1939 Ford Vert Cowl Vent will not budge

Ramblin Reck

Ramblin Reck

Senior Member
Can't open the vent to let in fresh air. Don't want to force it and break something. Click on pic to expand. Need advice Thanks!

1939 Ford Cowl Vent under dash 1.jpg

1939 Ford Cowl Vent under dash 2.jpg

1939 Ford Cowl Vent under dash 3.jpg
 
Most likely the lid seal is stuck. I would disconnect lid from mechanism to verify which is the problem and prevent damage.
 
Looks like someone did some home made rehab on the vent mechanism. Do as marko39 says and then spray all the mechanical parts of the vent with WD-40 or PB Blaster to free things up. Previous owner may have tightened all the movable opening parts tight so vent couldn't be opened. It looks like someone tried to seal the vent closed. If the 39 vent mechanism is the same as the 40, I can send post photos of how it looks originally from the factory..
 
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I had a similar problem years ago everything had to come apart then lastly pushed open the vent. Bottom line it all had to come apart
 
Appears the vertical portion of the door is bent and interfering with the screen. It should have been bolted to the hinge in four places and is not. I also suggest you take the inside portion apart to see if you can get it straightened out. The screen already has a hole in it so don't be afraid of damaging it since it is reproduced and common to the 40
 
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