Robert Henriksen

I know they shake in a convertible, but it's a word that I've NEVER heard unless it's shaking.

Feels like a very dumb question... so it probably is! <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Viken

From Webster's:

COWL: The top portion of the front part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument board.

STLPCA

However, more commonly the term is used to refer to the engine cover/hood ("cowling") which is commonly a large expanse of minimally supported metal particularly subject to body flex. That's why it shakes more in ragtops.

See:
cowling \"kau-ling\ noun (1917)
a removable metal covering that houses the engine and sometimes a part of the fuselage or nacelle of an airplane; also: a metal cover for an engine

Robert Henriksen

[quote]Originally posted by Viken:
<strong>From Webster's:

COWL: The top portion of the front part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument board.</strong><hr></blockquote>

So, basically, the small bit of sheetmetal between the hood & the base of the windshield? Otherwise, I'd conclude cowl = hood.

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by Robert Henriksen:
<strong>So, basically, the small bit of sheetmetal between the hood & the base of the windshield? Otherwise, I'd conclude cowl = hood.</strong><hr></blockquote>

No, it is not the hood but the part that is between a firewall or hood and the opening of the front doors. In other words, the structure that holds the windshield frame.

KC993

Viken is correct. In another way of picturing it, it's the whole windshield with the frame on a cab or convertable or a speedster.

Timothy Stewart

When cow not sick, cowl.

tim

Viken

Here's a 993 Cabriolet cowl:

Robert Henriksen

[quote]Originally posted by Viken:
<strong>Here's a 993 Cabriolet cowl:

</strong><hr></blockquote>

Ahhh.... picture = word(1,000)