Anothere body question

idiocrates · Post by **idiocrates** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:36 am

My cowl supports on this A-1 are badly rusted off at the floor. I see where Classic Enterprises has begun stamping out new supports for M38's. My question is....is the foot (and bottom 4 inches) on an M38 cowl support different than the foot (and bottom 4 inches) on an A-1 support? If possible I'm thinking about marrying the two at the point where the old rocker panels get cut off.

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/22032 ... .jpg[/img]
old_new_cowl_support by idiocrates, on Flickr[/url]

Balvar24 · Post by **Balvar24** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 10:19 am

I've got the same issue. I'm thinking about breaking my own.

idiocrates · Post by **idiocrates** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:12 am

I'm not really setup to do sheetmetal work.....but if it comes to it I may have to as well. Looks like I'm also going to have to make a new exterior channel for my end panel but I was going to have this done at a metel working shop so it would look all professional (and I could take credit for it). Down here at the bottom of the cowl supports I was hoping for a cheaper route (if there is such a thing in the jeep world).

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 12:56 pm

You could fix that like new in about a hour---------with fiberglass kittyhair!!!

I got the same issue. I'll either make a couple of flat pieces and weld them in or buy the feet from Midwest. You should blast first to find out and then act accordingly. John

oilleaker1 · Post by **oilleaker1** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:58 pm

M 38's and A1's tend to rust out the area under the cowl battery due to acid. On mine, ( both ) it happened. After blasting, I cut out the rotted stuff and blasted again. I then made repair flat pieces to weld in and fix the bottoms. This is done while you have the area opened up, -----outside access. I then painted it with weld through primer high zinc content paint. ( do this to your hat channels too ) It actually is much easier than replaceing the whole thing. Then weld the outside shut with new metal, do your bondo skim coat, primer, sand, block etc. and paint. It is hard to tell you fixed it, and since you used a good coating product, it won't come back!!! You are presrving a item that will outlive you!!!!! No BS. You are saving history as I see it. A worthwhile event. Then, drive the heck out of it