another Edsel question

[wbedwards]

In each of the front wheel well, behind the tires, there is a hole about 3" diameter that goes right into the frame. Any idea what was used to cover/fill the hole? I have a repair manual and the Ford parts book, but no mention of these holes.

Hope you guys don't mind.
wbedwards

 

[Ford blue blood]

That is the front cross member. It is a large tube that goes through the frame, mounts the rear portion of the lower control arms and has the chassis motor mount flanges welded to it. No need to worry about filling or covering, it is a heavy gauge tubing.

 

[wbedwards]

Thanks Blue, do you have any kind of screens over the vent inlets in the wheel wells also?

thanks again

 

[Ford blue blood]

Don't know that one.

 

[bobss396]

I'm not sure if those big ducts had screens on them. I'll look at my '59 Ford when I get a chance. I was amazed at how big they are.

I can't tell you how many mud dauber nests I took out of the dash & defroster vents.

 

[frank long island]

if you wanted to fill those holes look into pvc plumbing caps or the rubber caps that come on electric conduit might find something as far as the holes in fender are they for fresh air for the heat/ vent maybe a piece of brass or aluminum screen cut to shape and held in with a few dabs of silicone just a thought solving the problems is half the fun of an old car

 

[dmsfrr]

if you wanted to fill those holes look into pvc plumbing caps or the rubber caps that come on electric conduit might find something ....

The flip side of that coin is if the cross member ends are closed off there won't be any air flow thru it, moisture would likely build up inside and lead to rust.
.

 

[bobss396]

The leading edge opening of the ducts are maybe 2" x 7". They move a ton of air. The grille opening shields some of the crap from going too far, plus whatever it is has to get up and over the wheel opening curve.

 

[wbedwards]

I think I'm going to try to fashion some from a roof vent I have left over.

thanks for the ideas

 

[RCM]

There is a sort of screen wire mesh bolted on my 56 Customline at the opening of those air ducts. Just cut a piece of screen wire mesh to fit and you'll be good. Something that can prevent a bee or medium sized bug from coming through.

 

[wbedwards]

thanks, I've had a bee/wasp get in a motorcycle helmet before and its not fun