Cowl panel removal help
 

I took off the wipers, the 4 bolts and the screws. Under the cowl to hood seal I found 6 evenly spaced nuts on bolts or studs. Off course they are rusted solid and just spin. Any idea how to access the heads? Are they even stock?

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

Mine's in the shop so I can't look at it...... I seem to recall stainless steel screws in those locations. Definitely not what your pic shows. I wonder if a PO replaced the screws with what you have now, possibly due to the screws not holding anymore because of rust? Maybe try grabbing what you can with visegrips, then twist & pull up at the same time.

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

Try putting a putty knife under the cowling to lift it up as you turn the heads of the bolts, hopefully they will come out, otherwise you will need to drill them out.

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

Grinder or cutoff wheel?

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

Putty knife or screwdriver under edge of cowl applying upward pressing while removing should do the trick otherwise the grinder cut-off wheel definely will just be careful if you take that route it doesn't grab and gouge into the cowl accidently.
Paul Sr @ GMCPauls

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

If you cannot get to the nuts, how does reassembling go?
Several things I haven't attempted yet cause I just dont know.

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

Most likely a machine screw with hex head rather than a bolt and nut.

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

You may be able to use something like a j clip fastener or clip nut.

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

Best guess. They were pan head machine screws held in place with electricians tape. A drill and my new Milwaukee cut off tool made short work. Obviously they not stock once out so I could look at them. What did GM use originally? Stainless screws would seem the best.

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

The only stainless screws were the ones exposed on the grille part of the cowl. But could be used in that area also.

Re: Cowl panel removal help
 

Phillips pan-head sheet metal screw's with captured washer and black oxide finish.
Paul Jr @ GMCPauls