The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop cowl panel removal

I am rebuilding a 54 panel and need to replace the inner and outer cowl panels. The outer goes up past the vents. I can use an air chisel or cut off wheel but would rather get some advice from someone who has done this before.
This site is just great. You all are so generous with your time and knowledge.

Only tip I have is to cut the patch to fit the damage, rather than cutting the truck to fit the patch. The more original metal, with its original curves and seam placement the better. This is especially true with the outer cowl. It is a ***** to line up as the door, hood and fender all come together there. Good luck,
Steve O

I used inner replacements from Chevy Duty and they worked great. The passenger side one we took all the way out and the drivers side we cut up under the location of the arm for the air conditioning (really the AIR VENT)amd patched it in. Worked out good, helps to do the inners they replace the outers. Does take a lot of time to get the patch in without warping it if you cut around the arm slot.

Thanks for the advice. Great pictures and documentation Chuck. I particularily like Nifty 50s advice "cut the patch to fit the damage, rather than cut the truck to fit the patch" This is so obvious once stated but I would have cut up the truck. Thanks to all. I will tackle this cowl patch tomorrow.