1940 Ford convertible

[Alan O'Connell]

Did all 1940 Ford convertbles come with power tops or did some come with manual tops?

[19Fordy]

I do believe all 1940 Ford convertibles came stock with power activated tops.

[Kube]

Jim (19Fordy) is 100% correct.

[Alan O'Connell]

That's interesting. I just looked at one today that was a manual top. I also checked the H.A.M.B. and the posters say there were some that were manual tops and some that were vacuum operated tops. Now I'm totally confused.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Alan O'Connell

That's interesting. I just looked at one today that was a manual top. I also checked the H.A.M.B. and the posters say there were some that were manual tops and some that were vacuum operated tops. Now I'm totally confused.

Do not be confused. There were only vacuum operated 1940 Ford convertibles coming off the assembly line.

[deuce_roadster]

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This reminds me of the people who insist there was a 32 "heavy" front axle because of hear-say info and a typo in a chart that was published in a street rod magazine. There is a 32 axle and there are 33-36 axles that were used as service replacements.

When the tired engine didn't produce enough vacuum to raise and lower the top, people jerked the cylinders and hoses out.

[fortyonerag]

If you disconnect the vacuum actuators, it is a very easy top to work manually. This may be the cause of the confusion among some folks

[flatmotor40]

I use mine manually even though I still have the cylinders and vacumn switch.None is mounted laying on shelf.No problem raise and lower but it would help with 2 people raising it up but 1 can do it fairly easy

[Alan O'Connell]

If I do decide to buy a 40 Ford convertible, I would like the top to work like from the factory. I think everything should be completely original. How difficult is it to get parts to repair the top mechanism?

[Convert]

I am looking for cylinders to replace the ones on my parent’s 1940 Ford. I am a new member and have to make 5 more post (for a total of 9) before being allowed to respond sellers with a private message.

[paul2748]

I don't know if they have anything for the vacuum operated tops but try Hydro-E-lectric in Fla. They deal in conv. top parts and may have something or know where you can find what your looking for.

Originally Posted by Convert

I am looking for cylinders to replace the ones on my parent’s 1940 Ford. I am a new member and have to make 5 more post (for a total of 9) before being allowed to respond sellers with a private message.

[Convert]

Thank you Paul2748. I will see what Hydro-E-lectric has.

[deuce_roadster]

The ones I had were easy to repair and make work. Usually, the inside of the cylinders didn't get full of water and rust up horribly. The car I had; I was the first person out of the family that bought it new to own it. The day I sold it, the top went up and down (not real fast!) with a fresh engine. A good switch might be harder to find then usable cylinders if missing.

[Automotive Stud]

I saw a pair of cylinders for sale at Carlisle last year. I almost bought them, but I figured mine still work fine after 82 years so having a spare set is probably not necessary.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Automotive Stud

I saw a pair of cylinders for sale at Carlisle last year. I almost bought them, but I figured mine still work fine after 82 years so having a spare set is probably not necessary.

I threw five nice cylinders away last year. Got tired of putting them on eBay with a no reserve starting bid of $10 each with no bids.

[Convert]

I hope to return from Carlisle and Hershey this year with some good cylinders and enough other 1940 Ford convertible parts to complete the restoration of my car.