Ok I have never seen one do that and don't think I would give it a try on mine.
Thanks guys
Dave ----

 

All:
All of your help so far has been invaluable. I was able to disconnect the radio antenna mount from the truck and pull the wire out from base. The antenna wire had a metal cap on it that fit inside the base. I was then able to get the cowl off the truck without taking off the hood. It took my son and I to do it and lots of finesse but put me in the column with those who can say that it can be done. We managed to do it without scratching anything as well. (We'll see how it goes putting the cowl back on!)
I inspected the old sealer that was around the driver's side and think that I know where the leak is coming from. I think that it is right where the flat part of the cowl ends and the seam turns to drop vertically down behind the fender. It's going to be tough to work in there. The caulk gun is too big/cumbersome to get in there so I am thinking of squeezing some 3M sealer onto a small paint brush and "painting" into the area (after I have done my best to clean it out first.)

I have used a flat screwdriver to pry out the cracked sealer and have not really noticed any rust at all under it. I consider myself very lucky so far. I have taken a small wire brush - like a toothbrush - and scrubbed out the seam and then vacuumed afterward. I will continue this process tomorrow.

With your advice, tips and photos I am starting to feel pretty confident that I am able to tackle some of these projects to keep the Red Rider running.



You can see the radio cable in the foreground.


Prying out the old caulk and cleaning the area up prior to putting new caulk in.
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I noticed in this photo that there is a black plug in the hole next to the antenna. Is that same hole on the driver's side plugged as well? Was the large opening near the antenna covered? The same large opening on the driver's side? And finally, can you post a photo of the bottom side of the valence so I can see where the foam sealing tape is located? I'm in the process of reinstalling the valence on my truck at this time and want to make sure I get it sealed correctly.
​​​​​​​Thanks -Dan

 

DiggerRigger,

There was a large plastic plug covering the hole next to the smaller black plug near the antenna. I took it out, cleaned it up and will put it back in later. If there was a plug on the driver's side it is now long gone - but the same hole is cut there and the plug fits it if it were reversed. Do we need one there? Should I try to fabricate one somehow?

Here are the photos that you asked for. I assume that I should get the same sealing tape for when I put this all back together? What did you buy and where did you buy it?

Passenger side.


Driver's side

 

Thanks for the explanation. I will fashion a seal for the large opening. My concern was that engine compartment heat would have access to the HVAC system if that opening were left unsealed. The large, complimenting opening on the driver's side, on my truck had no cover either. It is, however, sealed from the engine compartment by the sealing foam tape.

As recommended here on this site, this is the product I used. https://www.lowes.com/pd/M-D-13-ft-x...rip/1000460601 Where the foam tape runs along the forward edge of the valence where the slotted openings are, it trimmed it a bit narrower for a tidier fit..