1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

I am learning about changes in the early and late style front fenders used on 1939 Deluxe. Is the inner apron commonly found in 1940 correct for a late 1939?

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

Yes.
The '40 inner fender panel will fit both early and late design '39 deluxe fenders.

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

The 1939 deluxe and 1940 inner fender aprons can be used on both years but there are some minor differences that make them incorrect for judging on a different year vehicle. I am aware of 3 different styles of the 1940 aprons to add to this story.
40larry

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

Thanks for your input. I have 2 different versions of the 1939 aprons, both are cracked and of a weaker design than a 1940. My question is when did the stronger design 1940 first get installed on the assembly line. Could a late 1939 have come with the improved 1940 type. None of my reference books help.

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

I do not know when Ford made changes in production but the strongest ones for 1940 had a triangular plate added around the connection to the cross support "slingshot" spreader bar. I think that these were sold as replacements as I never saw them on an original car.
40larry

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

The "stronger" design that Larry has mentioned was in fact released much later for service.
The "basic" pan for '39 and '40 were nearly identical. In '39 had there was a little "foot" near the front - bottom edge that was bolted to the top of the frame horn. This, along with the two short braces that went to the front cross member were the most obvious differences between '39 - '40.
In '40, the entire bracing design was redone. That's when that large "horse shoe" brace and spring were installed at the center of the cross member and was attached to each pan.
Some of the '40 (proper) pans still had two holes at the lower - front corner of each pan.
It appears that some of the dies simply had the punches removed while others did not.
I'm not certain if you would gain any significant strength by installing '40 (proper) pans vs. the '39 pans.
The cracks were typically induced by flexing (stress). Perhaps if you'd install the '40 fender brace and large spring at the center you may eliminate any future cracking.

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

I must not be making my question clear enough. I appreciate all the info so far but want to have a "correct late 1939" front clip assembly. Not worried about strength as this car will not be driven on washboard roads. All of my 1939 aprons need major repair but I have some much better "1940" aprons. My question is when did the factory begin installing the improved panels? I have observed the evolution of the outer fenders, hoods and grills during the year but need help on these inner aprons.

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

1941 ford pickup used the added triangular plate for the 6 cyl motor. There is a tie rod that runs left to right by the top radiator tank similar to 37 38 fords and a 39 standard. I had to cut it off junk inner fenders and ad it to a new set of drake inner fenders

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

The redesign came with the large "Horse shoe" brace. So, NOT on your '39.

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

Thank you, that answers my question. I will restore my 1939 aprons.

Re: 1939 Deluxe inner fender aprons 1940 interchange?
 

keith my membership is still new here and i can't reply yet to your pm. Can you send me an email to [email protected] in regards to your shock mounts?

thanks chris.