Guest Ronnie Pickral Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 I have a 1931 Ford Model A closed cab pickup. I want to install cowl lights. I have purchased them from Mac's, but got no instructions. Can anyone help me determine the correct location and procedure for drilling? Thanks, RP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jmorrisn699a Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 (edited) As high as you can get them and as far forward. don't forget the gas tank. Then did the same on my 29 Marmon and the tanks under. the trunk jim Edited February 28, 2014 by jmorrisn699a (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarlLaFong Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 I bought a set, many years ago for my 30. I never installed them, but was told to line them up with the hood hinge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motoringicons Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 (edited) On a 1930-1931 there is a heavy, stamped steel brace that was used on all the body styles that runs from the floor to the top of the cowl panel on the inside of the cowl (the upholstery would cover this). This brace was furnished with a hole for the cowl light to go through and was used on all models whether or not they had cowl lamps installed at the factory. The cowl light arm extends through the sheetmetal of the cowl , then through a wood block and then the special bolt on the cowl lamp tightens it against the hole in the stamped brace. Snyder's Antique Auto Parts in New Springfield, Ohio offers a special locating tool (part number: A-13300-X that can be used to find the exact spot on the sheet metal cowl panel to drill through for a few dollars. They also sell the correct wood blocks ( part number A-13318) which you need when installing the cowl lights for another couple of bucks. I am sure the other Model A parts vendors have these as well. Here are photos of both the tool and the blocks as well as an original a closeup of the cowl lamps correctly installed on a 1931. Good luck and let us know if you have other questions. Edited February 28, 2014 by motoringicons (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What a nice reply, and you posted photos as well! Sure would be nice if all replies were as instructive as this. I'd recommend buying one of those tapered multi step drills for a one shot drilling. Place the wood block inside and tape it in place so you don't dimple the sheetmetal. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mellor NJ Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 A step drill would be too long and might damage the tank or something else before it got to the proper increment. I think the hole is 7/8" which is a standard OD size of a 1/2" pipe. If that's the case you can get a punch from any electrician. If you have to use a hole saw make sure you put a piece of protecting plywood inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 ^^^^ Were are you buying step drills that are over 2 inches long long? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mellor NJ Posted March 2, 2014 Share Posted March 2, 2014 I have one over 2 inches. I don't care how Ronnie ends up doing it, that's just my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mellor NJ Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 I just saw Bratton's new catalog. They have the locating tool and the blocks like Snyder's. They also sell a punch but it's $65.The hole is 3/4",not 7/8" as I previously said and that's not a common size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted April 25, 2014 Share Posted April 25, 2014 +1 on Guy's reply, who also gave me some great "T" advice not too long ago. That and all those wonderful finds - a real master!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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