1939 ford deluxe Grille

[jstrez5]

I've heard that with the 1939 Ford's there are two different versions of the grille, does anyone know if that is true or not?

If so, would anyone know if the stainless steal trim sold from say Drake, ebay or Mac would fit on either of the versions of the grille.

Thanks,

Jim S

 

[JSeery]

Assume you are referring to two different versions of the Deluxe Grill and not Deluxe vs Standard Grille, correct?

 

[jstrez5]

yes, correct. The two different versions of the deluxe grill.

jim

 

[flatjack9]

As far as I know there is only one factory 39 DeLuxe grille. Lots of after market pieces.

 

[Kube]

I've heard that with the 1939 Ford's there are two different versions of the grille, does anyone know if that is true or not?

If so, would anyone know if the stainless steal trim sold from say Drake, ebay or Mac would fit on either of the versions of the grille.

Thanks,

Jim S

Yes, two different versions of the '39 deluxe grille.
I no longer fully trust my memory but seem to recall one has more severely pointed stainless trim - the other rather rounded off tips.
And, it seems to me that the shorter pieces could not be swapped between the two grilles.
Going by memory (oh oh) the shorter pieces (that area of the grille) was different.
I think the sharper tipped trim was the early version.

 

[maneri]

early grille hold downs are on the sides ---late model center latch like the 1940 has --the rest is the same --stainless varies to suppler -ford had many

 

[flatjack9]

So is there a difference in the grille structure? His question was if the trim would fit 2 different versions of the grille.

 

[Kube]

So is there a difference in the grille structure? His question was if the trim would fit 2 different versions of the grille.

There is Jack... not certain any longer if the trim can be swapped between the two grille versions. I think the difference was near the short end(s).

 

[mercurycyclone]

Yes there are differences. At least two changes in the Grille assembly and changes made to the two outside Smaller stainless grille teeth on both sides. If you have the V8 Clubs 1938 - 39 Ford Book on pages 2-4 & 2-5 of the exterior chapter it reviews details but not in real depth. Hope this helps.

 

[jstrez5]

Thanks guys for the information it was very helpful from what is said ford did make two different grills. thank you jim s.

 

[swoopNZ]

The early grille trim strips had the rounded lower ends on #10 and #11.
The later ones were pointed.
Also it seems there were some REAL short #11's with the rounded lower end.
And just to complicate things further, on some of the early grilles, the strips from #1 out to #9 were about 3/4 inch longer overall. You could see them clearly protruding below the bumper line.
Looked a bit unsightly especially if they were out of line.
The later ones were in line with the bottom of the grille opening like Drakes reproductions.
I don't know if there was more than one manufacturer of the 39 deluxe grilles for Ford.
I do know that some of the finishing on the curve at the top of the center bracket above the crank hole was pretty rough on some examples i have come across.

 

[Kube]

The early grille trim strips had the rounded lower ends on #10 and #11.
The later ones were pointed.
Also it seems there were some REAL short #11's with the rounded lower end.
And just to complicate things further, on some of the early grilles, the strips from #1 out to #9 were about 3/4 inch longer overall. You could see them clearly protruding below the bumper line.
Looked a bit unsightly especially if they were out of line.
The later ones were in line with the bottom of the grille opening like Drakes reproductions.
I don't know if there was more than one manufacturer of the 39 deluxe grilles for Ford.
I do know that some of the finishing on the curve at the top of the center bracket above the crank hole was pretty rough on some examples i have come across.

Chris, Thanks for clearing uop my memory. I KNEW there were definite differences but obviously I did not recall what was first or second. Thanks again my friend.

 

[mercurycyclone]

Early 39 Ford grille molding for the 10th bar part number 91A-8398-c it measures about 8 5/16”. See attached.