<VV> Two questions, cowel removal and engine compartment gasket (1963 Spyder convertible)

[Frank DuVal]

The cowl panel comes off with the trunk lid on. But it is a tight fit. 
Masking tape, easily removable type ( not cheap hardware store stuff), 
to cushion areas that touch helps. Try holding the lid open at different 
angles. Some are not easy.

I use wire to simulate the staples and it works fine and looks stock. I 
have seen many a pop riveted installation, so choose your choice of 
weapons! Wire is stocked by some Corvair vendors in the proper size. An 
ice pick helps open the holes for the wire, and needle nose pliers are 
used to bend it into staple shapes.

BTW, there are tools available to make the wiper arm removal easier. 
Soaking the splines in your favorite spray lube also helps. If there is 
any paint on the splines, remove it now.

Frank DuVal

Kerry and Jan Born wrote:

> Hi
>
> I have two questions. on is a follow up to something I asked several 
> months ago.
>
> 1) I have to remove the "grill/cowel" asm, the piece that is between 
> the hood and the windshield that has the shafts for the wipers going 
> through it. I was able to get the wiper arms off after some blood 
> sweat and..well you know, but I was not able to figure out how to 
> jocky it around to remove the grill because there doesn't seem to be 
> enough clearance! So I guess my question is, can it be removed without 
> taking to hood off the car. (a solution that I am trying to avoid 
> since that will likely result in a lot of cracking around the mounting 
> bolts as the hood was painted while on the car.. )
>
> 2) I also need to replace the engine compartment shroud seal and would 
> appreciate some insight in how to go about this project? Looking at it 
> I think I see rivets involved?
>
> Help?!
>
> Kerry B.
>
> 1963 1/2 Spyder convertible...currently in storage, bummer!
>