Cowl panel removal help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bhemingson · 03-16-2019, 08:46 PM

I took off the wipers, the 4 bolts and the screws. Under the cowl to hood seal I found 6 evenly spaced nuts on bolts or studs. Off course they are rusted solid and just spin. Any idea how to access the heads? Are they even stock?

**Stocker** · 03-16-2019, 08:55 PM

Mine's in the shop so I can't look at it...... I seem to recall stainless steel screws in those locations. Definitely not what your pic shows. I wonder if a PO replaced the screws with what you have now, possibly due to the screws not holding anymore because of rust? Maybe try grabbing what you can with visegrips, then twist & pull up at the same time.

Astro-Balls · 03-17-2019, 12:51 AM

Try putting a putty knife under the cowling to lift it up as you turn the heads of the bolts, hopefully they will come out, otherwise you will need to drill them out.

cornerstone · 03-17-2019, 12:55 AM

Grinder or cutoff wheel?

**GMCPaul** · 03-17-2019, 10:13 AM

Putty knife or screwdriver under edge of cowl applying upward pressing while removing should do the trick otherwise the grinder cut-off wheel definely will just be careful if you take that route it doesn't grab and gouge into the cowl accidently.
Paul Sr @ GMCPauls

External · 03-17-2019, 12:34 PM

If you cannot get to the nuts, how does reassembling go?
Several things I haven't attempted yet cause I just dont know.

**GMCPaul** · 03-17-2019, 12:36 PM

Most likely a machine screw with hex head rather than a bolt and nut.

**Boog** · 03-17-2019, 01:10 PM

You may be able to use something like a j clip fastener or clip nut.

bhemingson · 03-17-2019, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMCPaul

Most likely a machine screw with hex head rather than a bolt and nut.

Best guess. They were pan head machine screws held in place with electricians tape. A drill and my new Milwaukee cut off tool made short work. Obviously they not stock once out so I could look at them. What did GM use originally? Stainless screws would seem the best.

67swb72klb · 03-17-2019, 09:26 PM

The only stainless screws were the ones exposed on the grille part of the cowl. But could be used in that area also.

**GMCPaul** · 03-18-2019, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhemingson

What did GM use originally?

Phillips pan-head sheet metal screw's with captured washer and black oxide finish.
Paul Jr @ GMCPauls

03-16-2019, 08:46 PM	#1
bhemingson Registered User Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Vancouver BC Posts: 162	Cowl panel removal help I took off the wipers, the 4 bolts and the screws. Under the cowl to hood seal I found 6 evenly spaced nuts on bolts or studs. Off course they are rusted solid and just spin. Any idea how to access the heads? Are they even stock? Attached Images

03-16-2019, 08:55 PM	#2
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,722	Re: Cowl panel removal help Mine's in the shop so I can't look at it...... I seem to recall stainless steel screws in those locations. Definitely not what your pic shows. I wonder if a PO replaced the screws with what you have now, possibly due to the screws not holding anymore because of rust? Maybe try grabbing what you can with visegrips, then twist & pull up at the same time. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

03-17-2019, 12:51 AM	#3
Astro-Balls Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Nor Cal Posts: 822	Re: Cowl panel removal help Try putting a putty knife under the cowling to lift it up as you turn the heads of the bolts, hopefully they will come out, otherwise you will need to drill them out.

03-17-2019, 12:55 AM	#4
cornerstone Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Azle,Texas Posts: 2,248	Re: Cowl panel removal help Grinder or cutoff wheel? __________________ Brian 1972 C10, "Loyd", LWB to SWB, 5.3, L83/6L80e, 4:11 Tru Trac, Air Ride, VA, DD, 20" Coys, 4 wheel disc, A quick LS swap turned into a 6 year frame off resto-mod.

03-17-2019, 10:13 AM	#5
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,721	Re: Cowl panel removal help Putty knife or screwdriver under edge of cowl applying upward pressing while removing should do the trick otherwise the grinder cut-off wheel definely will just be careful if you take that route it doesn't grab and gouge into the cowl accidently. Paul Sr @ GMCPauls __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

03-17-2019, 12:34 PM	#6
External Registered User Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Louisiana Posts: 185	Re: Cowl panel removal help If you cannot get to the nuts, how does reassembling go? Several things I haven't attempted yet cause I just dont know. __________________ '72 Chevy Custom Deluxe Highlander. Med Olive/White 350/200 ps,pb and Air Conditioning!

03-17-2019, 12:36 PM	#7
GMCPaul Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Rockville,In. USA Posts: 3,721	Re: Cowl panel removal help Most likely a machine screw with hex head rather than a bolt and nut. __________________ Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM

03-17-2019, 01:10 PM	#8
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,514	Re: Cowl panel removal help You may be able to use something like a j clip fastener or clip nut. Attached Images __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

03-17-2019, 09:26 PM	#10
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,471	Re: Cowl panel removal help The only stainless screws were the ones exposed on the grille part of the cowl. But could be used in that area also. __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project



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