cowl vent gasket too thick?

[PJBELFAY]

hey guys, ive restored a few cars now, I have the same problem with the cowl vent gasket on all of them. no matter how you adjust cowl vent door, repop gasket is too thick and make door stick up. Looks terrible if door isn't
perfectly flush. I think ive tried every brand there is, also tried to trim it(impossible). Am I the only guy with this issue? my 32/37/40 fords all the same. lmk

[JSeery]

Common problem, there are past threads on the topic. One method to use them is to cut them down. If I remember correctly there is also an approach of using heavy weights to get them to settle in.

[alanwoodieman]

used a foot long piece of 65 lb railroad rail and this worked but still makes operation difficult.

[19Fordy]

Gee, when I installed the DRAKE cowl vent gasket in 1978 it fit perfectly. Still does with no leaks.
Make sure you are not installing it upside down.

[mark180]

For mine, I made a couple of wooden pieces to take the place of the real cowl vent. I used carriage bolts to hold them down tight compressing the gasket over one winter. In the spring I put the real parts back in place. It worked great!

[Kube]

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Originally Posted by PJBELFAY

hey guys, ive restored a few cars now, I have the same problem with the cowl vent gasket on all of them. no matter how you adjust cowl vent door, repop gasket is too thick and make door stick up. Looks terrible if door isn't
perfectly flush. I think ive tried every brand there is, also tried to trim it(impossible). Am I the only guy with this issue? my 32/37/40 fords all the same. lmk

You are not alone....
I tend to install this gasket as soon as prudent. After a short time, the pressure of the lid will compress it somewhat. Then, I adjust the lid down a bit more. It takes patience, but works.