I haven't posted anything in a long time. My Model A took a slight OT engine swap so I didn't want to cross that line on here. Just been driving the wheels off of it every chance I get. But I have been itching to play with something else, and it had to be a coupe this time. This car came up for sale through word of mouth from a good friend of my best friend and I just couldn't say no. So I picked up this killer 39 Deluxe Coupe and wanted to share it. It has been lowered a bit already with a 4" drop axle in the front and reverse eye spring in the rear. I am going to drop it more in the front and rear, tire size changes, and some speed parts on this flathead and then just enjoy the hell out of it. I have documentation that shows it as original paint with only 78000 miles on it, but I am not sure I buy the paint. But, I believe the mileage is correct. Originally from Chula Vista Cal. and then spent some time in Oregon, Washington and now a Canadian car Interior was restored in 2008. Stock flathead that runs like a Gem.
Great looking 39, almost the same color as my current 40 standard coupe. My first hot rod in 1970 was a 39 deluxe coupe with a nailhead. Bought it on a farm sale with the nailhead, gave it a new red paint job with a tan interior and a set of some form of torque thrusts. drove it 3 years and broke even when it left.
Thanks guys. Super excited about it. I will post pics as I go. Just sorting out a few electrical issues to get all the lights working and then going through the brakes and all fluids.
Like others have said, it sits great as is. Why lower? I would caution that if everything works and clears now that's a good thing. Mess with it and you could well start a domino effect of screw ups and issues you wish you'd never started. For one thing, if your front tyres just miss the fender radius on full lock now, lowering is not going to help that. Then there is drag link and tie rod problems...uh. Don't go there.
Been thinking about your 39. It sits just like my 40 which I think is perfect, not to low or to high with a slight rake Tires, wheels, caps and rings are perfect.No problems with turning, speed bumps or the ride. If I remember correctly a few years ago I did sell 19Fordy a complete Lincoln brake upgrade for his coupe. a worthy addition to an already excellent 40. Just do the maintenance it needs and go. One other thing check the dates on your tires, sometimes that can sneak up on a guy.
Judging by the way your tires are tucked up into your fenders IMHO with the slight rake its stance is spot on now. You have a beautiful coupe, drive and enjoy.
I’m going to go against all these sourpusses and agree with the OP. Lower the front a bit more, taller rubber in the back, then more speed equipment. I personally would go for blackwall tires so it doesn’t look too cute, but that is just my style.
Keep in mind that if you "rake it" some more, you will have the problem of the rear differential fluid draining forward from the rear end to inside the torque tube. This will cause the center bearing rubber to disintigrate and you will be always checking your differential fluid level. You will eventually need to replace the center bearing. Not a fun job.
Welcome to Coupville! It a great looking car with what looks like a nice rake to me. My coupe is about that height. I really enjoy driving the car anywhere I want to go without worrying about speed bumps , curbs and debris on the road. I have an OT 39 convertible that is very low, I have been driving it that way for 20 years. The chin pan and transmission have taken some hits. I always have to be supper vigilant about curbs and speed bumps. I always worry about a shredded truck tread cap showing up on the freeway in front of me or a 2X4! I know one of those will tear up the grill , fenders or trans pan. It's your car though build it your way and enjoy.
Thanks! Learned something today. Was that center bearing in all V8's or something that was added along the way? Bob
I love your new car. When I was a kid, '40 Ford DeLuxes were the most desirable of all the old Fords, and I was drawn into that sort of thinking. The older I get, the more I believe that the '39 DeLuxe Is the ultimate expression of that series of cars. Period. A local guy up here has a '40 pickup with '39 DeLuxe front sheet metal; I'd kill for that truck.
While I really like my 40 standard coupe I started 53 years ago with a 39 deluxe coupe. Aspects of the 39 seem more refined than the 40. I especially like the side trim, just the simplicity of the trim is appealing. The same can be said for the grille, headlights and taillights. Still like the crank out windshield and no vent windows. If an equal 39 would have been available when I bought my 40 I would have opted for the 39.
Man, that thing is nice. I hate to sound like a broken record, but I'd think long and hard before I lowered that car any more than it is. The stance is great, and yet it still looks like it would be plenty drivable as is. But, as has already been stated, it's your car and you don't need our permission. lol Anyhoo, congrats on a nice score, and hope you enjoy it.
Great find! I’m like some others, I like the 39’ over the 40’. If it were mine, I would leave the stance alone, add black walls, add speed equipment to the flathead, and maybe an OT o/d trans. But it’s yours, so do what makes you happy, and enjoy the beautiful car.
The torque tube center bearing, Part # 78-4658 was OEM on all 1938-41 vehicles with 112, 114, 116, 118 in wheelbase. It was not added along the way. Also, OEM center bearings are just about impossible to find these days so if you find one, buy it. There was a fellow in TX making a oil retainer seal kit to prevent forward draining of oil into torque tube. More info here: Torque tube oil seal tech | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com) Also, Mr. VanPelt may be able to help you. Technical - Center Bearing 78-4658 question | The H.A.M.B. (jalopyjournal.com) Here's an excellent thread that contains a link showing how to remake the rubber around the OEM center bearing. Center bearing - The Ford Barn
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