Looking for advice. Having driven multiple roadsters with and without cowl vents they're a necessity in my book. In building my wife's T roadster I'd like to convert the original cowl fuel door into a cowl vent. In doing so, I'm looking for suggestions on how to build a handle and locking mechanism to open/close it easily from the driver's seat. Brookeville makes them but damn expensive. My '55 F100 had one as well, and I'm certain there are 1000 more cars that did too. So lets hear it. Is there one that's easily obtainable that could be modified to work? Have you built your own and are you willing to share your ideas? Heck, do you have an old one you'd be willing to sale? My '27 T Roadster build: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t= 734383
That'd be great JW, thanks! I always appreciate how helpful you are! My '27 T Roadster build: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t= 734383
The one for a 32 Ford & 33-34 Ford Truck would be a simple adaptation I think. They are pretty straightforward. They repo all the parts for them I am pretty sure, Speedway sells a fiberglass lid and some of the other parts.
I had thought this out a little for my car and was going to use a curved alternator bracket welded to a base to mount to the vent, a bolt with spring and make a handle. I dunno if that's enough info to picture it but that was my plan..
56don, thanks. I've got the steel door, I just need the mechanism to make it all work. I suppose I could build something, but for $50 maybe this would save me all of that trouble: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/1932-F...-Kit,8451.html That's a good idea, but I'm thinking adjusting it at highway speeds could be difficult.
saw this earlier, they are using motorized side window parts. might help. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=673847
Adjust tension on the bolt with a spring through it, put the handle in a comfy enough spot you could adjust at any speed.
Paul, initially I imagined the adjustability you mentioned being on the firewall... Rethinking what you said it would be better suited mounted on the dash. Hmmm, wing nut maybe?
a second on '32. It is very short fore and aft, which you will need. I don't have one here at work to describe, but I think mounting will come down to 2 simple tabs with a hole in each...the ratchet is simple and self contained, with a little spring pulling the teeth into the notches.
look at picture posted by xix32 here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=568882&highlight=1932+cowl+vent One tab on door, one tab on body, the loof you see is where a lever belongs. Barely more complex than your mail slot!
For my 1948 Chevy panel truck I bought a small electric motor kit at a Daytona Speedway Turkey Rod run vendor. I'm sure they are available many places. Push the remote once and the vent opens half way. Push again to full open. Once more to closed. Kool! That way there is no handle to be in the way of the AC. Ooops. Not traditonal but in Florida it's helpful and I still like vents on top and on the side. Don't do like a friend did with his Model A with fuel tank removed. He gased it up the old way---once!
Hi Eric, This is the Willys item and they don't come more basic that that. You could put more notches where needed. JW
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