The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors What is this

I’m going to try this question here as it didn’t get a response in “Paint & Body”


This question is about a 1941, but I’ll guess it could be the same for other years. If you have never had your dash off you may have never seen this. There is a structural cross member under the dash that runs between the front door posts and supports the cowl. In the center of this cross member are the mounting holes for the windshield regulator and the hole that the windshield regulator crank passes through. OK no problem with identifying these, but just to either side of these holes are a couple of tabs bent downward. They were formed by cutting a “U” shape in the steel and bending it down. Each of the two tabs has a hole about 3/16” drilled through it. What was supposed to be attached here??

I just looked under my dash. I have the same thing. I've never noticed them before. Maybe it's for tying (or hanging) the wiring in place. :confused:

Interesting thought, but most of the wiring does not go past this point. I was thinking that it might be a guide for the metal strip on the windshield regulator. Or possibly a support for some part of the defroster ducts. :confused:

Did you ever find out?... I looked under mine and can't find what your refering to.

Just found em'... Nothing attached though. I did notice that they are not tapped with threads, just a 1/8" hole. Petey's still pretty original and I thought I could answer this. I would like to know if you find out.

OK.....not sure if this is intended use, but on my '40, I have a spring running from tab to end of cowl vent handle assembly ( holds vent closed ? )

Guys, these may be holes used during manufacture. Attaching points for a gimbal, or hanger or something that never was never meant for an installed part.

Nope I have not found what they are for. 55NAPCO has an interesting idea, but I'm not convinced. In my mine it would be more likely in a modern truck with today's automated manufacturing techniques. Maybe he is correct and maybe there is someone out there who knows for sure.

Britcon: Maybe the '40 is different, my cowl vent lever has a very strong detent that holds it in several positions including shut. It could be they were used in earlier years for springs and not eliminated when no longer needed

i have it in my 47 1st I LIKE 55Napco theary back then thay used meny things for gides and often used timp parts in the manufacturing prosses just like i bet many os us do in are shops.

My 39 has the cowl spring attached there.