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As amazing as it may seem, we have actually gotten the sandblasting done on the cab of the M37. There's been much patching and welding and we are moving toward getting it in primer soon. But the cowl vent will have to be fabricated by hand. Any one done this?? If there was ever something that needs to be mass produced (listening MWM??), it's that gutter.

Before removal:



After:


I think I can see how to make it and we will give it our best shot. Can someone verify that it slopes toward the drain connection? The walls of the gutter are tapered to be larger as they near the drain point.

Hi Refit,
Yep, that looks familiar. I took one from a friend's parts truck that looked great, brought it back to the shop and bead blasted it and it didnt look so great anymore. I was able to use about a quarter of it, and made the rest myself. The gutter does slope down to the spigot. It was some tricky work, but there is no way around it.
Good luck,
Tim

I'm getting more comfortable with welding and grinding now, plus I have been gawking at the guys at allmetalshaping.com for ideas on fabbing the gutter.

It will be some work but I need to do several of them anyway for my two trucks so learning is always good!

My cowl vent channel was pretty far gone too. After I sand blasted it, I formed new sections using aluminum foil and duct tape. I then used fiberglass mat and resin to finish it. It worked really well, is solid and it seals tight with no leaks for four years now. Although a little tedious, I think it was a lot easier than welding.

I want to take my vent out for blasting etc. How hard is it to remove? I can only move it a few inches before it binds up. I'm hoping y'all can give me some tips to removing it before I take the sawsall to it...

You mean the vent insert (the screen covered door) or the actual oval channel?

That whole assembly is kinda bound up by nature. You'll have to start taking it apart from underneath!

Yes I got the cover and screen and the support that it is hooked too. Now to keep or to get rid of....