PonchoPowered
04-19-2021, 05:36 AM
Hi guys, I’m replacing the lower cowl on a 1968 Firebird. This is my first time trying to fit in an aftermarket component and I have no experience with auto body work. So, naturally, I have a few questions.
I removed the old cowl and cleaned up the edges on the firewall. I still have to do some patch work but I decided to set the new cowl in place and see how it fits. Overall, its pretty good but there are some large gaps around where it sits on the side cowl (not sure what it’s called, I’ve seen several different names). Because of the compound curve, I didn’t think I’d be able to hammer it into shape. So I was thinking I’d have to cut and add material to bring the rear curve further down. And then where it goes up toward the a-pillar, I should be able pull it or hammer it to fit where needed. Is this typically how something like this would be done? Or is whatever works the right way? What techniques do you guys use to make aftermarket panels fit? Any advice would be appreciated. I’ve included some pictures below. You can kind of see the gaps I’m referring to if you zoom in.
As it sits in the picture, the fender mount surfaces are in approximately the same location as the original.
187321
187322
187323
I know this is work that should be done by a professional, but I’ll never learn if I don’t try. Besides, doing the work yourself is half the fun right? Appreciate the help.
Eric B.
I removed the old cowl and cleaned up the edges on the firewall. I still have to do some patch work but I decided to set the new cowl in place and see how it fits. Overall, its pretty good but there are some large gaps around where it sits on the side cowl (not sure what it’s called, I’ve seen several different names). Because of the compound curve, I didn’t think I’d be able to hammer it into shape. So I was thinking I’d have to cut and add material to bring the rear curve further down. And then where it goes up toward the a-pillar, I should be able pull it or hammer it to fit where needed. Is this typically how something like this would be done? Or is whatever works the right way? What techniques do you guys use to make aftermarket panels fit? Any advice would be appreciated. I’ve included some pictures below. You can kind of see the gaps I’m referring to if you zoom in.
As it sits in the picture, the fender mount surfaces are in approximately the same location as the original.
187321
187322
187323
I know this is work that should be done by a professional, but I’ll never learn if I don’t try. Besides, doing the work yourself is half the fun right? Appreciate the help.
Eric B.