'40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

Removing the dash in one of my '40, found a stamped brace with a rather factory appearance, about 9" long, running from the bottom, behind the battery gage up to the cowl. Of the relative many '40 Fords I've owned, this is a first for me. Could it be an original feature or just something someone added?

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

I put mine back in, I suspect it is to stiffen up the dash due to the steering column being bolted to it.

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

I had the same experience with the dash in my 40 sedan I have started on. I also had never seen one on the many 40's I have had. I was told they all had them when new.

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

Thanks to all, No reason not to use it again. Must be like the engine pans that are usually tossed. Only lately has such disassembly been needed as the cars and I are about to get old. Good Luck: Fred A

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

I suspect most were removed at some point to facilitate working behind/under the dash (e.g., installing a radio).

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

They were in fact installed to each new 1940 Ford passenger car. I tend to agree with Deuce... strengthens the instrument panel near the steering column.

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

Here ya go Jim...

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

1940 Convertible and woody dash took a different length support brace.

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

That is definitely the brace that I was surprised to find. From Kube's picture also sense the futility or inadequacy of my work on these cars comparing the level of restoration that I am likely to achieve gathering my best parts compared to the extreme, as new restoration that Kube achieves. Thanks again: Fred A

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

Why would that be?
The dash panels at that point (closed vs. open car) are the same width.

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

Thank you Kube for posting that photo. Now, I very vaguely remember seeing that brace (or something like it) when i took my car apart many years ago.
Didn't remember to re - install it

Re: '40 Dash Panel Brace?
 

I thought that bracket looked familiar. My 40 was disassembled when I got it. Just went digging through boxes and found the bracket with masking tape around it with a question mark on it. I will be installing it today. Thanks Ford Barn!!!!!!