cab vent install

motometal04F350 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 08:08 PM

has anybody had to put in new cab vents in their truck? just saw that mine were hacked up for some stereo the previous owner had installed. now that i am down south where it freaking pours it has become a problem leaking into the cab...got new ones from ford and not to excited about the idea that i have to pull the bed to install them? anybody have suggestions? thanks all

tjc transport · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 08:15 AM

i had the same problem. the landscaper i bought my 02 from ran wires through the vents and destroyed them. to solve the leaks, you either have to pull the bed to put in the replacements, or do what i did.
i cut some galvanized sheet metal plates to fit into the recessed area of the back panel. then i drilled the plates and back panel to fit for riveting. i put a good bead of quick drying urethane windshield adhesive in the recessed area, put the plates in, and then put a rivet in each corner and one in the center of the span on each side.
no more leaks.

since there are 2 holes in the firewall, i don't have to worry about venting when closing the doors.

bpounds · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:27 AM

Personally, I would not blank them off. I would replace with the proper part. It's pretty easy to just lift the bed in the front. No need to completely pull it. You biggest problem might be seized bed bolts, easy enough to deal with. Unless you have a util bed or something special.

tjc transport · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 11:59 AM

8 bed bolts are $110.
of the 5 beds i have pulled so far, i have only had 3 of the 40 bed bolts come apart. i think it is cheaper and easier to block them off.

bpounds · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:02 PM

Remind me to never buy a used truck from you.

tjc transport · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:35 PM

ain't got to worry about that. i usually recycle my trucks after i am done with them

motometal04F350 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 02:04 PM

so yall are saying that i dont need to pull the WHOLE bed off??? just take the front bolts out and lift it up enough to fit the vent in? or do i have to remove all the bolts and slide it back?

bpounds · #8 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 02:30 PM

I would remove all the bolts except for the rearmost 2, which I would loosen about 1/2" so that it can hinge around those. Then a floor jack under the front and it will just tip upward. You have to take the screws out of the fuel filler tube. You do not have to unplug any electricals.

See:
Powerstroke Fuel Tank Modification

motometal04F350 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 09:30 PM

thanks for the info bill. i was hoping to avoid dealing with the filler neck but i guess i gotta do it eh?

bpounds · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:15 PM

The filler neck is nothing. Just 3 sheet metal screws. Don't disconnect the hoses, just drop the metal neck.