body part
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 4
You might be able to buy one as a replacement body panel, but I highly doubt it. Your best bet is a junkyard. Any cowl panel from 80 to 96 will fit, but 87 to 96 is an upgrade since the design of the cowl panel doesn't let leaves go through into the cowl, the heater, and the cab.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
That's called the cowl. It's what allows air to flow through to the fresh air vents down in the kick panels, and I believe directs air to the heater box. This way you can get air flowing through the cab if it's raining or some such without worrying about it getting in the cab.
You might be able to buy one as a replacement body panel, but I highly doubt it. Your best bet is a junkyard. Any cowl panel from 80 to 96 will fit, but 87 to 96 is an upgrade since the design of the cowl panel doesn't let leaves go through into the cowl, the heater, and the cab.
You might be able to buy one as a replacement body panel, but I highly doubt it. Your best bet is a junkyard. Any cowl panel from 80 to 96 will fit, but 87 to 96 is an upgrade since the design of the cowl panel doesn't let leaves go through into the cowl, the heater, and the cab.
1987-1991 is the best match for an upgrade.
The 1992-1996 have two squirter nozzels, and the cowl does not match the contour of the 1980-1991 hoods correctly.
Without the cowl, your heater or A/C wouldn't function as this is where the air comes from to operate them. Also why leaves entering the cowl can cause heater fires.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 505
Likes: 7
I can testify to the 80-86 cowl letting in A LOT of leaves. I filled up my shop vac (7.5 gallon capacity) TWICE with leaves from under the cowl and inside the fender well. Evidently no one had ever done cleaned that area out. Towards the bottom of the fender wells the leaves had turned into some of the finest compost you could ever want.
I didn't know that the later-model cowls would fit. I think I will be making this upgrade in the near future.
I didn't know that the later-model cowls would fit. I think I will be making this upgrade in the near future.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
Yup... 87-91. The main difference is the 80-86 has open slots and the 87-91 is perforated with holes. It's a lot harder for leaves and crap to get in to it.
With that said if you're around Philly and you want an 80-86 one I have one in very good shape I'll give you...
With that said if you're around Philly and you want an 80-86 one I have one in very good shape I'll give you...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,826
Likes: 101
From: Martinsburg, WV
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
Where are you located?
I have one off of my '85 that I will let go.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ford-lover1995
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
May 29, 2011 03:04 PM
Thudpucker
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Mar 26, 2002 10:04 AM