Projects 39 Ford Deluxe Coupe Question

I have a 39 Ford Deluxe Coupe with a SBC ( I know , I know ) it's still in the car but everything is off so It's just a short block sitting there. I purchased a 383 SBC for it but I'm wondering about pulling the engine. Do I need to take the hood off ? I've heard there hard to install one once off because of alignment problems and gaps. To me it looks easier to take the grill out so you wouldn't have to raise the engine so high to get it in but I would like your ideas or someone who has done this already. Thanks so much in advance !!

 

If you take the grill out, you still gotta take the radiator out. You might as well take the front clip off and you might, I say might be able to leave the hood in place. Do not lose any of the bracketry behind the grill. It's essential to ever get things re-aligned

 

I've already taken the radiator out.

 

Undo the hood at the shoulder bolts at the outer ends of the hinge arms. It shouldn’t get out of alignment then. If you pull the grille you’re asking for trouble.

 

Pull The Hood And Hang It Safely On The Wall...

 

You do not have to take the hood off.

 

Easier to remove the hood than the grille.
Hood & radiator removal gives plenty of room.

 

Done many 40's both ways. Usually pull the radiator and grill and leave the hood like 40PU above.

 

What he said. Leave the hinge alignment on the cowl alone as that's what sets it where it has to be. Much ado over...

BTW, I'm in the Motorstate too but can't say I've ever seen the car, but I'd like to. Looks like something from a 1966 Rod n Custom mag cover.

 

I'm getting some good answers and I'm listening to each one . I've done several engine changes over the years but this is the first 39 I've had and want to do it the easiest and safest way possible not only for me but the car also.

 

When I pulled the engine back out due to a bad throw out bearing I just pulled the grill as I had nobody free to help pull the hood

 

I agree with Alchemy. Remove the hood,but leave the hinge brackets attached to the cowl. Remove the radiator and you will have plenty of room. Separate the transmission from the engine before pulling the engine.

 

I dont think you said whether you have AC or not. I do and the radiator with condenser and electric fan wont just drop in. I removed the grill and hood. Reassembly will be, install radiator assembly, then reinstall the grille. YMMV. See my SD thread for pics.

 

Check it out, there's no way the hood ends up outta whack if you leave these here.

Last thing, and it might be a biggie. Would you rather argue with a trouble light or have full shop light to work with? Just sayin...

 

I have removed my 40 engine 4 times over 69 years. On my 40 I found it easier to remove the hood as shown in the photo posted by "the HIGHLANDER" and also remove the radiator. No need to remove the grille, fenders or front end. Take photos of the special shoulder bolts and little spring washers that secure the hood. Those bolts are a special length so they don't dimple your hood.

 

I already have the radiator out and the trans. separated from the engine. My first thought was to remove the hood but I heard so many horror stories about getting a 39-40 hood on correctly that's why I wanted to ask. I do have some friends that offered to help with the hood. I really appreciate all your help. This site is the best for getting answers to just about any problem with a hot rod , what a wealth of knowledge to tap into. Thanks again everyone !!!!

 

10/2/25 From personal experience, it is possible to remove the hood by yourself. Loosen the hood bolts (not the cowl bolts), place a thick blanket of top of each fender and gently slide the hood forward. Then physically lift it up and off. Of course, having a helper does make it easier.