12-27-2013, 01:49 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 917
|
55-59 cowl seal
Seems there were some threads here on the subject but I didn't find them with the search. I'm ready to install this thing but the Soffseal came with no clips. That got me to thinking. Has anyone left this thing off? It's actually quite ugly and I've gone to considerable effort to make the firewall clean. What would be the possible side effects? Vibration? This is on a toy, not a work truck. Thoughts?
|
12-27-2013, 02:04 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 8,800
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
I would think it was designed primarily to keep water from being pulled into the engine compartment, secondarily for dust and vibration. Cowl induction hoods work because there is a negative pressure created in the area where the hood meets the windshield. For a toy driven in nice weather probably not needed, but take a look at the vibration/paint wear between the hood and cowl.
__________________
1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project |
12-27-2013, 02:38 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 917
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
Kind of my thoughts also. Since I didn't fill the holes where it would go, I thought of some rubber bumpers like the hood bumpers, or maybe a smaller size, in the holes for the vibration issue. Would look a lot neater, just not seal.
|
12-28-2013, 08:33 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Motown
Posts: 7,680
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
I left the seal on. Figured it would save the paint on the hood and cowl. I have the holes but glued the strip down
__________________
cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer |
12-28-2013, 09:32 PM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Southern Iowa
Posts: 944
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
Would having the seal in place prevent an unexpected downpour from drenching the sbc distributor?
__________________
Jimi J from I-Oh-Way '57 Panel 3105 Met this deer... Roof Swap on my Panel Jim's Bread Truck Last edited by Highsider; 12-28-2013 at 10:44 PM. |
12-29-2013, 12:23 PM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 917
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
Interesting question. It won't on mine because I moved the center of the firewall back 5 inches for the big block so the distributor is back in a recess. I would think the channels and the firewall ridge I didn't remove would keep most of the water directed down the sides. I've pretty muchly decided to try the bummpers since I still have the holes and if I don't like it I can put the seal on. It's just a little more annoying with the hood on.
|
01-01-2014, 02:19 AM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Shasta Lake, CA.
Posts: 1,624
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
Thats what they make glue for ....
__________________
Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275 |
01-01-2014, 02:24 AM | #8 |
Hollister Road Co.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Houston
Posts: 6,131
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
The seal it an attempt at sealing off the engine compartment from the fresh air intake for the cab. Its supposed to prevent exhaust and gas fumes from being pushed into the cowl vent
|
01-01-2014, 03:10 AM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Mesquite,Tx
Posts: 416
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
If your holes are there ,seal it up, glue it down and party on .
|
01-01-2014, 12:58 PM | #10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 917
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
I'm going to try the bumpers first. If, indeed, there's a need for that thing messing up the firewall/cowl, I can put it on later. I'll post a pic when I get the hood on and am ready for the first trip around the block.
|
01-01-2014, 02:36 PM | #11 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Shasta Lake, CA.
Posts: 1,624
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
Quote:
'Attempt' is right considering the factory didn't even use seam sealer on the pinch weld on the firewall. Even with all the holes filled with wire grommets, bolts, gaskets and dash pad fumes still come through the pinch weld area. The factory figured 'its a work truck' . At that point in time trucks were utilitarian. Don't forget to use seam sealer in the cab.
__________________
Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275 |
|
01-01-2014, 08:17 PM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lakes Region NH
Posts: 3,200
|
Re: 55-59 cowl seal
One thing I've seen: Wiper blades don't live as long without the cowl seal. All that heat blowing over the blades takes its toll and they start to chatter in a short time. I drove my truck daily in "pre-restoration" condition and I used to have to change blades every couple of months.
|
Bookmarks |
|
|