Still trying to figure out what parts I need for the front end of a 40 2 door sedan project I purchased. I have decided to use the 40 Std front grille since I have the std hood. and I figured out the latching part that mounts to the underside of the hood. But I have posted a couple of pictures of pieces that I am not sure of yet Looking for some help here. Not sure that all of these parts are for this 40 since I also ended up with a 38 and 39 grille along with a 40 deluxe grill. Also looking for a center section for the 40 standard grille I will be using. Thanks
-The first pic is a '40 car latch -second and third pic is a '41? car latch -forth and fifth pic '40 upper grille support (that has been cut short on the wings) -sixth pic is a 40 fender v brace(missing the cross link tho) -seventh pic is an old repro '40 grille and cant be used with the original '40 upper grille brace.
Good info Oldrelics Kinda thought that the 2nd and third pic was a 41 part. So where does the fender V brace go and what does the center link look like? maybe I have that and just not realizing it. How can you tell that the upper grille support has been cut short and why will it not fit with my grille? And last how can you tell that the grille is an old repro grille? will an orig. center section work on my grille? Thanks.
It's a repro grill for several reasons, 1. The chin is a separate piece on the original, and on yours the bars are attached to the chin, 2. The FORD upper grill brace is the only one needed on an original grill, that brace holding the top of your grill together is a tell-tale sign. That large Y thingy bolts in the center to the front of the crossmember, then the sides bolt to the inner fenders for bracing. If you run anything but a flathead, this piece may have to be deleted in favor of some L brackets for support of the fenders.
No, An original is too long. The repop ones are shorter buy a half inch or so. It just so happens that I accidently bought a repop center piece that will not work in my original grille. So, if you want a center piece to fit your grill, PM me.
The '40 standard grille sides are diecast, and each side is separate. They bolt to the chin like Dan said. Your repro combo may work with some "adjustments", and once it is painted most people couldn't tell the difference. Maybe you can fit the original top brace into the repro somehow? If you cut up the repro grille and ruin it, no big loss.
And yes the pic does show a corvette gauge cluster that is for a 66. Also came in the stuff I acquired with the sedan. Good info on the 40 stuff Probably wont be able to use the Y brace as I will be running a small block in this sedan.
it goes on the front of the cross member, and it holds the front of the fenders on, SBC should not interfere way up there
SBC won't interfere with the "Y" brace. You should probably put the horizontal brace back in it though, 'cuz it helps support the fenders. It attaches to the crossmember with a spring/bolt arrangement and then into the front fender braces.
Yes the horseshoe brace makes a big difference in keeping the front sheet metal tight and well aligned. I would definitely use it. A visit to Bob Drake's website might help you visualize what is what on the grille hardware. www.bobdrake.com
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