2nd Gen Cowl Refinishing

[RallyeMike]

On a 2nd gen, what process do you guys use to clean out and refinish the inside of the cowl (beneath the grate).

[Ryan]

Sand blast.

[Dino]

If it's not too bad in there sandblast throught the grate.  If it's real nasty you can either cut out a little window on the side of the cowl so you can get in there better and if it's really really bad I drill out the spot welds and remove the entire top portion of the cowl but that's only when the inside needs major repair.

You can also try that biodegradable rust remover (forgot the brand) but you'd have to make sure you can plug the drain holes temprarily so it can soak for a while.

[b5blue]

With the ducts for vent removed from both sides you can get a camera inside and take pics or video to see how good/bad it is. I did it and was lucky mines good.

[sanders7981]

I tackled this shortly after AMD released the repros...  I ended up cutting the center out, 2-3 inches on each side, then across the bottom lip area that is covered by the hood.  Then I just pulled it out, sanded, treated with rust encapsulator, and welded it back in.   I sealed up the seams with some metal-2-metal and coated with Rage Gold.  Although, this may not be an option if your not good at welding, plus I was a little "over-worried" about rust issues as this car has never been restored.

I am sure the other ways may be a little less invasive, but to each his own.  I figured if, when it messes up later, I can afford the AMD repros.  Eager to know your solution.

[Silver R/T]

I tackled this shortly after AMD released the repros...  I ended up cutting the center out, 2-3 inches on each side, then across the bottom lip area that is covered by the hood.  Then I just pulled it out, sanded, treated with rust encapsulator, and welded it back in.   I sealed up the seams with some metal-2-metal and coated with Rage Gold.  Although, this may not be an option if your not good at welding, plus I was a little "over-worried" about rust issues as this car has never been restored.

I don't think putting body filler in the seams was a good idea. There's seam sealer for that. 3M makes great products just for that
I am sure the other ways may be a little less invasive, but to each his own.  I figured if, when it messes up later, I can afford the AMD repros.  Eager to know your solution.

[sanders7981]

I tackled this shortly after AMD released the repros...  I ended up cutting the center out, 2-3 inches on each side, then across the bottom lip area that is covered by the hood.  Then I just pulled it out, sanded, treated with rust encapsulator, and welded it back in.   I sealed up the seams with some metal-2-metal and coated with Rage Gold.  Although, this may not be an option if your not good at welding, plus I was a little "over-worried" about rust issues as this car has never been restored.

I don't think putting body filler in the seams was a good idea. There's seam sealer for that. 3M makes great products just for that
I am sure the other ways may be a little less invasive, but to each his own.  I figured if, when it messes up later, I can afford the AMD repros.  Eager to know your solution.

I think you have misunderstood me.  I put Metal-2-metal filler over the welds that were ground down... I called them seams, but there were a couple places with tiny little pin holes that I mased the filler into, then I put regular filler over that.  it was months ago and has had time to cure, no sign of any issues.  I have 3M seam sealer, both brush on and caulk when I get to that stage.  Thanks for changing my post in your quote  lol!  Hope that clears it up.