Has anyone replaces thier Cowl Vent Grille because of cracking?

I had to on my 99 Cobra. It's thin plastic. It was a few years ago but it was around 100 bucks and very easy to do.

Took longer to clean up all the pieces of the old one that exploded when I tried to take it off.

 

Definitely need to be careful. If you think the age is why it cracked, think again. Brand new will crack just as easy with minimal bending. If you look at the a-pillars, there is a 8mm bolt/screw head that you need to remove on both sides or maybe just one side. It is down in the door jam. Then there are three plastic push pins, but I have never seen a car come from the factory with all three in place. You also have the rubber seal between the hood and cowl panel to pull up.

I use a plastic door panel popper and go along the windshield under the rubber/plastic edge and pop the clips up. you will see where they are when you get the new one. Then you need to carefully bend it up a little while pulling the a-pillar away and get one end out and it will come right out.

Take your time and be very careful. Also remember the sprayer hoses. the new panel does not come with them or the nozzles. And it is not $100 anymore. I lucked out at my local dealer, but they had them listed at closer to $200 and were on national backorder when I needed one.

 

So true...

It's a poor design with thin areas that don't hold up to much flexing.

TIP: If wiper arms are stuck, penetrating oil and a battery terminal puller will make short work of it.


:burnout:

 

200 bucks? Wow Ford must have realized how many they were selling lol.

I left my panel out in the sun to warm up for a few hours before I installed it.

 

OEM: 1999-04 Mustang Cowl Vent Cover by Ford at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

2 piece repro: 1999-04 Mustang Cowl Vent Cover, 2-Piece Reproduction at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

 

They realized what breaks a lot in accidents. My buddy at ford told me it was one of the most common parts they replace in accident repairs. They can't keep them in stock.

 

I would thing it would be more prone in the hot climates. We dont see a ton crack here in New England but I have seen a few.

 

it's very common in FL.

 

Not to hijack your thread but does anyone know where to get or the style of clips that hold the cowl piece down? Mine is good shape but the clips let go and it pops up on the passenger side and if I push them down they hold but it cant be for very long as next time I look its popped back up.

 

You might be able to re-bend them. Other than that, maybe the OP would be willing to take his off and send them to you.

I think he is talking about the metal retaining clips, which are on the other edge of the panel by the windshield.