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-   -   Cowl Lacing Install- Seeking Wisdom (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23863)

Kevin in NJ 12-23-2010 08:14 AM

Cowl Lacing Install- Seeking Wisdom
 

I have the Bratton cowl lacing kit for my 31.

Look like the J hooks get riveted to the ends and then there are the 3 screws.

I am guessing I want the J hooks installed first so they fit snug and then put the screws in so they pull lacing tight.

What is the best way to put the screw holes in the lacing?

Does the lacing need some flattening?

I already have the lacing hanging from the ceiling with a light weight on the end to pull it straight and get the twists out of it.

The screws I believe should be the same used on the gas tank. What finish should they be?

Thanks!

Tom Wesenberg 12-23-2010 10:00 AM

Re: Cowl Lacing Install- Seeking Wisdom
 

I use an awl to poke holes for the rivets and screws. I rivet one end and hook it into the center slot, then pull it tight around the cowl and measure where to poke holes for the second J hook to enter the middle slot. After riveting the second hook I try it for fit and then cut the excess off. I didn't flatten the lacing for the 1930 AA I did, but I seem to recall a couple friends saying they flattened the lacing for their cars. Probably best to try the lacing and hood for fit first, then if it appears to need flattening, flatten it before doing the riveting.

As you said, I insert the tightening screws as the last step.

I don't know what the correct screw finish is, but it may be listed in the parts price list, as most of the hardware finishes are, although there are a few mistakes in the PPL, at least as far as count and size of some hardware.

Bruce_MO 12-23-2010 10:21 AM

Re: Cowl Lacing Install- Seeking Wisdom
 

I also used an awl, and I essentially threaded the screws thru the lacing. If the hole is not big enough, then the screw starts to push the internals of the lacing out the other side, so it takes a little trial and error with the awl to get the screws started without major puckers and distortion of the lacing.

I had to flatten the lacing at the top, as the hood tops would have been sitting too high. I did this by removing the screws so that I could get the lacing out of its "channel" and then I just squeezed the channel with pliers across the top. It took maybe 10 minutes to do this one squeeze at a time. Any unevenness from the pliers is quickly eliminated by the hood being installed.


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