@Larry, brilliant!! I did a lot of research before buying, and I had an idea about many of the issues with an 50 year old car, and especially this one. So, I am not unprepared mentally, it's the practical side that needs work. Emotionally I'm on cloud 9...
The center screen is an early design 71 - 72. Like mine, albeit cut in the back to fit around the distributor. The side panels are later cars (hence the side-fill fuel bump) and appear shorter in overall length and hence the 3 don't line up.
And you are sure the center screen is fitting correctly inside the U-channel on the firewall and not being obstructed by one of the distributor wires. One looks like it is in the channel??
I guess the question is, can I get a screen with no cutouts that will fit?
You will have to call around to the vendors to see who has what lying around. and put out an APB to the FB group and here to see who might have what.
I think it does fit in the channel, but I have to kind of slither it in there, rock it back and forth, the bolt holes won't line up unless it all fits...
Brian,
thank you for the photographs. They tell a much more complete story.
studying the photo with the distributor it is quite clear the distributor is so tall that it actually blocks the U channel, below the window gasket, that the three engine screens are supposed to fit within
I have learned the center engine screen has two versions, and the early/late versions attach to each other in a different manner. But I have never confirmed if the forward to rear lengths of the covers remained the same, or changed with the new center section
I suspect the lengths were not changed, which would mean the side covers could interchange, with the understanding that their attachment to the center screen may differ and involve drilling correctly located holes for the screen center section which is attached with screws
how about you remove the distributor cap, and/or wires, and be careful to note which wire goes where
I think we will find the side covers will properly mate to a full-screen center section
🤞🤞
Larry
The screen in my car does fit in the channel in back, by the window, but it fits tight. And then there's that half inch overhang in front...I mean, it does fit, it does work, just that overhang and nothing securing it except the two nuts towards the back...
I might wait on removing the distributor cap until I have adult supervision...
OK, I now see the huge cut out for the distributor and you now tell us that the lip on the center screen is a tight fit but is fully seated into the U channel, right?
I’m actually trying to put together a full set of all three pieces for an owner with an early car. In that process I have discovered there are long and short versions of the all-screen center.
It would follow there are also different lengths of the side covers. ????
this is a side cover that correctly meets with the short center screen
can you remove your side covers and measure them as I did, starting at the edge of the forward lip, using a flexible cloth tape, if you have one?
I am far from totally understanding the different variance between side covers and center covers, but I am regrettably beginning to think if you want to replace your center cover you’re going to have to use one of the later ones with the raised center bubble.
🤷♂️🤷♂️
Larry
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As far as the air cleaner interfering with the distributor cap, why try to cram 10 pounds of crap in a 5 pound bag? Lose the 14 inch air cleaner and get a 13 inch Ford racing air cleaner assembly and problem solved there. Your screen issue is one of the cool things about owning a Pantera, so much help available from the brain trust on this forum and from vendors. You will find what you need. Until then, drive it and enjoy!
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@Larry, I'll do that for science. Might take me a few days, got company coming. But your post is very informative...
@Joea, thanks! This forum is already proving to be an absolute treasure trove of information. And the Pantera owners are near religious in their interest in these cars. Soaking up all I can get...