Hello all. I put a cowl hood one my 69 but it will not be functional with the solenoid, flapper, etc. But, I would like to know if anyone has any slick way of covering the hole but not blocking it off? I was browsing through the NPD/Chevelle catalog and they have a screen that they used on the Chevelles and it seems to have the same form as that of the Camaro. Any suggestions are appreciated.

The repro flapper and frame parts can be purchased for little money. Why not put those on?

-Mark.

Thanks for responding. I know that they sell the repro flapper and frame but, due to a lack of experience, I do not want to "plug" the inlet. Meaning, if I put the flapper and frame in there it will only be blocking off what ever air that may want to get in. I will not be hooking up any solenoid and the car will not have the correct style air cleaner. Perhaps I am not explaining myself well but, I really want any possible air to pass through the cowl. Does this make sense?

------------------

If you don't use the cowl induction air cleaner and seal setup it may make little difference open or closed. You could use a screen or perforated metal just to keep out the leaves and other trash. there are screw holes there already so it is an easy reversible no cut mod. Hope this helps.

-Mark.

Stingr69....thanks for the help. I think I'll just go with the repro frame and flapper. I mean, without the air cleaner and seal it wouldn't want to pull any air anyway. Thanks again.

------------------

Stingr69 is right.

The flapper is really only open at full throttle anyway. Mine kept getting hungup and I finally took the flapper part out of it. I havn't replaced it with any screening yet but it wouldn't be a hard job to put some screening behind the flapper valve frame. It would look better from inside the car.

The opening will still duct cooler air into the engine compartment due to the high pressure area there. Car Craft did an article a while ago that showed a benefit while moving. At the drags, the carb inlet temperature was about the same whether sealed or not while underway. I wouldn't worry about a screen or anything. I haven't 'ingested' any chunks in several years of running with an open cowl hood. Good luck.

------------------
Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's and I don't worry about stone chips ( yet ).

I agree with RickD, you're still going to get alot of nice cold air around your air cleaner 100 % of the time and not just under full throttle. If you're restoring it get the correct hardware, but for a fun cruiser it should be fine. Dont spray a pressure washer in there though!! HE,HE

Chris

Thank you all for the help. At least I know that I am not the only one who has run into the same dilema. I am not going for the "concours" look or anything so whatever I do will not hurt the car. Which issue of CarCraft has the article about the induction hoods? Thanks again.

------------------