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Once you get the body on the original stock frame that huge bump up of a transmission cover won't be needed and in all likelihood the stock cover will work..
About the vent, in my panel I have the Vintage Air unit, eliminated the vent. On high humidity days and on cooler mornings the windows fog up pretty bad and defroster doesn't work all that well because the A/C unit is only recycled air so you have to crack open the side windows. I also have the solid side glass which I prefer for the looks but the side vent windows would be a blessing in those times. This next build I'm planning on keeping the cowl vent and side window vents. I have the same set up in both my pickup and panel but the pickup doesn't fog up as bad as the panel which I think is because of the size of the inside space..
Way ahead of you re: the trans hump/floor. I already have replacements on hand, but am waiting until I have the the cowls and rockers done, and probably until after I have the stock frame under it.
Thanks for the insight on the vent. I live in a very dry climate, but still good to know. I also haven’t decided if I’m going with stock or solid side windows. I have a way to go before I need to make any concrete decisions...
I was suspicious about that John . I ( out of being cheap ) am using an underdash AC unit along with all salvaged under hood pieces , so I kept a modified fresh air heater along with the fresh air capability . I am surprised that the vintage air is a problem even without outside air . Does the AC not cycle on defrost as with factory systems ?
Vintage Air is a closed system and doesn't use outside air, it's like having a factory system on Max air. I have no complaints with the unit as it will force you to wear a parka if you put it on high...It's just on the cooler humid mornings or late evenings the fogging takes place but if the cab is vented to draw out the humidity by cracking open the side windows the defroster can do it's work..
Wow, whole new firewall! Luckily mine was OK. Looks great!
Well, two piece, but better than what was there. Thanks for the compliment!!
The company I work for has shut down for the time being, so I plan to take some advantage here and get a bit more done on my truck while I can. Today I plan to get those halves fit up tight.
The latest: so, I’ve been able to spend a bit of time on my truck, and have managed to cut out the passenger side cowl, little by little. (I replaced both cowls back in the mid-00’s, and it was a pain back then with just factory spotwelds to deal with. Boy, I DID NOT want those replacements to come out. EVER.)
I remember having to section the bottoms of the cowls about an inch or so to get them to fit right. At the time, I thought it was just the crappy Chinese quality control that had them a bit long. I had hoped, when I ordered these, that the problems I had laid on the Asians would have been improved a little by now, given that it’s been 10 years and who knows how many dozens of these things have been sold. Nope!! Has anyone else ever had this issue?
And, life… Again. I won’t bore everyone with a ton of specifics, but about a year ago my wife and I moved from California to Arizona. It’s been an adventure, and now I think we’re settled enough that I can finally get back to my panel truck. Stay tuned!!
You got me John, My pride and joy, 56 Panel, I really haven't done anything to for years. Still got the 56 Pickup at the third bodyshop and the 53 Panel is sitting out front of the shop because I needed the room.
and the 53 Panel is sitting out front of the shop because I needed the room.
Well at least yours is close to the shop ! I have to finish my current project before getting to my panel (likely my last project) but I get sidetracked doing R & D on panel things. Can't wait to get started
Sorry for mini thread hijack.
