Cowl water drainage holes - where are they - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67gmcstepside · 10-18-2011, 01:30 PM

I washed the truck today and water was pouring out of the kick panel vents. It's been parked under a pine tree with the cowl off and it looks like the drainage holes are clogged by pine needles. Where are the holes that drain the water to the bottom of the fender. I was just about to install the new carpet but now with this new challenge that we have to wait. Any information would be appreciated, thanks.
don
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**steinepstein** · 10-18-2011, 01:51 PM

They are located directly below the kick panel vents. I'd remove that vent and stick your hand in there and see if you can remove stuff by hand and the rest blow it out with an air gun.

Jon

67gmcstepside · 10-18-2011, 06:51 PM

Thanks Jon, the PO must of done some patching because I don't feel any holes below the air vent. Maybe I need to drill some. I'll play with it this weekend. Thanks again
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**steinepstein** · 10-18-2011, 08:23 PM

It's not really a hole, it is more of an open seam between the cowl sheetmetal and the cab sheetmetal, it's quite large, you would notice it. That would be weird if it was filled in, I could see how you could have a lot of water draining into the cab if that were the case. Good luck.

67gmcstepside · 10-19-2011, 06:32 AM

So this open seam should be right under the air vent? If you stick your hand through the vent your fingers should feel tis opening?
Thank you very much as I think I know what needs to be done.
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**steinepstein** · 10-19-2011, 09:07 AM

I'll get you a picture and upload it tonight.

I feel like you could get your hand in the vent hole and find the gap.

67gmcstepside · 10-19-2011, 10:41 AM

thank you very much. A pic will go a long way. Last night in the dark I felt around inside the vent hole and it felt like ther PO patched the area with roof cement. I probally will have to dig it out.

Andy4639 · 10-19-2011, 11:08 AM

If you jack the side of the truck up and look under the fender you will see the gap where all the water runs out at. You shouldn't have any problem finding it at all if it's closed up as you say then yea the water will spill over to the cab.

mpotts64 · 10-19-2011, 11:17 AM

I put a 12" metal blade on a sawzall and reached in through the door and cut the whole bottom out of that box, now, leaves, pinestraw, etc fall right on through, no holding water and it works well

treveiger · 10-19-2011, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpotts64

I put a 12" metal blade on a sawzall and reached in through the door and cut the whole bottom out of that box, now, leaves, pinestraw, etc fall right on through, no holding water and it works well

I'm trying to picture it, do you have any pics?
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mpotts64 · 10-19-2011, 01:14 PM

I have not taken pics of it but I can, it was not hard at all to do, just open the door and go in the opening between the fender and door post of the cab, between the hinges, start close to the side and cut up and out until you run out of metal, when you open the door and look in, you can see the box, just don't cut the side out of the cab,

now, I must say, I do not know about the all the factory a/c setups on these trucks, but I think I heard someone say the side panel vent is actually a recirculation vent for the factory a/c, maybe someone can confirm this, if so, you probably do not want to cut that box

dfwright · 10-19-2011, 01:28 PM

Here's a picture of mine I took while I was repairing rust. You can see the drain hole in the back corner. Ignore the giant rectangular hole, as I was cutting out rusted metal there

--- but you can see the triangular drain hole in the corner.

67gmcstepside · 10-19-2011, 01:32 PM

Guys, this is great!!! I now know exactly what I have to clear to get the water to run out instead of in the cab. I apprecate all these responses!!!

dfwright · 10-19-2011, 01:36 PM

Yes, that is the drivers side in the photo

71blazerdetroit · 10-19-2011, 01:37 PM

Yes that's driver side.

PanelDeland · 10-19-2011, 03:27 PM

When you get ready to reinstall the cowl,put a screen under it.Some make one from HD stuff or most vendors will carry them.It will help keep the crap out so it doesn't clog those drains.

**RenoKeene** · 10-19-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

When you get ready to reinstall the cowl,put a screen under it.Some make one from HD stuff or most vendors will carry them.It will help keep the crap out so it doesn't clog those drains.

Here is a shot of the trash screens I got from LMC, pretty nice really and not much $$. BTW A/C trucks have a vacuum operated flap in the cowel on that side that opens for fresh air.

67gmcstepside · 10-19-2011, 06:18 PM

Looks like the PO thought he was fixing a rust problem and replace the entire air vent box but forgot to add any drainage holes. I wiill have to go with mpotts attack and cut out the bottom of the nicely sealed air box.
Thank you all for your time responding to my inquires.
don
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eightbanger · 10-19-2011, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steinepstein

I'll get you a picture and upload it tonight.

I feel like you could get your hand in the vent hole and find the gap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67gmcstepside

thank you very much. A pic will go a long way. Last night in the dark I felt around inside the vent hole and it felt like ther PO patched the area with roof cement. I probally will have to dig it out.

Yes we've all been there, in the dark feeling around inside trying to find the hole/gap

...and how we wished a buddy could have shown a picture of where to find it.

67gmcstepside · 10-19-2011, 07:15 PM

Well said!
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sinannasirli · 01-13-2021, 03:50 AM

Hi, i know this is an old thread but easier for all for me to post here..
i noticed two holes, one in each side below the cowl area..
Are they a somehow added by PO, to drain the water (strangely into the cab) or
should these holes be blocked by a rubber plug etc?

Picture below

taken from inside the glove box)

Thanks

**HO455** · 01-13-2021, 04:00 AM

I believe those are the factory holes to allow condensation on the inside of the windshield to drain. You should be able to see them just below the windshield gasket on each side of the dash.

sinannasirli · 01-13-2021, 09:04 AM

Thank you.. that would make sense.. i just replaced my cracked windshield, and it was not the best fit... so i should probably try a sealant job?

Peanut74 · 01-13-2021, 11:16 PM

Here are a couple pics of the factory cut as discussed above.
My fenders are off so pics were easy to take. The A-pillar I to the right of the cut.

10-18-2011, 01:30 PM	#1
67gmcstepside Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: jackson Posts: 676	Cowl water drainage holes - where are they I washed the truck today and water was pouring out of the kick panel vents. It's been parked under a pine tree with the cowl off and it looks like the drainage holes are clogged by pine needles. Where are the holes that drain the water to the bottom of the fender. I was just about to install the new carpet but now with this new challenge that we have to wait. Any information would be appreciated, thanks. don Posted via Mobile Device

10-18-2011, 01:51 PM	#2
steinepstein Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 374	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they They are located directly below the kick panel vents. I'd remove that vent and stick your hand in there and see if you can remove stuff by hand and the rest blow it out with an air gun. Jon __________________ Project Burro Viejo: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3778216

10-18-2011, 06:51 PM	#3
67gmcstepside Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: jackson Posts: 676	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Thanks Jon, the PO must of done some patching because I don't feel any holes below the air vent. Maybe I need to drill some. I'll play with it this weekend. Thanks again Posted via Mobile Device

10-18-2011, 08:23 PM	#4
steinepstein Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 374	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they It's not really a hole, it is more of an open seam between the cowl sheetmetal and the cab sheetmetal, it's quite large, you would notice it. That would be weird if it was filled in, I could see how you could have a lot of water draining into the cab if that were the case. Good luck. __________________ Project Burro Viejo: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3778216

10-19-2011, 06:32 AM	#5
67gmcstepside Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: jackson Posts: 676	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they So this open seam should be right under the air vent? If you stick your hand through the vent your fingers should feel tis opening? Thank you very much as I think I know what needs to be done. Posted via Mobile Device

10-19-2011, 09:07 AM	#6
steinepstein Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 374	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they I'll get you a picture and upload it tonight. I feel like you could get your hand in the vent hole and find the gap. __________________ Project Burro Viejo: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3778216

10-19-2011, 10:41 AM	#7
67gmcstepside Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: jackson Posts: 676	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they thank you very much. A pic will go a long way. Last night in the dark I felt around inside the vent hole and it felt like ther PO patched the area with roof cement. I probally will have to dig it out.

10-19-2011, 11:08 AM	#8
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they If you jack the side of the truck up and look under the fender you will see the gap where all the water runs out at. You shouldn't have any problem finding it at all if it's closed up as you say then yea the water will spill over to the cab. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

10-19-2011, 11:17 AM	#9
mpotts64 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Texarkana, AR Posts: 123	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they I put a 12" metal blade on a sawzall and reached in through the door and cut the whole bottom out of that box, now, leaves, pinestraw, etc fall right on through, no holding water and it works well __________________ No one ever fell to the top of a mountain. When asked why I work on old trucks, I tell them: Been married 27 years, sons are pretty much gone, don't like the wife anymore and don't have a girlfriend, so, gotta do something, the old trucks are cheaper and less drama than a girlfriend -

10-19-2011, 01:14 PM	#11
mpotts64 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Texarkana, AR Posts: 123	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they I have not taken pics of it but I can, it was not hard at all to do, just open the door and go in the opening between the fender and door post of the cab, between the hinges, start close to the side and cut up and out until you run out of metal, when you open the door and look in, you can see the box, just don't cut the side out of the cab, now, I must say, I do not know about the all the factory a/c setups on these trucks, but I think I heard someone say the side panel vent is actually a recirculation vent for the factory a/c, maybe someone can confirm this, if so, you probably do not want to cut that box __________________ No one ever fell to the top of a mountain. When asked why I work on old trucks, I tell them: Been married 27 years, sons are pretty much gone, don't like the wife anymore and don't have a girlfriend, so, gotta do something, the old trucks are cheaper and less drama than a girlfriend -

10-19-2011, 01:28 PM	#12
dfwright Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 1,374	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Here's a picture of mine I took while I was repairing rust. You can see the drain hole in the back corner. Ignore the giant rectangular hole, as I was cutting out rusted metal there --- but you can see the triangular drain hole in the corner. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C10 LWB, 350/350 Deconstruction began 5/2009, mostly completed restoration, 5/2017

10-19-2011, 01:32 PM	#13
67gmcstepside Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: jackson Posts: 676	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Guys, this is great!!! I now know exactly what I have to clear to get the water to run out instead of in the cab. I apprecate all these responses!!! Last edited by 67gmcstepside; 10-19-2011 at 01:45 PM.

10-19-2011, 01:36 PM	#14
dfwright Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 1,374	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Yes, that is the drivers side in the photo __________________ 1972 C10 LWB, 350/350 Deconstruction began 5/2009, mostly completed restoration, 5/2017

10-19-2011, 01:37 PM	#15
71blazerdetroit Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: detroit, mi Posts: 67	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Yes that's driver side. __________________ 71 Blazer, 350/700r4/241 1 tons dana 60 14 bolt 5.13's locked

10-19-2011, 03:27 PM	#16
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they When you get ready to reinstall the cowl,put a screen under it.Some make one from HD stuff or most vendors will carry them.It will help keep the crap out so it doesn't clog those drains. __________________ 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"



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10-19-2011, 06:18 PM	#18
67gmcstepside Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: jackson Posts: 676	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Looks like the PO thought he was fixing a rust problem and replace the entire air vent box but forgot to add any drainage holes. I wiill have to go with mpotts attack and cut out the bottom of the nicely sealed air box. Thank you all for your time responding to my inquires. don Posted via Mobile Device

10-19-2011, 07:15 PM	#20
67gmcstepside Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: jackson Posts: 676	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Well said! Posted via Mobile Device

01-13-2021, 03:50 AM	#21
sinannasirli Registered User Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Turkey - Istanbul Posts: 54	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Hi, i know this is an old thread but easier for all for me to post here.. i noticed two holes, one in each side below the cowl area.. Are they a somehow added by PO, to drain the water (strangely into the cab) or should these holes be blocked by a rubber plug etc? Picture belowtaken from inside the glove box) Thanks __________________ Istanbul - Turkey 1969 Chevy 4x4 Suburban - i6 250 ci 1953 Willys CJ-3B - 1969 Opel GT 1996 Lotus Elan s2 - 1993 Lotus Esprit s4 1995 Maserati Ghibli - 2000 Porsche Carrera 4 1958 BMW R26

01-13-2021, 04:00 AM	#22
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,350	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they I believe those are the factory holes to allow condensation on the inside of the windshield to drain. You should be able to see them just below the windshield gasket on each side of the dash. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

01-13-2021, 09:04 AM	#23
sinannasirli Registered User Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Turkey - Istanbul Posts: 54	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Thank you.. that would make sense.. i just replaced my cracked windshield, and it was not the best fit... so i should probably try a sealant job? __________________ Istanbul - Turkey 1969 Chevy 4x4 Suburban - i6 250 ci 1953 Willys CJ-3B - 1969 Opel GT 1996 Lotus Elan s2 - 1993 Lotus Esprit s4 1995 Maserati Ghibli - 2000 Porsche Carrera 4 1958 BMW R26

01-13-2021, 11:16 PM	#24
Peanut74 Registered User Join Date: May 2018 Location: Prattville, AL Posts: 611	Re: Cowl water drainage holes - where are they Here are a couple pics of the factory cut as discussed above. My fenders are off so pics were easy to take. The A-pillar I to the right of the cut. Attached Images __________________ -------------------------------------------------------- 1967 C10 "Snowball" (Currently in a thousand pieces down from a bazillion) 1989 Toyota DLX pickup "The Hulk"

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