My Wildcat's cowl screen looks like a metal-eating mouse has been gnawing at it for 25 years - it's a total mess with big chunks missing. I know no one makes reproductions but any clue where I might get a piece of that screen to just cut a piece to fit? It might not be perfect but it would have to be better...
I think there might be repro's. Check Fusick, Ames big car catalogs. I don't know how big it is. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1970-...:Buick&hash=item5d9a747591:g:TVEAAOSwg5FcWEBS Look for used Cadillac stuff. I found the one above looking quick. Maybe an Agway or Tractor Supply, or someplace like that might have the screening.
I have some cowl screening material that I was going to use to make them for the A-bodies. It is galvanized and is a thicker material then a regular window screen and the spacing between the wires is 1/4"x1/4". It was the closest thing I could find to the originals. Let me know if you are interested and the size you need. Duane
For anyone looking for this screen -- found a source. The company is McNichols Co (mcnichols.com) They have 20 distribution centers nationwide. It's 10 x 10 mesh weave. It came 48 inches wide so I only needed a 1-foot piece. They make it in steel and stainless but they only had stainless at my location here in Boston. It was pricey!! Nearly $50! but I decided to just get it Vs fiddling around. I'm very pleased with the quality and final appearance. (vs paying $35 plus shipping for a rusty old one on e-bay ) I actually made it 3 or 4 inches wider than the factory screen so it had more surface to sit on. I was going to paint it but it looks so nice I left it.
Thanks for sharing the source! Any pictures of final assembly? Debating between stainless or not. Originally not going to, but your comment of looking so nice as is has me curious...
bostoncat - Can you share with us the item number of the wire mesh that your purchased? https://www.mcnichols.com/wire-mesh Looks like they offer quite a few different 10 x 10 mesh weave options. Thanks
OK @72 goat herder here are ALL the details 3810254810 McNICHOLS® Wire Mesh, Square, Stainless Steel, Type 304, Mill Finish, Woven - Plain Weave, 10 x 10 Mesh (Square), 0.0750" x 0.0750" Opening (Square), 0.025" (23-1/4 Gauge) Thick Wire Diameter, 56% Open Area 1 at 48.0'' width x 12.0'' length (so it comes 4 feet wide and I purchased 12 inches) @TheEternalDance I took two close-ups of the material -- I used the leftover scrap (The finished piece is always under a shadow on the car...). It's nice material but the receipt says $52 total -- this car is almost as pricey as a wife...