I have noticed when looking for parts for my 38 coupe that there just are not many out there. Would it be easier to change stuff up and make it a 37 and the parts be easier to find.
The big difference is that '37 stuff IS reproduced, whereas '38 stuff isn't. As far as I know, you '38 standard and a '37 are basically the same car except for the grill and hood sides. I would go ahead and go '37 if that's what you want. I personally prefer the '38 standard stuff, and would hold out for that.
I have been looking for a standard 4 door sedan to use for parts. Just finding one close by and not have to drive a lond way is the hard thing.
Mr. louvers is essentially correct...the '37 and '38 body shells are basically one and the same. They're also unique in that '36s and '39s are TOTALLY different animals. Besides the hoods and grills and side panels being different from one another, the front fenders, although similar, are different. Peak at the top of '37 front fenders is crisp. '38 fender is more rounded on top. Other notable exterior difference is the big, "clunky" trunk handle on the '38 (sorry Ryan) vs. the business-like yet cl***ic handle on the '37. DD
I like the '37 trunk handle better myself. The '37 fender does have a crisper line down the center, the wife mentioned that this weekend when we were aroud the '38. I'll just about bet that it wouldn't take much to make the '37 clip fit the '38, but I am sure that you would want to use the entire clip, hood and all.
The entire 38 front clip will bolt to a 37 or 37 to 38, the fenders not only have more of a peak but are way different where they bolt to the grill. I had a 38 sedan once and was going to use the 38 front clip on the 37 coupe, I traded it off for something some time in the past...Who did I trade with ??? Let me think a minute??? any way!
I never noticed that the fenders have a different crown to them... Stands to reason, Ford did that sort of thing, look at '35 and '36 rear fenders.
Some old fart somewhere probably has your '38 stuff sitting in a pole barn. I thoight you had the front end for the '37? Ya know I know a fella that has been thinking about building a fenderless 38 sedan.
I have some 37 parts that came with the car when my uncle gave it to me. My hood is a 37 and I have a hood side. I was just kicking around the idea. If I could find I 38 doner car would be best. But I allways see 37 parts for sale. I dont know how it would look fenderless allways heard they look like ****. But i dont know I have never seen a fenderless 37 coupe.
You got to build one pretty extreme to go fenderless. Probably only appeal to the high zoot crowd or a very old drag racer. There used to be a '37/'38 sedan around here that ran fenderless. Pretty extreme car with a lot of high zoot parts like hidden coilovers on the front to make it look like an F-1 front suspension, mega chop etc. Wasn't a real traditional build I think you could pull it off with a traditional feel but I don't think it would be as easy with a coupe. If I were in your place and I could fine '37 sheet metal I would go '37 with it an never look back. Both years are sweet, I have never understood why the '37/'38s were considered ugly ducklings.
One more little difference between '37s and '38s in general that I forgot to mention...bumpers! Although both years used the same bumpers, Henry decided to mount them upside down on '38s. DD
LOL Yep I got those 37 front parts, I would really like to see a Photo Shop of a 37/38 fenderless sedan drag car, get my drift? I seem to have 2 of those sitting somewhere!
I have a guy that says his uncle has a 38 sedan and he is trying to get a price. If that dont pan out I will go with the 37. I think both look good so any way wont hurt. I will just have to find 37 fenders and the rest of the stuff.
That's funny, I would have said just the opposite. 38 Ford coupes are one of the coolest cars ever made...in my opinion. Hard to find parts though.
Stay 38!! Early 80s build 38 standard coupe. The coupe back when it was being re-built by my father. For you Aussies out there you can tell how old this is, thats Dennis Kilner's 34 next to the coupe before that wicked chop, flame job and turning bright red!! This is on one of the "Confederates" runs they used to put on in the 80's/early 90's. For the life of me I cant remember the last name of the owner of the green 34 sedan behind Dennis'es car, I do remember their first names though, Chris and Zagar (Sp). Doc.
I have 2 complete sets of 37 hood sides with the stainless in nice shape....hit me up Also have 5 sets of 38 front fenders, from repairable to real nice.
I've also been wondering whether or not to turn my '38 Standard into a '37 but for now I'm keeping the stock sheet metal. Last weekend I stripped the car for paint as I've had enough of that Godawful green - going black with black wide fives... The mice will have to find a new home now... Regards Jon'.
How can you even contemplate turning that beautiful 38 into something it's not, Blasphemy! Blasphemy I say!! Doc. (PS, but you can get rid of that green........PLEASE!!)
They both look good. I think I will stick with the 38. Its hard to decide but I sence its a 38 I will keep it a 38. There are tons of cars poping up around here sence no one has any money. I have been thinking about just buying what I can when they do pop up for projects down the road. I was told about a 40 coupe in a barn the guy said it was parked there in the late 50's early 60's. I had no idea there was as many good cars until lately and when I mention something about my car someone tells me where another one is.
I have a 39' Standard, looks like a 38' Deluxe from the front.... With rear sheetmetal from a 39' or 40'. I thought of putting a 40' nose on it... should fit.
Yeah, I guess you cant discuss taste with someone when their taste is as bad as yours!! Just kidding, to each his own. I like both, I guess growing up with the 38 has a lot to do with it!! Cheers. Doc.
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