Started cowl replacement... need advice

[soundcontrol]

Great pictures Alan! Thats some serious bodywork.


Thanks Bobby, I was just gonna change my header gaskets, then I become a member of this forum, and got inspired!   

[dodj]

Thanks Bobby, I was just gonna change my header gaskets, then I become a member of this forum, and got inspired!   

[soundcontrol]

Got my 73 back from the blaster today, looks like I'm changing the firewall and the upper cowl also.

[wagenbob]

WOW!

Maybe I should just be thankful that the previous owner of my car only used window screen and body filler instead of the "git'r'done" weld patches?

[soundcontrol]

WOW!

Maybe I should just be thankful that the previous owner of my car only used window screen and body filler instead of the "git'r'done" weld patches?

So do yours first, then teach me how to go about it!   
I'm not gonna get to it in another couple of years maybe. (if I don't find a space where I can keep 2 cars at once)

[rUNCHARGER]

Thanks to AMD though you can really make a proper repair these days and really it will probably take the same amount of hours but much better results.

Sheldon

[wagenbob]

So do yours first, then teach me how to go about it!   
I'm not gonna get to it in another couple of years maybe. (if I don't find a space where I can keep 2 cars at once)

First step is turning a 3 bedroom house into a 2 bedroom/1 parts room. I might just cut in a door to the parts room for direct garage access.

[soundcontrol]

First step is turning a 3 bedroom house into a 2 bedroom/1 parts room. I might just cut in a door to the parts room for direct garage access.

I hear you, I got parts everywhere, my house, my garage, my friends garage, a shed with body parts etc, my dad house, my work. I need a big shop, me and a friend is looking for a place.

[anlauto]

Got my 73 back from the blaster today, looks like I'm changing the firewall and the upper cowl also.

Yup...I've replaced stuff like that before...

[wagenbob]

Yup...I've replaced stuff like that before...

I was looking at the pictures of the new arrival (the challenger convertible) on your website. I can't wait to see more pictures of the restoration.

[wagenbob]

I hear you, I got parts everywhere, my house, my garage, my friends garage, a shed with body parts etc, my dad house, my work. I need a big shop, me and a friend is looking for a place.

I looked into renting a portable storage unit, but I would rather put money into the car than into rented storage space. I can make some overhead storage in the carport, but that hood is HYUUUUGE.

[redo1973]

I did my firewall and cowel at home.  Alan's approach is obviously the best.  I was successful replacing both panels by securing the vehicle by rotisserie and setting on jack stands.   I also welded cross bracing to prevent flex.  I was able to replace both without removing those side panels.  It's a slow process so be patient. Also beware of the seam sealer (flammable!).

I marked reference measurements for the inner fender bracing to the cowel.  Also remember to take measurements between inner fenders to have proper hood hinge width.  I realized to late and assemble all pieces to mark for welding.  I plug welded from inside the cabin because my welding is ugly; I'm a novice and clearly welding from the engine bay is better.

[wagenbob]

Thank you for the pics and the tips!

[soundcontrol]

Nice pictures! I have no inner fenders, and I have to replace the floor on the driver side also. This is gonna be interesting! And fun!

[redo1973]

Thanks and my pleasure.  I used the AMD product for the cowel.  I was only planning to piece in the upper firewall under the cowel so I bought a Goodmark product.  I would recommend AMD.  The Goodmark did not come with brake tabs, hose tabs or correct nuts for the steering plate.  It also seemed a little twisted and did not have a perfect match at the floor seam so I had to make it fit properly.