1940 Ford speaker grille cutout for a/c vent

[oz1954]

Anyone have any advise on installing an a/c vent in the lower part of the speaker grille on a 40? I have a new Bob Drake grille and don't want to mess it up.

 

[rich b]

While this a '41, '40 shouldn't be that different.

Made a simple "air box" out of sheet metal that fit the dash opening, couple tubes for the hoses to slip over along with a couple mounting tabs on each side. Mounted it to back of the dash with countersunk machine screws.

I ran a die on the speaker grill studs, and mounted it using nylon nuts on the now threaded studs. Figured it would easier to install that way instead of trying to push clips over the studs (also makes it possible to remove later if needed).

 

[oz1954]

That looks great, but I want to cut a rectangular opening in the chrome speaker grille itself and install the plastic vent in it.

 

[petehoovie]

While this a '41, '40 shouldn't be that different.

Made a simple "air box" out of sheet metal that fit the dash opening, couple tubes for the hoses to slip over along with a couple mounting tabs on each side. Mounted it to back of the dash with countersunk machine screws.

I ran a die on the speaker grill studs, and mounted it using nylon nuts on the now threaded studs. Figured it would easier to install that way instead of trying to push clips over the studs (also makes it possible to remove later if needed).

 

[40cpe]

That looks great, but I want to cut a rectangular opening in the chrome speaker grille itself and install the plastic vent in it.

I did that. See attached pic. You will have to enlarge the pic and look past the shift lever. I can't find a picture of it straight on.

 

[petehoovie]

I did that. See attached pic. You will have to enlarge the pic and look past the shift lever. I can't find a picture of it straight on.

 

[19Fordy]

Don't cut a hole in your original 40 speaker grille.
Do what Richb did.

 

[JayChicago]

don't cut a hole in your original 40 speaker grille.
Do what richb did.

x 2

 

[oz1954]

Thanks all for your interest and advice. The grille is not original, it is a repop. I need to be able to remove the grille to service some electrical items if they fail. This will allow it.

 

[rich b]

If you have to make a hole in the grille; I would set it up in a vertical mill as you will likely have mill the curved fins flat where the vent seats outside of the hole itself. Well, anyway something to think about.

The grille in my pictures is easily removed with a nut driver and the box itself with the removal of four screws.

 

[oz1954]

I really appreciate your insight and will ponder the concept of both before proceeding. Thanks!

 

[19Fordy]

Whatever you decide please post phots of the finished product. Hope all goes well.