Everyone,

As I was searching the forum for tips on putting a cowl vent seal on it seems like it is a PITA on these 53-56s(or every truck for that matter).

It seems like I need about another 3/4 inch on this thing to where I wouldnt have to stretch it out to wrap all the way around. (Dang thing is all twisty) Oh well. I saw Sam's suggestion he used "clothes pins". That seems like a good idea. I was trying to use some small metal wood clamps.

Any other suggestions???

Thanks

Patrick

 

my son says weld it closed.. then you won't have this problem!!..

sam

 

HA. Im even a crappier welder.

 

I'm welding mine shut and yanking all the stuff out from under the dash too. It was all buggered up and rusted apart anyway. Makes more room for wiper mechanicals and other stuff anyway.

 

I opened this thread with the full intention of making some smart comment and posting this picture...



but it seems like we have a consensus. lol

 

there was a post about using a different gasket material. I was thinking of trying that myself..

Sam

 

On my 49 I took the old gasket off and sealed it with clear silicone...no more leaks!

 

The vent on my 50 works just fine and doesn't appear to leak though I have only had it out in the rain twice. Maybe I should not mess with it or should i go ahead and get another gasket and put that in??? Opinons welcome and if anybody has a picture of the gasket installed with tips it would be welcome.
jim

 

Try putting the seal in boiling water for a couple minutes and put it on hot.

 

^^ X2 Warm it up.

 

I have never tried the boiling/heating up method..but would certainly give it a try.
I got a seal ,along with alot of other parts when I made the truck purchase..and like a few others on here, that was well over 8 yrs ago. It sat brand new in an un-opened/sealed bag during that time,when I got to the point of installation..I fought dry-fitting it for at "least" 2 hrs.It was too stiff and twisted as mentioned above., Always seemed to be about 3/4-1" short.

I ended up buying a new one from mid-50, came in a week later. It was so soft and easy to work with..I could have put it on with my feet.10 min tops install time. The difference made me rethink the remaining seals..vent glass,the new hollow door seals etc;..

Don't overlook the trial/dryfitting before you start applying glue.

I'm thinking I may try the boil/heating method on the wing glass seals before re-ordering after reading this post.. Thank's!

 

I remember as a kid putting car models together: when it came time to put the tires on the wheels, the directions said to soak the tires in hot water for several minutes before slipping the tires on the rims... good advice then and still good today for all things rubber...

 

I agree on the boiling water---that's how you get replacement grips ready to install on Klein lineman pliars---works like a charn.

 

I might have to try that one.


Like cmoritz, I also stated mine was twisted and seem a little short. I might try the boiling water method and if it still seems short and too twisted I might just buy another one like you.

Patrick

 

I like the later suggestions. It's much easier to just say weld it up. Some may want to keep the vent. You have to work through these difficulties.