I closed up my cowl vents by welding sheet metal in the openings and finishing it out. It looked good but I had to have a window open a little (or the wing vent) just about all the time or the car was stuffy. Even at 55-60 deg it was stuffy since there was no outside air coming in at all. You'd be surprised how much difference a little outside airflow makes. I wouldn't do it again.
did you do it as a hot-rod customization, or to stop water entering through a rusty cowl? Got any pictures? just curious to see it
How bout a kit that welds shut (a smooth panel between hood and windshield) and have duct/hoses that allow "fresh" air to enter through modified radiator support.
Another way would be a kit (maybe $2000 plus labor) to provide side of front fender vents like the 55/56 T-Bird.
Leave it to a mechanical engineer to make things.....well more mechanical. Why not just tell the guy that the part he needs it a piece of sheet metal. Next thing we know, you will be telling us you designed those vents in the 30's.
Now as to the vent or not vent debate. I have noticed that for a long time that the fans run continually when you turn the engine on and in some cases when you just turn to the accessory position whether you have the controls set to vent or not. Even my '65's do this. While I have never seen this documented, I believe it is a safety thing to prevent CO2 poisoning probably borrowed from the HVAC industry which has a standard for a 10% air exchange in commercial applications and in some places homes as well. So closing off your cowl vent is probably not a good idea unless you always run with you windows down.
Leave it to a mechanical engineer to make things.....well more mechanical. Why not just tell the guy that the part he needs it a piece of sheet metal. Next thing we know, you will be telling us you designed those vents in the 30's.
Now as to the vent or not vent debate. I have noticed that for a long time that the fans run continually when you turn the engine on and in some cases when you just turn to the accessory position whether you have the controls set to vent or not. Even my '65's do this. While I have never seen this documented, I believe it is a safety thing to prevent CO2 poisoning probably borrowed from the HVAC industry which has a standard for a 10% air exchange in commercial applications and in some places homes as well. So closing off your cowl vent is probably not a good idea unless you always run with you windows down.
Guess I need to make more liberal use of Ha Ha and LOL!
How bout a kit that welds shut (a smooth panel between hood and windshield) and have duct/hoses that allow "fresh" air to enter through modified radiator support.
Another way would be a kit (maybe $2000 plus labor) to provide side of front fender vents like the 55/56 T-Bird.
Actually, those early 'Birds had both the side inlet doors and ducts from the rad support. You could blow the top off if the windows were closed.
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Amateur restorer. (Well, once in a while I have been paid for it)
I believe it is a safety thing to prevent CO2 poisoning…
Unless you are an acolyte of Al Gore, CO2 is not a poison. It is a naturally occurring gas that is converted to oxygen by plants. Politicians and panic profiteers like Gore have hyped it, but the fact is that every time you breathe you create CO2. Now, CO will kill you, it is a by-product of incomplete combustion. The only source of CO in a car is the exhaust. Unless your car is a porous, poorly sealed piece of crap, you won't have a CO problem.
Actually, those early 'Birds had both the side inlet doors and ducts from the rad support. You could blow the top off if the windows were closed.
Speaking of early 'Birds. I fell in love with the T Bird at first glance. It was (to me) the way the 55/56 Sunliner should have been. No gaudy sweep stainless and sporty size.
Ever try to drive the early Vette or the early 'Birds? They were designed for people 5'10" and under! The buckets couldn't be moved back without modifying the rear body that surrounded the buckets.
The vintage Stangs have limo room compared to the early 'Bird!
I apologize for digressing.
Slim
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My '64 1/2 vert. Ordered May '64. D code 4 speed, handling package, caspian blue, accent group, Ford blue manual top.
'68 vert. driver. Owned since '77. C code AT, AC, PS, P disc B, PT lime gold, standard black interior and top. NOS RF fender and left quarter.New top and folding glass.
Guess I need to make more liberal use of Ha Ha and LOL! I didn't think I had to. I thought it was self evident. My best friend is a mech eng and I rag him too.
IMO CO is a bigger danger in a vehicle than CO2.
Your right of coarse. I should have included CO as well.
CO2 helps the plants grow! Keep some plants in vases (the old cars had a spot by each door pillar for a vase. They will take care of the C02!
Have fun, enjoy,
Slim
I never thought of putting a plant there. That could of gone a long way in clearing my head back then.
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Unless you are an acolyte of Al Gore, No need to be insulting.
CO2 is not a poison. In medicine, Poison is generally described as any substance that harms the body, CO2 harms the body that's why I sleep with a CPAP machine every night because a high CO2 level causes medical problems.
It is a naturally occurring gas that is converted to oxygen by plants. Agreed.
Politicians and panic profiteers like Gore have hyped it, Not really part of this conversation except that cars generate both CO and CO2.
but the fact is that every time you breathe you create CO2. Agreed
Now, CO will kill you, So will CO2, If you don't believe that then get a CO2 tank and you can open it up while sitting in you car with the windows up. Let us know how that works for you.
it is a by-product of incomplete combustion. Co2 is a product of more complete combustion. Both come out of the exhaust.
The only source of CO in a car is the exhaust. Unless your car is a porous, poorly sealed piece of crap, you won't have a CO problem. This flies in the face of evidence to the contrary. Cars sink in water because they leak is one example. This is because they are "a porous, poorly sealed piece of crap,. Take a $45,000 SUV out after it is a year or two old and listen to the wind thru the gaps.
The attached article is just one of many you will find if you Google "CO2 deaths"
Easiest PERMANENT cowl cover? Cut pieces of sheet metal to cover louvers. Apply panel adhesive to perimeter. Install sheet metal pieces and remove excess adhesive. Paint.
Now, CO will kill you, So will CO2, If you don't believe that then get a CO2 tank and you can open it up while sitting in you car with the windows up. Let us know how that works for you. wind thru the gaps.
Not because it's toxic, only because it displaces the oxygen. You'd get exactly the same effect with nitrogen, water, or even a massive fart.
Point is, unless the car is a piece of perforated, unsealed crap, neither CO or CO2 will enter the car, since the exhaust system produces them. Fresh air vents should be irrelevant.
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Amateur restorer. (Well, once in a while I have been paid for it)
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