The Ford Barn

dpson · 08-21-2017, 04:08 PM

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I just installed a new stainless steel cowl band on my 1931 Roadster and let me say for cars that have had repair work on the lower front quarter panels, be prepared for a real struggle. The major problem is that with any filler or replacement panels the attaching bolts are likely going to be too short. If you don't have the original holes in the quarter panel (like I did) you are also going to need to cut a hole for the attaching bolts. Next you will need to lengthen the attaching bolts, I'm not a welder, so my solution was to cut the attaching bolts and use a internally threaded connector typically found at the local hardware store, also get a couple 3" sections of threaded rod to use to make the attaching bolts longer. Then the real struggle is to get the attaching bolts through the mounting brackets on the inside of the quarter panel. The mounting bracket is nearly inaccessible and the best way to see what your doing is to use a mirror placed on the frame and viewed from the engine compartment, the hood will need to be up or removed. Take your time and work one side at a time. For me it was an all day job, primarily because there were no holes in the quarter panel to start with.

Attached are some photos of the lengthened attaching bolt and the hole that had to be cut in the quarter panel. The original cowl band on the car was held on with sheet metal screws and the hole can be seen in one of the photos.

Needless to say I'm glad that job is over.

08-21-2017, 04:08 PM	#1
dpson Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Montpelier, VT Posts: 223	1930/31 Cowl Band Installation Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I just installed a new stainless steel cowl band on my 1931 Roadster and let me say for cars that have had repair work on the lower front quarter panels, be prepared for a real struggle. The major problem is that with any filler or replacement panels the attaching bolts are likely going to be too short. If you don't have the original holes in the quarter panel (like I did) you are also going to need to cut a hole for the attaching bolts. Next you will need to lengthen the attaching bolts, I'm not a welder, so my solution was to cut the attaching bolts and use a internally threaded connector typically found at the local hardware store, also get a couple 3" sections of threaded rod to use to make the attaching bolts longer. Then the real struggle is to get the attaching bolts through the mounting brackets on the inside of the quarter panel. The mounting bracket is nearly inaccessible and the best way to see what your doing is to use a mirror placed on the frame and viewed from the engine compartment, the hood will need to be up or removed. Take your time and work one side at a time. For me it was an all day job, primarily because there were no holes in the quarter panel to start with. Attached are some photos of the lengthened attaching bolt and the hole that had to be cut in the quarter panel. The original cowl band on the car was held on with sheet metal screws and the hole can be seen in one of the photos. Needless to say I'm glad that job is over.