How to take off cowl?

[Chowder Head]

Probably a stupid question, but how do you take off the windshield cowl? You know, that plastic black piece the wipers are on right by the windshield.

I want to get a coat of fresh flat black on it because it's looking pretty crappy. Don't want to break anything, lol.

Thanks!

 

[5.0_GT_kid]

Well not sure how to take it off, but I have an easier solution for ya!

1: Wash that piece of real well with whatever car wash soap you use.

2: Put about 2 coats of this product on there. http://www.duragloss.com/product.asp?pid=285

That's what I've been using on mine and it works excellent and makes that piece look like new.

 

[Chowder Head]

Well not sure how to take it off, but I have an easier solution for ya!

1: Wash that piece of real well with whatever car wash soap you use.

2: Put about 2 coats of this product on there. http://www.duragloss.com/product.asp?pid=285

That's what I've been using on mine and it works excellent and makes that piece look like new.

I should of asked before I got all the primer and paint and stuff. I'll keep that in mind for next time though, lol.

But since I got the stuff already, might as well give it a try. Hell, anything is better then the sunbaked piece I have on now.

 

[CManT1914]

There are about 2341850923850 screws holding it in place along the firewall. Those have to come out, windshield wipers have to come off (obviously) then the top portion pops off.

 

[03REDFIRE]

Listen I know this from experience. My mirrors on the 94 were so faded I thought I would have to buy new ones same for that cowl. Go to any Automobile paint supply and buy a product called TRIMBLACK. I wet sanded the cowl and mirrors with 1000 grit sandpaper and washed and cleaned them then I taped everything off with masking tape and newspaper sprayed them with 3 light coats of Trimblack and I swear you cannot tell they look exactly as my 2003 Gts mirrors and Cowl.

I was actually going to do a write up on this but my Digi camera broke and i know threads suck without pics


Get wet/dry 1000 grit sandpaper
wet paper and cowl with water and sand entire cowl
wash off with water and wipe clean with lint free cloth
mask entire Cowl off with masking tape
extend masked off areas with newspaper no such thing as overkill only over spray so newpaper galore
(old bed sheet over rest of car is not a bad Idea)
Spray with Evercoat Trim black 3 light coats let dry remove tape and newspaper and mirrors and cowl are like new again.

 

[03REDFIRE]

This is exactly what you want if you have a spray gun get the canister if you dont get the rattle can ...they have Flat black and Satin black MAKE SURE YOU GET SATIN BLACK its a exact match to our OEM mirrors and Cowl

http://handsontools.com/store-products-Refinish-Detailing-Paints-Chemicals-Paints-Colors-Trim-Bumper-FEC2631-%3Cfont-color=red%3E%3Cb%3EFiberglass-Evercoat-Black-It-Out-Trim-Paint,-12-oz-Aerosol%3C-b%3E%3C-font%3E_9069.html

 

[mo_dingo]

mask it off instead of removing it, trust me....

Just make sure you start with 400 or 600 sandpaper, then move to 1000 wet then 1500 wet, then primer/paint.

Do the mirrors and taillight bezels while you are at it. Just mask everything off with masking paper, so much easier in the long run.
Scott

 

[03REDFIRE]

mask it off instead of removing it, trust me....

Just make sure you start with 400 or 600 sandpaper, then move to 1000 wet then 1500 wet, then primer/paint.

Do the mirrors and taillight bezels while you are at it. Just mask everything off with masking paper, so much easier in the long run.
Scott

400-600 is too aggresive for plastic unless you have deep scratches of course after 400 you will have deep scratches

 

[Methodical]

Here's how you take it off. 1st remove the wiper arms (lift up and slide the little metal lock thingies). 2nd open the hood and remove the rubber seal to expose about 4-5 plastic screws. 3rd remove the screws and the cowl will come off. (you may have use a flat head screwdriver to put upward pressure to remove the plastic screws). 4th remove the windshield washer tube (this may be a bit... but it will come off). That's it. Easy as pie. Peace