Well, I really appreciate all the trouble you guys have gone to with the measuring.
The dimension from kick plate to edge of fan hole is 4 3/4". The measurement from kick plate to center of lower support bolt is 13 3/4". I don't know how, but it is 3/4" off. Where the kick plate hits the firewall, there is no space there, if you move it, you are making the truck wider at the hood hinge. Not a good idea at this point in the restoration. I see a slight bend out in in the kick plate, looks like right below the fresh air hole it bows out just a little and there is some kind of inner - curved support inside between the outer skin and the kick plate. No extra space. I could see pushing it there (and breaking the paint on the inside and outside) but that won't change the dimension from the fan hole to the side of kick plate at the fire wall. Up at the top of the kick plate - above the fresh air make up as you can see in Lonnie's picture, that is welded right there, so I don't see that moving. I am beginning to think it was built like this. so my options seem to be 1) to basically restart the restoration on the right side of the cab after I try to push the metal out, and maybe end up with a cluster-foo. 2) put the plate back on and get a cold beer while I look for a recirc unit. Or 3) modify the fresh air fan with a piece of plastic between the fan housing and radiator housing to adapt for the 3/4" distance (using 1/4" HDPE plastic sheet). It would basically be an oblong /oval piece of plastic with a round hole in the center. I think I can do it where it would be hard to see while sitting in the seat. The question there is would it be an insult to the Chevy god /how would that be if I am trying to keep it mostly original.
Did I miss any options? Advice?
