Cowl Band Reconditioning

D

desotoguy

Senior Member
I am sure that more than one of the FB members have reconditioned an original cowl band. Would anyone care to share your method, tools, tips for what to avoid and any other pertinent information that you may have for the process. Pictures of your work or a video would be of great value.
I know that the bands are being reproduced, but have read comments that an original is best.
 
I haven't done a model A cowl band but I have done a lot of stainless side trim on later 40s & 50s cars. I must have a ton of different tools for metal shaping to remove dents. It's all about polishing from there on. I use fine abrasive papers and an old Baldor open wheel polishing buffer for final smoothing. A person can do it by hand but it takes a way lot more elbow grease to get it done.
 
Getting the dents and creases can be a challenge. You need to make a template to affix it to in order to polish. Trying to polish those floppy things will get you hurt and/or tear it up!
Good luck
 
This the technique I have used to remove dents in stainless steel Model "A" cowl bands. Grind a bolt head so that it fits the inside curvature of the cowl band. Gouge a piece of 2x4 lumber to fit the outside curvature of the cowl band. Lay the band into the lumber, slide the bolt inside of the band and use the bolt to tap out dents in the cowl band. Tap easy and take your time.
 
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