I welded mine all the way around and didn't think it was that bad to do.
I tried to up-load some pics but I get a message that a security token is missing.
Kim

Hey Kim:

I would like to see that. Maybe u could look under the couch to find your token.

[roger55]

Why use the weatherstrip at all? I think it's only there to keep warm engine compartment air from entering the cowl plenum.

[Russell Ashley]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

What am I missing? The stock cowl vent panel screws into place, why can't a solid one?

Maybe I haven't thought it through but would it show badly?

Dan, I think this is the best idea. Then when you decide that you want the vent back you can remove it and replace the original.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

What am I missing? The stock cowl vent panel screws into place, why can't a solid one?

it does, the question was asked ''how to weld it in?''

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by roger55

Why use the weatherstrip at all? I think it's only there to keep warm engine compartment air from entering the cowl plenum.

i believe the hood closes on it too, keeps the paint intact

[Kim57]

Got my pics to load.
Had to do no more than three at one time.
Kim

[hotrod1]

Wow Kim, that looks great. Thanks for getting the pics up there. Did u weld the top seam? How did u do that? The cowl piece fits over the cab?

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

Wow Kim, that looks great. Thanks for getting the pics up there. Did u weld the top seam? How did u do that? The cowl piece fits over the cab?

Welded all the way around and then just ground them down.
The window rubber should cover the top of the cowl.
Here's a pic before I welded it in.
I trimmed down the turn downs on ends to make it fit better.
Kim

[hotrod1]

Hey Kim

After seeing this, I had to go back and go through your entire thread. Very inspirational. I go through a few of the builds from beginning to end every once in a while to keep me going. In addition to yours, Kawbe's is another great build with a lot of work.

[bowt1ed]

Seeking thoughts. I (currently) plan on laying a bead of seam sealer, etc. under the edges all the way around and screwing my solid cowl piece down, in lieu of welding. Think it will keep it waterproof? Thanks, Jim

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

Hey Kim

After seeing this, I had to go back and go through your entire thread. Very inspirational. I go through a few of the builds from beginning to end every once in a while to keep me going. In addition to yours, Kawbe's is another great build with a lot of work.

Thanks for the compliments.
Kim

[roger55]

I'm of the opinion that the cowl shouldn't be sealed off for a truck that is going to be driven much. I think the functionality for fresh air into the passenger compartment is a must even with A/C installed. All vehicles from manufacturers have this capability. I remain perplexed why restorers choose to eliminate it.

Anyway, here's how I sealed the inside of the cowl up so leaking water into the cab will never be an issue. See post #27 in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...01#post7233601

[hotrod1]

Originally Posted by roger55

I'm of the opinion that the cowl shouldn't be sealed off for a truck that is going to be driven much. I think the functionality for fresh air into the passenger compartment is a must even with A/C installed. All vehicles from manufacturers have this capability. I remain perplexed why restorers choose to eliminate it.

Anyway, here's how I sealed the inside of the cowl up so leaking water into the cab will never be an issue. See post #27 in this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...01#post7233601

Hey Roger55.

Anytime I need to replace any panel or patch on my truck I go back and look at your posts. You make it look easy.

[_Ogre]

imo... all old cars/truck should have the cowl welded shut and sealed
water and rust in the cowl vent is the number one reason our trucks rust
floor rust, hinge pocket rust, front cab corner rust; all caused by water in the cowl vent
well not just water... pine needles, leaves, dirt and mouse nests too

26,000 miles on truk, i don't regret shaving the cowl at all
just my opinion, your mileage may vary

[Dan in Pasadena]

Based on what everyone's saying I'm thinking I should buy one of these closure panels and have both it AND my stock vented panel painted since my truck is in paint right now.

Anyone have a yeah or neigh comment about this?

[Kim57]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Based on what everyone's saying I'm thinking I should buy one of these closure panels and have both it AND my stock vented panel painted since my truck is in paint right now.

Anyone have a yeah or neigh comment about this?

If you like the look of the smooth cowl then go for it.
Kim

[_Ogre]

agreed, but i think you'll never go back vented if you have ac
it opens up options for speaker locations to