55-59 cowl seal

[Speedbumpauto]

Seems there were some threads here on the subject but I didn't find them with the search. I'm ready to install this thing but the Soffseal came with no clips. That got me to thinking. Has anyone left this thing off? It's actually quite ugly and I've gone to considerable effort to make the firewall clean. What would be the possible side effects? Vibration? This is on a toy, not a work truck. Thoughts?

[OrrieG]

I would think it was designed primarily to keep water from being pulled into the engine compartment, secondarily for dust and vibration. Cowl induction hoods work because there is a negative pressure created in the area where the hood meets the windshield. For a toy driven in nice weather probably not needed, but take a look at the vibration/paint wear between the hood and cowl.

[Speedbumpauto]

Kind of my thoughts also. Since I didn't fill the holes where it would go, I thought of some rubber bumpers like the hood bumpers, or maybe a smaller size, in the holes for the vibration issue. Would look a lot neater, just not seal.

[_Ogre]

I left the seal on. Figured it would save the paint on the hood and cowl. I have the holes but glued the strip down

[Highsider]

Would having the seal in place prevent an unexpected downpour from drenching the sbc distributor?

[Speedbumpauto]

Interesting question. It won't on mine because I moved the center of the firewall back 5 inches for the big block so the distributor is back in a recess. I would think the channels and the firewall ridge I didn't remove would keep most of the water directed down the sides. I've pretty muchly decided to try the bummpers since I still have the holes and if I don't like it I can put the seal on. It's just a little more annoying with the hood on.

[G&R's57GMC]

Thats what they make glue for ....

[dwcsr]

The seal it an attempt at sealing off the engine compartment from the fresh air intake for the cab. Its supposed to prevent exhaust and gas fumes from being pushed into the cowl vent

[1958Warrior]

If your holes are there ,seal it up, glue it down and party on .

[Speedbumpauto]

I'm going to try the bumpers first. If, indeed, there's a need for that thing messing up the firewall/cowl, I can put it on later. I'll post a pic when I get the hood on and am ready for the first trip around the block.

[G&R's57GMC]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

The seal it an attempt at sealing off the engine compartment from the fresh air intake for the cab. Its supposed to prevent exhaust and gas fumes from being pushed into the cowl vent

'Attempt' is right considering the factory didn't even use seam sealer on the pinch weld on the firewall.

Even with all the holes filled with wire grommets, bolts, gaskets and dash pad fumes still come through the pinch weld area. The factory figured 'its a work truck' . At that point in time trucks were utilitarian.

Don't forget to use seam sealer in the cab.

[1project2many]

One thing I've seen: Wiper blades don't live as long without the cowl seal. All that heat blowing over the blades takes its toll and they start to chatter in a short time. I drove my truck daily in "pre-restoration" condition and I used to have to change blades every couple of months.