Can someone school me on the differences between the 39-40 models?

[Roothawg]

I am in the market to buy a 39-40 Ford sedan. I was just wondering if there was a good reference for the differences between the models, Deluxe, standard etc.? Pictures are always good for the simple minded...

Thanks
Root

[19Fordy]

Here are some books that may help. Both the 39 and the 40 are great cars. 1939 was the last year of the rumbleseat. 1939 wipers are on the roof, 40,s are on the cowl. Both had hydraulic brakes but 39's had the very wide bolt pattern. 40 was the first year for the column shift.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/f...wings_body.htm
http://www.vintage-planet.com/1940-ford-.html
http://www.popularrestorations.com/R...oration004.htm
http://www.sullivansgarage.com/index...ex&cPath=27_60
http://retrocarsale.com/ford-deluxe-...od-steel-32-40

[STEVE O]

Hi,
I have a 40 deluxe 2 door sedan to sell that has had about 60% of the restoration done. I live in VA. [email protected] or phone 540-331-1950

[metalman]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Here are some books that may help. Both the 39 and the 40 are great cars. 1939 was the last year of the rumbleseat. 1939 wipers are on the roof, 40,s are on the cowl. Both had hydraulic brakes but 39's had the very wide bolt pattern. 40 was the first year for the column shift.

Not all 39s had the wide 5 wheels did they? We have a 39 Deluxe that has the smaller 5 1/2 bolt pattern, I'm preety sure it's stock. FWIW we also have a 39 Standard V8-60 that does have the wide five wheels.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by metalman

Not all 39s had the wide 5 wheels did they? We have a 39 Deluxe that has the smaller 5 1/2 bolt pattern, I'm preety sure it's stock.

Unless someone comes up with some obscure factory documentation to demonstrate that some late production cars came with early release parts it's not likely. It's not hard to switch hubs and drums, and a lot can happen in 70 years.

[metalman]

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Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

Unless someone comes up with some obscure factory documentation to demonstrate that some late production cars came with early release parts it's not likely. It's not hard to switch hubs and drums, and a lot can happen in 70 years.

Learn somthing every day! I just assumned mine was stock, rest of the car was. First 39 I've had and never paid that close attention to them before.

[Uncle Bob]

I remember hearing stories many moons ago from then old timers (it's all relative) that it wasn't too uncommon with older Fords for guys to swap parts to make the car appear to be a newer model, or gain advantages of later part updates. So they would put '40 seal beam buckets and bezels on a '39 instead of some cheesy looking aftermarket conversion. Or more extreme, swap a '34 grille and hood to a '33, or a '36 front clip to a '35.

[Roothawg]

Thanks. Those are some things that will help a newbie.

[TJ]

There are many differences between the 39 and 40 models. The 39 deluxe looks similiar to the 40 standard and the 39 standard looks very much like the 38 deluxe. On all 39's the windshield opens up from the bottom for ventilation(also great for water leaks). The windshield wipers also mount on the roof just above the windshield. The doors on the 39 do not have vent windows. The one piece glass rolls back before going down to allow for ventilation. The dash in the 39 looks very much like the 38 and the 39 has the floor shift. There are many other small differences from the 40 , but these are the most obvious.
The 40 has a fixed windshield with a rubber seal and the wipers mount on the cowl. The 40 has vent windows(windwings) and the dash is totally a new design. The 40 has the column shift.
If you want a good book that will show you the differences you should purchase "The Early V-8 Album" put out by the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. The album shows every Ford V-8 from 32-53 and shows the differences and gives the production numbers for each year and body style. You can order the book by calling 707-226-5256 between 8:00am-8:00pm PST or by e-mailing; [email protected]. I think there is a sale going on the V-8 Album

[Joe KCMO]

Owning a 39 Deluxe Coupe, my observations in addition to above are:

1) The 40 has more modern conveniences with the 39 closing out the 30's. For example, sealed beam lights and sway bar suspensions.

2)I just prefer the 39 for the teardrop headlights, floor shift, crankopen windshield, woodgrain dash and deluxe style grill. The 40 is awfully nice for its design as well.

[Roothawg]

So were the woodgrain dashes only offered in the 39?

[Uncle Bob]

Between those two years, yes.

[Roothawg]

This is great guys. I really appreciate it.

[hotrodharry]

I would email you pictures if you wish. It's a matter of personal taste. The 40 Deluxe is my personal favorite.

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by Roothawg

I am in the market to buy a 39-40 Ford sedan. I was just wondering if there was a good reference for the differences between the models, Deluxe, standard etc.? Pictures are always good for the simple minded...

Thanks
Root

Pretty hard to beat the classic exterior lines of a 40 (both DeLuxe and Standard) and also the georgeous interior dash. And then there's the classic chevron tail lights and perfectly designed headlights. Bob Gregorie was a design genius. The "Classic 40 Sedan" custom is Bob McCoy's flamed black 40 2 door shown here. http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?...%27s_1940_Ford

[Lawson Cox]

I for one prefer the 40 standard or the 39 Deluxe. Both are very desirable cars.

[Roothawg]

I am looking at a 1939 Ford Deluxe Fordor right now. It's a nice ride. If we can just come to an agreement now.

[19Fordy]

Originally Posted by Roothawg

I am looking at a 1939 Ford Deluxe Fordor right now. It's a nice ride. If we can just come to an agreement now.

Do your homework as 4 doors usually bring a lower price than 2 doors.

[Roothawg]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Do your homework as 4 doors usually bring a lower price than 2 doors.

True.

[George/Maine]

This is a 39 standard most people say its a 38.The 39 chrome above the head light turns down and back.