Notices
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

cowl vent installation

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 10:13 AM
  #1  
hivolt5.0's Avatar
hivolt5.0
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Fort Walton Beach, FL
cowl vent installation

I know this is probably a dumb question, but how do you install the cowl vent on a '48?

When I got the truck it was all taken apart and I'm trying to determine how to put it all back together. Looking at the cowl vent mechanism it looks like it installs from the top (based on the dimples around the bolt holes), but for the life of me I can't figure out how to manuver the thing into position.

Obviously installing from the bottom would be much easier, I just want to put it in the right way.

thanks,
David
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 10:34 AM
  #2  
Kusto's Avatar
Kusto
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 2
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
It takes lots of patience and if you are in final paint I would suggest placing some masking tape around the edges of the opening so you don't scuff the paint. Make sure that all the joints are well lubed and move freely first so it will make it easier to adjust it to fit in from the top. You may need to function the vent into different open/closed positions to get it to fit in.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 10:39 AM
  #3  
hivolt5.0's Avatar
hivolt5.0
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Fort Walton Beach, FL
So it does fit in from the top...wow. Luckily the truck is in primer so I don't have to worry about scratching fresh paint. Guess I'll keep working with it until I figure out the secret. Thank you for your help Kusto!
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 01:42 PM
  #4  
Kusto's Avatar
Kusto
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 2
From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
If you close your left eye, lift on your left leg, and spin around three time rubbing your stomach saying "mmmmm doughnuts" then give it a try it should slip right in....LOL

thats how I got mine out......
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 05:42 PM
  #5  
rhopper's Avatar
rhopper
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
Club FTE Silver Member

I just took mine out the other day. I removed the spring loaded bolt to allow movement of the arm, then lifted and rotated the assy counter clockwise 90 degrees. Took about three tries, but when you get it right it comes right out. I'll masking tape it when I assemble it, however.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 09:23 PM
  #6  
hivolt5.0's Avatar
hivolt5.0
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Originally Posted by Kusto
If you close your left eye, lift on your left leg, and spin around three time rubbing your stomach saying "mmmmm doughnuts" then give it a try it should slip right in....LOL

thats how I got mine out......


I'll give that a try. Surely it can't hurt?
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 09:46 PM
  #7  
Julies Cool F1's Avatar
Julies Cool F1
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
I've found it quite a bit more manageable to get in when the cover is removed from the mechanism too.

J!
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 09:56 PM
  #8  
xfordman's Avatar
xfordman
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 863
Likes: 2
From: Grain Valley Mo.
Makes you wonder how a lazy, drunk, over paid autoworker could do it in 53 seconds don't it. LOL....Rod
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 10:22 PM
  #9  
bobj49f2's Avatar
bobj49f2
Hotshot
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Community Builder
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,887
Likes: 3,129
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Yeah, the trick is to remove the nut and bolt. Just have to remember how it all goes back together. I've done it many times.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2008 | 10:58 PM
  #10  
ALBUQ F-1's Avatar
ALBUQ F-1
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,298
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Originally Posted by bobj49f2
Yeah, the trick is to remove the nut and bolt. Just have to remember how it all goes back together. I've done it many times.
...and DON'T grease the track or the washer tensioned by the spring when you put it together, unless you want to drive with your right foot holding the lever to keep it open!
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2008 | 09:02 AM
  #11  
hivolt5.0's Avatar
hivolt5.0
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Fort Walton Beach, FL
To all, thank you for the feedback. Hopefully I can give the recommendations a try tonight or sometime this weekend.

You guys ROCK!!!!!
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2008 | 01:33 PM
  #12  
Woodsman_30350's Avatar
Woodsman_30350
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 519
Likes: 0
From: Comfort, TX
Getting the vent in is easy. Getting a new seal in is the challenge.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:43 PM
  #13  
hivolt5.0's Avatar
hivolt5.0
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 175
Likes: 3
From: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Using the suggestions mentioned above I was able to install the vent mechanism.

I took out the adjustment bolt and the sucker almost fell into position!

Thanks again for your help!
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2008 | 10:04 AM
  #14  
tip49's Avatar
tip49
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 138
From: Alberta Canada
Sheepish question

Anyone have a picture of the tensioning bolt/spring ? I dismantled the vent about 2 years ago, and of course have misplaced the parts for re-assembly.
 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2008 | 10:44 AM
  #15  
Julies Cool F1's Avatar
Julies Cool F1
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
Hi Tip,

I have the line drawing from the parts manuals I can scan in and post, or I can go out and take a picture of mine up under the dash all put together. Which do you think would be most helpful?

Julie!

PS Had a picture somewhere but can't find it now!

Edit note: Found this on another thread it's 53-55. If you have a Bonus Built or need a photograph, let me know!



Other side view:

 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:58 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE