Model A cowl band bolts too short

[fivefix]

Init1,

I can't comment on the reproduction bolts, but I can tell you I just experienced the exact same problem installing my original band back on my restored Tudor. I would be surprised if the reproduction bolts were short, but I'll at least tell you how I got mine on assuming our bolts are the same size.

First, this was a two person job. There was no way I was getting this on by myself.

I then got one bolt just barely threaded and stopped. With the second person outside the car pulling as much slack as possible on the band and pushing on the unbolted side, we finally got enough threads to get the second bolt started.

I first attempted to tighten one side completely and then move to the remaining side. Nothing we did could expose the threads. It was only when I loosened the threads to barely catch that we had enough flexibility in the band to get the threads inserted on the other side.

Hope your bolts aren't actually short and this helps.

[Init1]

Originally Posted by fivefix

Init1,

I can't comment on the reproduction bolts, but I can tell you I just experienced the exact same problem installing my original band back on my restored Tudor. I would be surprised if the reproduction bolts were short, but I'll at least tell you how I got mine on assuming our bolts are the same size.

First, this was a two person job. There was no way I was getting this on by myself.

I then got one bolt just barely threaded and stopped. With the second person outside the car pulling as much slack as possible on the band and pushing on the unbolted side, we finally got enough threads to get the second bolt started.

I first attempted to tighten one side completely and then move to the remaining side. Nothing we did could expose the threads. It was only when I loosened the threads to barely catch that we had enough flexibility in the band to get the threads inserted on the other side.

Hope your bolts aren't actually short and this helps.

Got one side on with a couple of threads. I'll get another set of h ands before I go further. I have one cowl clip installed too. Also have the center piece on loosely.

Hope it will squeeze down enough to get a nut started on the other side.
I don't see why the bolts aren't an inch longer from the beginning.