Blank Out Cowl for 55-59

[ptc]

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?

YEa you can leave it bolt in, it doesnt have to be welded and if you change your mind about wanting "wind on your feet" then put the 'holy' vent back in!....

I think the vent windows in these old trucks are more than enough fresh air and where it needs to be ("in your face") when the hot days are out there.... But thats just me and I like riding moto-bikes too!!!

Im welding mine in... deleting the kick panel vents altogether and putting in 1 piece glass.... so where does that leave me? -----

[_Ogre]

so where does that leave me? -----

wanting ac

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by ptc

YEa you can leave it bolt in, it doesnt have to be welded and if you change your mind about wanting "wind on your feet" then put the 'holy' vent back in!....

I think the vent windows in these old trucks are more than enough fresh air and where it needs to be ("in your face") when the hot days are out there.... But thats just me and I like riding moto-bikes too!!!

Im welding mine in... deleting the kick panel vents altogether and putting in 1 piece glass.... so where does that leave me? -----

I'm leaving the wind wings in. I love them and as you say, they do a great job of ventilating the cab. I'll likely use the non vented cowl and install speakers in the kick panels, but it'll be nice to know I can convert it back if I ever want to.

[tmoble]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

wanting ac

he's in Sacramento, when it gets both hot a humid this summer he'll be wanting that A/C.

[ptc]

Originally Posted by tmoble

he's in Sacramento, when it gets both hot a humid this summer he'll be wanting that A/C.

Humid in SAC???? is there such a thing??? When it gets hot here, probably wont even drive the truck... its bikin' weather then!

I just had a local glass guy trying to talk me out of the 1-piece glass too, driving away his own business.... but you know, IF its what the customer wants why not just go with it and do what they ask?

I figure thats why the windows ROLL DOWN.... you want air? get some fresh air like this...



- if you want AC get it!!!!




its all good! ;-)

[Task Force Era]

Originally Posted by ptc

Im welding mine in... deleting the kick panel vents altogether and putting in 1 piece glass.... so where does that leave me? -----

That's my plan on my 59! Already did the diy 1 piece side glass. Just have to get my glass cut

[ptc]

Originally Posted by Task Force Era

That's my plan on my 59! Already did the diy 1 piece side glass. Just have to get my glass cut

If you are looking for glass check this out:

http://stores.ebay.com/AUTO-CITY-CLA...vy+truck+glass

I got the rear glass and side glass with shipping for less than a local glass shop was going to do just the back glass for!!!! . So I went with these guys. They will do a complete set too with windshield if you want. any color too. and 1 shipping cost.

[Task Force Era]

Originally Posted by ptc

If you are looking for glass check this out:

http://stores.ebay.com/AUTO-CITY-CLA...vy+truck+glass

I got the rear glass and side glass with shipping for less than a local glass shop was going to do just the back glass for!!!! . So I went with these guys. They will do a complete set too with windshield if you want. any color too. and 1 shipping cost.

So what you're saying is. This right here will work on my one piece window conversion?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1959-CH...-/300878806805

[ptc]

Originally Posted by Task Force Era

So what you're saying is. This right here will work on my one piece window conversion?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-1959-CH...-/300878806805

That's what I'm hoping for. They probably got a pattern from Nurelic who makes the kits and just made a bunch of them instead of cut to order. The glass is not laminated glass and it's flat. So it can be sanded to final fit on the edges. Just don't bang the edge, it will explode.

[Task Force Era]

Originally Posted by ptc

That's what I'm hoping for. They probably got a pattern from Nurelic who makes the kits and just made a bunch of them instead of cut to order. The glass is not laminated glass and it's flat. So it can be sanded to final fit on the edges. Just don't bang the edge, it will explode.

Hmmm. This is interesting. I have a template already. Looks pretty damn close..... Did you do the diy one piece from the thread on here?

[ptc]

Originally Posted by Task Force Era

Hmmm. This is interesting. I have a template already. Looks pretty damn close..... Did you do the diy one piece from the thread on here?

No I didnt see a thread. I spoke with Nu-relic about their kit and they said it includes the template to take to a glass shop. But most of the local glass shops guys I have talked to have said that I need to buy the glass, pay a cut fee, and other fees, and tax and this and that and it costs like 150 per side!!! I said thats BS! I got a quote for $265 for just the back glass tinted, and $85 shipping fee.... CRAZY!

Thats why I ordered all 3 pieces from these guys so the tint color matches also. The windshield will be clear and I can get that from Safelite no problem.

[Speedbumpauto]

Mine was more complicated because of the chop and I had to make my own template after using the Brothers one piece electric kit. My glass guy cut both for about $150 but they're made out of safety plate instead of tempered. The safety glass is supposedly prone to cracking in a side window application and, of course, it doesn't shatter like the tempered in an emergency situation. Some might not go my route because of that but just showing the options and dollars.

[bowt1ed]

Originally Posted by Kim57

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

Can someone please remind me how far down the windshield rubber actually goes over the top of the cowl vent panel? Would truly appreciate someone posting a couple of close up pix. Thanks!

Cheers, Jim

[ptc]

When I removed my windshield it sure seemed like it was alot smaller than the hole in the body.... it sat down tight along the bottom but when I removed the rubber on the top there was like a 3/8" gap!!!! is that the way these are suppose to fit in all of them or is my roofline messed up?

Somebody had put a bunch of goop and silicone in the rubber at the top too, it must have been leaking air and water.... maybe

[bowt1ed]

Again, would appreciate any close up pix of the seal on the cowl panel.

Thanks, Jim

[_Ogre]

this is the only pic i find of my cowl vent cover without the windshield in place
the cowl vent cover is tight to the seam that holds the windshield
zero gap, i used seam sealer to make it water tight

[bowt1ed]

Thanks Ogre. I guess I'm wondering if the windshield gasket over laps the cowl panel top lip to seal. I also plan on seam sealing under it all the way around.

[dug224]

Great thread. You guys covered several topics that are on my TO DO list which saved me a bunch of time! This is why this build site is incredible. Thanks Dug

[_Ogre]

the windshield rubber does not really cover the seam
the cowl vent piece butts up to the rubber
this makes the part removable without disturbing the rubber

[bowt1ed]

thanks!