Shawnb23

Awhile back I read a post on how someone welded their cowl vent's shut on their 66 mustang. I'm in the process of doing mine now and I'm wondering if they left their lower cowl intact or what method was used?

Tony R

I welded mine shut and kept everything intact. I just made patches that fit over the depretions and welded them in place with like a thousand tack welds.

Tony R

here are the only picks of the process that I have this was before I got a digital camera so this a pic of pics.

[IMG]local://upfiles/64293/AB99C5C160E545E8903CB8FB40556725.jpg[/IMG]

Shawnb23

Well I've done that also.. I was just wondering if you left your lower cowl fully intact. I wish I would've just welded them shut while the cowl was still on the car. If the wipers are sealed properly do you still think water will find it's way through?

Tony R

I would think that it should stay somewhat dry. My cowl was in good shape I just welded it because I like the look. If it is really bad I would fix it but that is just me.

Shawnb23

Yah well my corner's were rusted out around the hats, I figured If I do everything correctly water shouldn't get to the lower vent making my work done.

Tony R

You can try putting it together and see how well it is sealed. I dont know where you live or the climate you deal with but I live in Washington and it rains non stop so it would be an issue for me. If it does leak after you are done it would be a bit of a hassle to fix so i would check it before you run your wiring and install your interior.

Shawnb23

Well I'm in Illinois and It'll probably see quite a bit of rain. I just didn't wanna buy a replacement cowl nor install hats, because sooner or later it'll even leak that way. Only bad thing is my upper cowl warped a bit. Made me so mad.. was being careful not to heat it up to much and all of a sudden it got a big hump in it. I hope I can smooth it in with filler or knock it down a bit.

Tony R

mine warped a little too. I used a stud puller and pulled it out pretty good. I wouldn't buy a new panel i would just make patch panels since it will never be seen.

Shawnb23

Patch panels would be the best bet, but I've found it's so hard to get the metal to lay down in their like you want it because of the curves in the lower cowl.