Replacing a cowl panel Hi the right side of my cowl is dented in. I bought the replacement cowl from classic parts and wanted to know if anyone has changed one. How hard is it? What drill bit should I use? Have any pictures? Thanks Rico
I have not replaced them yet, but I will need to in the near future. Best thing to do if you are unfamiliar with the process, is to google using different terms. Read through as many blogs/build threads as you can. Some guys explain the process in great detail, others do not. Youtube is another great resource. Hope the links below help. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=629357&showall=1 http://www.customclassictrucks.com/techarticles/1107cct_chevrolet_cab_repair/photo_13.html
Some pics in this album...http://picasaweb.google.com/rpettycustommurals/JimS53# and here... https://talk.classicparts.com/showthread.php?t=7677
Get you a spot weld cutter from HF. You will need that. I used a torch to melt the lead out of the upper joint just below the mirror mount. Use a sander to expose all of the spot welds and start cutting them out. Not that hard to do N
Make sure you wear a respirator and work outside when you melt the lead out. the fumes are very toxic and can cause neurological damage.
Cowl top So I got everything loose except for the very top part. How much lead is in it? Does it go all the way across? Is melting it the only way to do that? I've never done something like this and it's a little bit challenging to say the least. I broke all the rivets free but it seems it go's into the top part of the metal a ways underneath it. [/URL][/IMG] [/URL][/IMG]
I tried to find a picture for you and ran across this article from Classic Trucks. Its got pictures of the whole process. http://www.customclassictrucks.com/techarticles/1107cct_chevrolet_cab_repair/viewall.html
That's awesome Root, thank you very much.. I did finally get the cowling off on the bottom inside this piece is some rust and a little hole. Should I replace or just fill in with a piece of metal an weld it up.. Thanks for all the help guy's, this should probably be pinned for other people wanting to know the steps how to do these. [/URL][/IMG] [/URL][/IMG]
That small of a hole, jus patch it up. Be shure to paint the inside of that panel before welding it back on to prevent more rust for the future.
man I wish my truck had that much metal left under the cowl panel. on the drivers side the inner cowl panel is non existent.
Reselling You guy's are making me feel good. I keep thinking what a mess! Guess mine really isn't that bad. I just got done welding up what I call a hack job someone did to this floorboard.. [/URL][/IMG] [/URL][/IMG]
Thank you Coral, yours looks real nice too. I just tac welded my cowl in today Going to finish welding tomorrow.
Looks good coralhead.... How did the inner to outer cowl panel match up to the curvature of the outer cowl? My new ones are way out. Any more pics of those installs?
The inner to outer C channels are always a little tricky. Truckshop has a new one. I have bought a pair for my truck, but have not installed them yet. They look much more accurate.
