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Author Topic: cowl questions  (Read 1629 times)

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Offline waldo786

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cowl questions
« on: July 22, 2012, 09:31:38 PM »
So I've been working on my grandfather's pinto, and it seems there is a small leak in the cowl some where.  I'm going to have to do some more digging and taking apart, but has anyone ever welded one of these closed.  I'm thinking instead of worrying about it and the fact that there are no replacement cowls available for these cars (as opposed to say Mustangs) maybe that would be a good option.  I thought about welding that shut and maybe opening up the side openings a little more to let in some air for ventilation or maybe somehow run a line out to the front of the car for fresh air.  Anyone done this or thought about doing it before so they can fix their cowl and not have to worry about any more water getting in there?

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: cowl questions
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2012, 11:08:14 PM »
There could be a rusted out area or the seals around the vents could be leaking if the drains are clogged. 1st thing you need to do is determine where the water is coming in at.
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Offline waldo786

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Re: cowl questions
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2012, 09:32:19 AM »
Thanks for the tip, I will be pulling off the fenders and getting a better look in there hopefully soon.  I did pour some water in the cowl and it's leaking a little but not terribly bad.  It does come out so they are not completely clogged but I did see some pine needles and stuff in there so there is some clog issues in there - it's not totally clean.  I'll keep you updated as I move forward with the project.  Thanks again!

Offline Pinto5.0

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Re: cowl questions
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2012, 07:29:17 PM »
I cleaned mine by pulling both fenders & both under dash vents/heater core & used compressed air & long bottle cleaning brushes(taped to a wood dowel rod) from the cowl vent in, from the drains behind the fenders into the cowl & up through the interior vent openings.
 
I blew 32 years worth of crap outta there & thought it would never stop coming out. If you have rusted areas you will find them with everything out from under the dash. Check the vent seals for cracks but they're usually fine.
 
After the cowl was clean & dry I jacked up each side of the car one at a time & poured black Rust Oleum paint in the cowl till it ran out the drains & let it dry. I also used spray cans & stuck my hand up the vent holes & sprayed in every direction.
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'80 hatch(Restoring to be my son's 1st car)~Callisto
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Offline TIGGER

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Re: cowl questions
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2012, 04:04:41 AM »
Make sure you replace the seam sealer along the pinch welds when you take the fenders off.  I had leaks on both side on my crusing wagon.  Also check the wiper posts.  It took me a while to track down all my leaks but I found them.  Just take your time.
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Offline waldo786

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Re: cowl questions
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2012, 09:39:14 AM »
Thanks for the reply.  I have a suspicion the wiper posts may be leaking as well.  How did you go about sealing those up?  Do you have to do that from the inside?  Thanks!

Offline TIGGER

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Re: cowl questions
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2012, 07:13:07 PM »
The wiper posts are fairly easy however it has to be done from under the dash.  Three bolts hold each post on.  I removed all the old gasket and just used that 3m strip calk stuff, basically black clay.  I did the screws as well just to be sure it was sealed.
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