The Ford Barn

4d fjord · 03-07-2026, 09:15 PM

Has anyone had success with using weatherstrip cement instead of the provided non-authentic flathead countersunk screws to fasten the rubber cowl lacing. Maybe the heat and vibration would be a concern? Thanks.

TJ · 03-08-2026, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4d fjord

Has anyone had success with using weatherstrip cement instead of the provided non-authentic flathead countersunk screws to fasten the rubber cowl lacing. Maybe the heat and vibration would be a concern? Thanks.

Frankly I would avoid using weatherstrip cement. Put it back just like Ford did it. It will be there for a long time and look better.

19Fordy · 03-08-2026, 03:28 PM

4d: I just took these photos of my 40 Ford cowl lacing. I can't remember for sure but, I think the OEM piece was cork or a canvas material, not rubber. My piece is 44 in. long with 11 short flat head screws that can screw in flush with the rubber strip. There are 11 screws with the center screw on the apex of the curve in front of the cowl vent. I put just a tiny dab of clear silicone in each screw hole to help hold the rubber in place. The end of the weatherstrip is 3 1/2 in. from the side of the cowl where it curves downward and the two pieces of sheet metal meet on the side of the cowl. I'm pretty sure Mike ("Kube") knows for sure.

petehoovie · 03-08-2026, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

4d: I just took these photos of my 40 Ford cowl lacing. I can't remember for sure but, I think the OEM piece was cork or a canvas material, not rubber. My piece is 44 in. long with 11 short flat head screws that can screw in flush with the rubber strip. There are 11 screws with the center screw on the apex of the curve in front of the cowl vent. I put just a tiny dab of clear silicone in each screw hole to help hold the rubber in place. The end of the weatherstrip is 3 1/2 in. from the side of the cowl where it curves downward and the two pieces of sheet metal meet on the side of the cowl. I'm pretty sure Mike ("Kube") knows for sure.

19Fordy · 03-08-2026, 04:45 PM

Thank you sir.

4d fjord · 03-08-2026, 05:09 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Thank you sir.

Thanks again guys for your wisdom and pics. Thanks, Pete, for the enlargements. I'm going with the screws!

19Fordy · 03-08-2026, 06:16 PM

4d: good decision. Use a dad of sealent on the screws to keep water out.

Dec211975 · 03-08-2026, 08:39 PM

I have a 39 pickup, I was contemplating using plastic push pins like on modern cars. It will never be judged as original.

19Fordy · 03-08-2026, 08:42 PM

That's ok as long as they look good and fit properly under the hood. If possible, post a photo of the push pin you plan to use. Might help others.

03-07-2026, 09:15 PM	#1
4d fjord Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 20	1940 cowl lacing Has anyone had success with using weatherstrip cement instead of the provided non-authentic flathead countersunk screws to fasten the rubber cowl lacing. Maybe the heat and vibration would be a concern? Thanks.

03-08-2026, 04:45 PM	#5
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,916	Re: 1940 cowl lacing Thank you sir.

03-08-2026, 06:16 PM	#7
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,916	Re: 1940 cowl lacing 4d: good decision. Use a dad of sealent on the screws to keep water out.

03-08-2026, 08:39 PM	#8
Dec211975 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Monroe, Wi Posts: 274	Re: 1940 cowl lacing I have a 39 pickup, I was contemplating using plastic push pins like on modern cars. It will never be judged as original.

03-08-2026, 08:42 PM	#9
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,916	Re: 1940 cowl lacing That's ok as long as they look good and fit properly under the hood. If possible, post a photo of the push pin you plan to use. Might help others.