'55 F-100 Cowl vent

[Joe T.]

Our '55 F-100 was a basket case. I see how the cowl vent "lid" bolts to the hinges. I see no other parts to make it function other than maybe a long rod with a sort of gear on each end. I'm assuming the vacuume type parts are for the wipers ? Any schematics or explanations appreciated. Thanks, Joe

[Randy Jack]

If you buy a 1955 Ford Truck Shop Manual, all these kinds of questions are answered with pictures and full removal/install directions. This maunal can be found on eBay and many other sites.

[Julies Cool F1]

Here's a drawing of the 56 vent - it's very similar if not the same.

Randy Jack has a good point - if you are going to restore you need to get the books. Also, there are lots of threads on this stuff if you use the search function.

[dawolverine]

Mine was missing the open/close handle etc - I've just put an electric linear actuator on it rescued from under a modern car seat. Very easy to do and it works very well.

[SCD]

dawolverine
How about a picture of what you did? I have been thinking about doing this. What kind of car did you get the actuator from?
Thanks
Scott

[Huntfamily53]

Originally Posted by dawolverine

Mine was missing the open/close handle etc - I've just put an electric linear actuator on it rescued from under a modern car seat. Very easy to do and it works very well.

I am curious as well...I would like to see how it was done.

[dawolverine]

Give me a day or two and I'll get some pics for you - I removed the actuator from a seat runner off a late model ford seat (I think its from an escort or similar). It works on a worm screw that pushes a small metal bracket forward - I trimmed the bracket end to match the cowl hookup point and bolted the two together with a spacer for clearance. I mounted the other end to a couple of little custom brackets I made up as my trucks dash brace was missing. I was surprised how easy it was to do to be honest, it only took me a couple of hours and that includes all thinking time

[dawolverine]

Ok, heres a side view from the passenger side of my install. There are a couple of other pictures on my photobucket site as well if you're interested. follow the link below then check out 'most recent uploads.

you can't see the mounting points on the pics but its basically a single long bolt on the bottom of the actuator which attaches it to the C-shaped channel. That channel then goes back to the dash where i flattened the end and bolted it. An 'L' bracket also attaches the dash end to the centre dash brace for stability. You can just make it out in the picture).

The silver upright has the worm screw inside that moves it up or down - I bolted that at the top to the original cowl bracket with a spacer. This allows the cowl bracket to pivot nicely as it lifts/closes. It all sits solid as a rock and works a charm.

The top angled brace holds up my wiper motor by the way.

Pictures by dawolverine - Photobucket

[merten]

Originally Posted by Joe T.

a long rod with a sort of gear on each end.

The rod connects the seat platform, for fore and aft seat adjustment.

[Joe T.]

Thanks for the info !! I was afraid that rod had to fit under the dash. Its bad enough trying to find a spot for a computer and Ron Francis fuse box.