Cowl question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

polevault1977 · 02-29-2004, 12:14 PM

I am in the process of reworking a 71 cab. This is my first go at a project like this. Question, what is the provisions gm made for the rainwater that enters the cowl area to exit. I know there is the air flappers on both sides, but is that it. So many footwell areas rust out, isn't there anyway it is supposed to get out once it reaches that point?

One other side question. If you go with a smoothed cowl (filled in). How would you get outside air in esp. if you were using a vintage or old air set-up? Recirculate all the time or what?

Any help appreciated. Still learning about these great trucks.

BTW putting rockers in is a piece of cake, cab corners are a bit#$! This was my first go at any body work.

Thanks, Danny

MellowYellow70 · 02-29-2004, 02:04 PM

Well, if your were to take out the kickpanels, you'd see what loks like a small channell that the accumulated water is suppose to run out of, what it looks to be correct to me anyway.

As far as the smooth cowl, I filled one panel in, but didn't like it much, so I copied the old vacuum actuated chevelle cowl doors, so as more throttle is pressed, I get more inlet air. In theory it works, haven't had it on the road yet though

barn9 · 02-29-2004, 03:03 PM

Not sure about the consequences of totally smoothing the cowl as far as air control. But your question brings up another thought that I was just discussing with a couple other board members. Like I told them, the thing I could kick myself for was not eliminating the radio antenna from the cowl. I cuss that thing every time I wash my truck, as well as every time it moves because I cannot keep it tight. Plus, I have thought about a cover for the truck, and it is in the way for that too. The best option for cowls is to put screen under it to keep debris out. And like Mellow said, clean the drain holes out to get the needed water drainage. Good luck on the project, and take some pics and share with us.

polevault1977 · 02-29-2004, 03:26 PM

Thanks for the responses. I'll be hacking on my footwells next. I'll find the water channel you are talking about. I've just never been there. I'll probably shave the antenna hole. Hadn't really thought about that. Good idea. Not really proud of my cab corners though, i'll post a couple of pics when i get them completely finished. Those things take a lot of massaging to get the fit right. I really admire efab and folks that are good at this. Practices makes perfect. thanks agian, Danny

02-29-2004, 12:14 PM	#1
polevault1977 Pick'n up the pieces! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Marietta, Oklahoma Posts: 198	Cowl question I am in the process of reworking a 71 cab. This is my first go at a project like this. Question, what is the provisions gm made for the rainwater that enters the cowl area to exit. I know there is the air flappers on both sides, but is that it. So many footwell areas rust out, isn't there anyway it is supposed to get out once it reaches that point? One other side question. If you go with a smoothed cowl (filled in). How would you get outside air in esp. if you were using a vintage or old air set-up? Recirculate all the time or what? Any help appreciated. Still learning about these great trucks. BTW putting rockers in is a piece of cake, cab corners are a bit#$! This was my first go at any body work. Thanks, Danny

02-29-2004, 02:04 PM	#2
MellowYellow70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Gower, MO. Posts: 222	Well, if your were to take out the kickpanels, you'd see what loks like a small channell that the accumulated water is suppose to run out of, what it looks to be correct to me anyway. As far as the smooth cowl, I filled one panel in, but didn't like it much, so I copied the old vacuum actuated chevelle cowl doors, so as more throttle is pressed, I get more inlet air. In theory it works, haven't had it on the road yet though __________________ If patience is truely a virtue, Then I am so screwed 1970 Chevy SWB 331 sbc and all the goodies. Under resurection 2001 Vette

02-29-2004, 03:03 PM	#3
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	Not sure about the consequences of totally smoothing the cowl as far as air control. But your question brings up another thought that I was just discussing with a couple other board members. Like I told them, the thing I could kick myself for was not eliminating the radio antenna from the cowl. I cuss that thing every time I wash my truck, as well as every time it moves because I cannot keep it tight. Plus, I have thought about a cover for the truck, and it is in the way for that too. The best option for cowls is to put screen under it to keep debris out. And like Mellow said, clean the drain holes out to get the needed water drainage. Good luck on the project, and take some pics and share with us. __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

02-29-2004, 03:26 PM	#4
polevault1977 Pick'n up the pieces! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Marietta, Oklahoma Posts: 198	Thanks for the responses. I'll be hacking on my footwells next. I'll find the water channel you are talking about. I've just never been there. I'll probably shave the antenna hole. Hadn't really thought about that. Good idea. Not really proud of my cab corners though, i'll post a couple of pics when i get them completely finished. Those things take a lot of massaging to get the fit right. I really admire efab and folks that are good at this. Practices makes perfect. thanks agian, Danny



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.