47-55.1 Need help with cowl to dash brace

[51 3600]

Sometime in the distant past a previous owner of my '51 3600 had a fender bender forcing the steering column up, damaging the column mounting point bottom side of the dash. Repairs were made and all functioned again but new dash end mounting tabs on the brace had to be fabbed and welded onto the brace. Repair done on the farm by the looks and not a body shop. Don't know if the brace is the correct length or just made to work (most likely) but I think it's too long as I have to pull the dash forward to fit it in place. I'd like to replace it if anybody has one they'd part with or can tell me a source for one.

Then when I had floor pans, etc. replaced my body man decided to do me a favor and reshape the bent portion of the dash around the column bracket. Did a fine job but filled in the holes in the dash where the bracket mounts. Can anyone give me some dimensions so I can locate and drill the holes for the steering column bracket?

'Preciate any help.

[nvrdone]

check out craigslist spokane. there's a guy in Athol who sells only AD parts. He should be able to help with a proper brace and may even be able to provide dimensions.

[mr48chev]

I just got home from being gone for most of the last 4 days for my daughter's wedding.

If my old brain works in the morning I'll go out and do some measuring. I've got the top half of a cab with the full dash still in it that is real easy to flip over and measure and photograph. I need to move i a few feet anyhow. The last time I looked the original firewall to dash braces that I have that I could part with are all broken at the firewall.

[51 3600]

Originally Posted by nvrdone

check out craigslist spokane. there's a guy in Athol who sells only AD parts. He should be able to help with a proper brace and may even be able to provide dimensions.

Thanks for the lead Nvrdone. I gave him a call and he said he probably has one but he doesn't ship. Bummer. Suggested I try some of the salvage yards in AZ so that's my next search.

[mr48chev]

This is measured from the kick panel in with a framing square.

The tape measurements while trying to beat the irrigator didn't come out very well.

The brace that is out is broken right where most of them break. That may be from years of guys using the steering wheel to pull themselves up in the truck.

The brace in the red 51 cab looks good but I'll have to undo the bracket for the cowl vent to see if I can get it out to look at it. I'm cutting that cab in half across the floor and the middle of the roof and anything off the front half is fair game and up for grabs.

[51 3600]

Thanks mr48chev, very helpful. I wasn't very specific in asking for the dimension I needed. Besides the one you gave me, I need the distance from the back edge of the dash towards the steering wheel. This locates the column drop/bracket at the correct angle for the column.

Thanks again and hope you don't get wet.

BTW, no luck on salvage yards so far.

[51 3600]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

The brace in the red 51 cab looks good but I'll have to undo the bracket for the cowl vent to see if I can get it out to look at it. I'm cutting that cab in half across the floor and the middle of the roof and anything off the front half is fair game and up for grabs.

mr48 if that brace from the 51 is retrievable I'd be interested in getting from you. Most likely in better shape than the one I have. Just let me know what you need. Thanks

[mr48chev]

I'll see if I can get it out without too big of a fight.

[51 3600]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I'll see if I can get it out without too big of a fight.

Thank you so much for the extra effort.

[mr48chev]

I haven't forgotten you, The wife wants to do's have taken up my time in the past couple of days.

[51 3600]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I haven't forgotten you, The wife wants to do's have taken up my time in the past couple of days.

Quite alright. Gotta take care of wifey, she's first priority. In fact I'm off to Chicago on Saturday, returning on the 7th so nothing I could do with that brace right now anyway. I'll check in here while away or send me a pm with any info.

[mr48chev]

I got it out, I don't suggest trying to put one in with the dash in place. It gave me a real fight getting it out.

It looks good except for the rust but I lost the bolts with the shoulders on them when I knocked them out. I'll have to go back out and hunt for them.

It fits in an 18 x 6 x 2 box so I'll hunt down a box while you are out of town.

[51 3600]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I got it out, I don't suggest trying to put one in with the dash in place. It gave me a real fight getting it out.

It looks good except for the rust but I lost the bolts with the shoulders on them when I knocked them out. I'll have to go back out and hunt for them.

It fits in an 18 x 6 x 2 box so I'll hunt down a box while you are out of town.

That looks great! Rust doesn't bother me, I can deal with that. Importantly it's not all bent and deformed. I remember the struggle getting mine out but if it came out, it will go back in (rolling eyes). I'll pm my contact info.

[mr48chev]

I'll dig up a box and get shipping figured out. I can't send stuff without the shipping being paid beforehand anymore.