The Ford Barn

19Fordy · 01-17-2014, 03:10 PM

Just found a little bag of the 11 screws and pieces of original cowl lacing I saved from 1988 when I restored my 40. The after market repro. screws don't look like my originals which match the original cowl lacing screw "footprint" exactly. Some repro. folks sell slotted countersunk screws and some sell slotted stainless pan head stainless. Did Ford make a change in these screws in 39 or 40?
In the photo you can see the definite difference in my black originals and the after market. What's correct? All are 3/8 in. long.

V12Bill · 01-17-2014, 03:13 PM

My '39 pickup had the black panhead screws as did both of my Lincolns. I don't think the cowl lace providers care much for details.

Russ/40 · 01-17-2014, 03:20 PM

I can't imagine why you ask the question. Clearly the originals are unique and superior for the purpose. The originals would be expensive to make, with the straight sides and tapered shank.

RPM · 01-17-2014, 05:55 PM

I always use the originals as the others "bulge" the rubber. Not the look I want.

Kube · 01-17-2014, 06:01 PM

As has been stated previously, the correct screws are the ones in the right of your photo. Originally they were S2, (raven black) finish.
That shoulder serves the exact purpose RPM pointed out. Also, the shoulder "bottoms" against the cowl so the screws do not go in too far and bind the rubber.

19Fordy · 01-17-2014, 06:05 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ/40

I can't imagine why you ask the question. Clearly the originals are unique and superior for the purpose. The originals would be expensive to make, with the straight sides and tapered shank.

Russ, I asked the question because I wondered if there were various types of screws produced in 1940 - just like there were two different OEM styles of 40 Deluxe louvered grille panels and ash trays made for 1940 Fords.

4d fjord · 03-07-2026, 03:05 PM

Can someone tell me the correct length of the 1940 cowl lacing or where it is supposed to terminate on the side of the cowl? I have two sets of repro cowl lacing and they both came with the flathead countersunk screws. Since they are not the correct duplicate of original anyway would it work to use weatherstrip cement to glue the lacing to the cowl? Seems to me it would be easier, but I don't know if it would hold up to the heat and vibration. Thanks.

19Fordy · 03-08-2026, 04:16 PM

4d: Look here:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=356151

01-17-2014, 03:10 PM	#1
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,916	40 FORD Cowl Lacing Screw Question Just found a little bag of the 11 screws and pieces of original cowl lacing I saved from 1988 when I restored my 40. The after market repro. screws don't look like my originals which match the original cowl lacing screw "footprint" exactly. Some repro. folks sell slotted countersunk screws and some sell slotted stainless pan head stainless. Did Ford make a change in these screws in 39 or 40? In the photo you can see the definite difference in my black originals and the after market. What's correct? All are 3/8 in. long. Last edited by 19Fordy; 01-17-2014 at 03:16 PM.

01-17-2014, 03:13 PM	#2
V12Bill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mt. Holly,NJ Posts: 1,822	Re: 40 FORD Cowl Lacing Screw Question My '39 pickup had the black panhead screws as did both of my Lincolns. I don't think the cowl lace providers care much for details.

01-17-2014, 03:20 PM	#3
Russ/40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee, California Posts: 3,505	Re: 40 FORD Cowl Lacing Screw Question I can't imagine why you ask the question. Clearly the originals are unique and superior for the purpose. The originals would be expensive to make, with the straight sides and tapered shank.

01-17-2014, 05:55 PM	#4
RPM Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 413	Re: 40 FORD Cowl Lacing Screw Question I always use the originals as the others "bulge" the rubber. Not the look I want.

01-17-2014, 06:01 PM	#5
Kube Super Moderator Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 10,541	Re: 40 FORD Cowl Lacing Screw Question As has been stated previously, the correct screws are the ones in the right of your photo. Originally they were S2, (raven black) finish. That shoulder serves the exact purpose RPM pointed out. Also, the shoulder "bottoms" against the cowl so the screws do not go in too far and bind the rubber. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

03-07-2026, 03:05 PM	#7
4d fjord Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2020 Posts: 20	Re: 40 FORD Cowl Lacing Screw Question Can someone tell me the correct length of the 1940 cowl lacing or where it is supposed to terminate on the side of the cowl? I have two sets of repro cowl lacing and they both came with the flathead countersunk screws. Since they are not the correct duplicate of original anyway would it work to use weatherstrip cement to glue the lacing to the cowl? Seems to me it would be easier, but I don't know if it would hold up to the heat and vibration. Thanks.

03-08-2026, 04:16 PM	#8
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,916	Re: 40 FORD Cowl Lacing Screw Question 4d: Look here: https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=356151