1938 Ford Standard Coupe

mercman from oz

mercman from oz

Well-known member
522317


This survivor 1938 Ford Standard Coupe was on display at the recent 2023 Early Ford V8 Nationals in Dearborn.
I notice that it has a Chrome plated Windscreen Frame.
Is this correct, or did the Standard models come with Painted Windscreen Frames?
 
mercman from oz said:
522317


This survivor 1938 Ford Standard Coupe was on display at the recent 2023 Early Ford V8 Nationals in Dearborn.
I notice that it has a Chrome plated Windscreen Frame.
Is this correct, or did the Standard models come with Painted Windscreen Frames?
Click to expand...

Both are correct, one early, the other late. Early '38 Standards had body color windshield frame, together with body striping. Beginning in January, 1938, rustless steel body moldings, grill bars, and windshield frames were adopted for the Standard model.
 
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Thanks Alan for this information about Early and Late models.
I found this picture of an Early 1938 Ford Standard Coupe.
Notice that this example has a painted Windscreen Frame and painted Stripe.
 
mercman > I found this picture of an Early 1938 Ford Standard Coupe.


I believe both the early & late standards had 3 pairs of SS trim strips as shown on the elusive 3 window shown below on the right.





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mercman from oz said:
522319


Thanks Alan for this information about Early and Late models.
I found this picture of an Early 1938 Ford Standard Coupe.
Notice that this example has a painted Windscreen Frame and painted Stripe.
Click to expand...

That’s a pretty rare bird! I’ve never seen one in person, just pictures. Note that with this example, being a Standard, yet it is fitted out with whitewalls, fog light, radio, and peep mirror.
Rockfla, yes, all passenger cars were to make the change over at that time, and dealers were to update stock on hand.
 
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Early 1938 Ford Sales Brochure showing Deluxe and Standard 1938 Fords.
Notice that the Standard Tudor Sedan doesn't have any SS Trim on the Grille?
 
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Another Early 1938 Ford Sales Brochure showing Deluxe and Standard 1938 Ford Grilles.
Note the absence of Stainless Steel Trim on the Grille of the Standard model.
 
All this talk about grille bars... As I recall, Australia made their own rules on many things, including grille bars, did they not?
 
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This Illustration from the Australian 1938 Ford Sales Brochure show what is supposed to be a 1938 Ford Standard Club Coupe.
This picture actually shows a 1938 Ford Standard Coupe, a body style that was never offered in Australia.
In 1938, Ford Club Coupes were offered here as either Standard or Deluxe models.
It is oblivious that this illustration displays artistic license.
 
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To answer ford38v8's question, the only year that Ford Australia offered a different appearing Grille was in 1937.
Part way through the 1937 model year, Ford Australia decided to paint all 1937 Ford Grilles body colour and add 4 SS Strips each side.
On this grille, the bottom strips that extend each side of the Crank Hole Trim are missing.
 
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Sales on the 38 Standard did not take off right away. Henry wanted them dressed up. By early January the stainless Steel was added to the windshield, grill, wiper and pin stripe. Ford instructed the dealers to retrofit the grills on the cars that were still on the lot. So there are legit mix matches out there.
 
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A friend here in town has what I believe is a "Early" 38 Standard un-restored car. I will try and get by and snag a few photos for this post!!! Great post by the way....learning A Lot!!!
 
I was attempting to post images in this thread. To cover up my ineptness, since I know how to edit, but not delete, here are my gear head stats on my V860 coupe:

Standard Coupe
Model: 82A-770A
Weight 2,354,
WB: 112 in.
Original Price: 595
Number Produced: 13,712

1938 V8-60hp
L-head
Displacement: 136
Bore 2.60 x 3.20
Stroke 3.2
Maximum brake horsepower 60 @ 3500 rpm
Torque ft lbs: 94 lbs @ 2500 rpm.
Compression 6.6
Compression at cranking 105
Iron block, Aluminum heads

Transmission gear ratios:
1st gear = 3.070
2nd gear = 1.83
third 1.0
Reverse = 4.015
Lub Capacity 1.75

Rear axle:
Gear ratio 4.44
Teeth pinion 9
Teeth gear 40
 
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I remember seeing that early 38 standard coupe at the 2013 meet in Lake Tahoe. It was an amazing condition unrestored car. In the same row of cars were two other 38 standards, one with the side trim and the painted windshield, and the last with all the shiny parts. I can't for the life of me find a picture of all three cars together. Oh well, I'll add another of the very nice early 38 coupe.
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