A Couple of Cowl Questions

[del]

Greetings All -
Doing a little under hood cleaning...
What is the best stuff to use to replace the stuff in the groove shown in pic 1 and
Does/did the cowl drain go where the arrow is pointing in pic 2? This is the driver's side with the arrow pointing towards the outside of the car.
Thanks As Always for All The Assistance!!

[jopizz]

Greetings All -
Doing a little under hood cleaning...
What is the best stuff to use to replace the stuff in the groove shown in pic 1

3M seam sealer.

John

[simplyconnected]

Before we marry the inner and outer cowl top, Ford applied a sealant between panels that did two things; we spot welded through it and the sealant expanded in the paint ovens.

Water usually drains down the sides on Ford cowl tops. If they carry leaves and dirt, that accumulates at the bottom of your fender reinforcement which is why that area typically rusts through. It's important to keep debris and mud out by opening drain holes and washing it out real well. Any amount of mud keeps the inside wet. Some cowl tops use a galvanized mesh or screen to hold back leaves.

If you're simply doing a repair without separating the inner and outer cowl top, John's suggestion is good.

Ford's sealant expanded in the paint ovens but it never really hardened. The Paint Dept., successfully sprayed over it with prime and base. That's the properties you're looking for.

Silicone is a big no-no anywhere around paint because it creates fish-eyes. Urethane works much better but all surfaces must be 'lacquer thinner clean' in order for it to adhere properly. - Dave