Whats the trick to remove the cowl?

[stangman16]

I've got both sides and the bottom completely detached from all the spot welds, but the top I have not separated yet. Seeing there is two rows, I know I can separate the top row fairly easily, but how do you separate the 2nd bottom row of spot welds without damaging the cowl?

Is it necessary to remove the windshield wiper pieces show above?

 

[BarnStang]

Looks like you have it nearly done. Also looks like you are using a spot weld cutter. THats the best way. If you have the bottom loose, you should be able to lift the cowl cover up enought to get your fingers under it? If the spot welds are cut enough, they should pop loose on that bottom row at the top wit a little flexing. If a couple are still to tight, you may need to do some additional cutting to get them loose. It also lookslike you have cut through the brass on the corners. SOmetimes it gets way under the lip (1/8th inch or so) and not just laying on top the seam. Have to get in there and work it loose.

THe cowl cover will come off over the windshield wipers. THey can be left in place. THey wil also give you a good reference when getting that final placement when putting the cover back on. Take you time and work at it till it's loose. Especially if you need to reuse it. THe real work is under the cover!

 

[stangman16]

Looks like you have it nearly done. Also looks like you are using a spot weld cutter. THats the best way. If you have the bottom loose, you should be able to lift the cowl cover up enought to get your fingers under it? If the spot welds are cut enough, they should pop loose on that bottom row at the top wit a little flexing. If a couple are still to tight, you may need to do some additional cutting to get them loose. It also lookslike you have cut through the brass on the corners. SOmetimes it gets way under the lip (1/8th inch or so) and not just laying on top the seam. Have to get in there and work it loose.

THe cowl cover will come off over the windshield wipers. THey can be left in place. THey wil also give you a good reference when getting that final placement when putting the cover back on. Take you time and work at it till it's loose. Especially if you need to reuse it. THe real work is under the cover!

Yeah - I can lift the bottom of the cowl up about an inch or so, seems I need to take a chisel and go around the top to loosen up the spotwelds I cut on the first row. I guess after 5 hours I was too anxious to get the cover off, but I will slowdown and ensure the cover doesn't sustain any damage.

Hehe, you were right about the brass, on the P/S it was about 1/8" underneath and was getting difficult to attack with the dremel tool. When I go to install the cowl, do I have to melt new brass onto those areas? I don't even understand why they used brass in the first place... unless it was easier and cost effective to use instead of just welding the corner area..?

 

[BarnStang]

Not sure. I have guessed that they assembled the car with the brass to hold things together till the spot welders hit it in the next part of the assembly line? Maybe someone else knows for sure...

You need to look at each spot weld and make sure they are loose while you flex that cover up and down. You should be able to see the edges of the spot welds. Some may need additional cutting. And make sure you got ALL of them. If it's REALLY still too tight, chances are you missed a spot weld.