Wiper Cowl removal

[Stevelivingfree]

Hi again, wipers do not work. I have removed the arms, undone the nuts and taken off the related parts. Undone all of the screws and pulled the cowl forward. It moves! It moves about 3/4 inch and will go no further. I have pushed it, pulled it, wriggled it, lifted the front edge and peered underneath it, but I do not seem to be able to get it free of the lower edge of the windshield. Drivers side seems fairly free but passenger (wiper motor) side seems to be hanging up. I have looked at countless photos of it removed and turned upside down. I have seen notes about how easy it is.... I do not want to break anything.

Is there a trick?

What is under there that could cause it to hang up?

If this is the easy task, I am pooped for the rest......

Thanks, Steve

[maxdog]

Hi
It "should be" an easy job . Mine needed a bit of wigggling because there was grot under one corner . I freed it by soaking it in penetrating fluid , [not WD 40 ], and leaving it for 24 hrs.
I used 45%diesel , 45% automatic transmission fluid with 10% acetone,an old family recipe for penetrating fluid.
Maxdog

[RRoller123]

And be sure to protect the fenders with some heavy duty towels or mats. I duct tape them on when I remove the cowl. The corners of the cowl will scratch the heck out of the paint on top of the fenders when it releases. It may be that the cowl corners are hanging up as you slide it forward, since the front of the car narrows as it goes forward, and the cowl sort of rides in this width as you pull it forward. You may have to lift the cowl a little bit, on one side or the other.

[spider2081]

Is there a trick?

+1 on the statement to protect the fenders.
A trick I saw used was to place a thin piece cardboard in the slots between the fenders and the cowl. A lip approximately 1/2 is folded 90 degrees. The lip sits in the slot and the flat of the cardboard on top of the bender. A couple pieces of painters tape holds the cardboard in place. With the fenders protected one can be more aggressive trying to remove the cowl.

[Stevelivingfree]

Thanks.
Since initial posting I have also removed the consoles and crawled around under the dash looking for any attachments that do not make sense. I had to get in here anyhow as the heater fan is inop and the heater valve leaks when 'on'.

With your feedback, I am more confident that it will come loose. I have the fenders protected as I have been in the engine bay for a while now. I like the sound of the cardboard. Will make up a few pieces, climb into the empty engine bay and start negotiating with it.

I think I am finally getting towards the end of the digging phase of what needs to be done to this '72 so I can drive her for the summer. Was meant to be just new valves but it seems to have crept somewhat. Original engine in it is toast without boring but car came with a parts car (yet to be picked up). I get the engine on Friday. It is heading straight to the mech for a looksee. Hoping it could be a runner for the summer which will give me time (& $$$) to work the first engine for re-installation next winter....

[RRoller123]

Heavy duct tape, and heavy matting:

[Stevelivingfree]

It's Off. Came out with a couple of hard tugs! It is crazy clean underneath the cowl but the whole mechanism does not look like it has seen grease in forever. The underside of the cowl could do with a paint too. Bench, strip it, fix it, paint it & put it back on. Looks like the job to do when the frustration with other parts is cooking me

Thanks Guys!

[pdx124]

The wiper mechanism pivot points do need regular greasing but they are hard to lube because of the design. I just replaced my wiper motor. I find that it needs to little help when being turned on for first time after sitting a while unused. So I get out the car and gently assist the wiper arms for a few strokes. If I don't then they seem to struggle and I don't want to damage the motor or plastic gear. Definitely get a second person to help you put the cowl back on if you have nice paint. It's a good time to take care of any rust if you have it off.

[JohnGalt]

RRRoller, Thanks for the pic. I used it tonight. Wipers working better now.

[RRoller123]

Excellent! Glad it was helpful.