'39 Ford Deluxe Grille

Joe/Ct

Joe/Ct

Senior Member
Guys, I need to replace my grille, but am just a little confused. What is the difference (physical, construction, fit, etc) between an original and a reproduction? I also hear that there were two versions of original. Also, I hear that some reproductions are "junk". Which ones are those and who makes a good (in the US?) reproduction? Are any originals available?
 
I don't know what the quality of the reproduction stuff available is but there were two versions for the deluxe models. There was an early latching mechanism and a late type. This made a difference in the way the shells were manufactured. How you deal with this depends on what you have to work with.

As general rule, the repro stuff doesn't equal the quality of the original. A lot of stuff has to be massaged to even work at all. I would search for OEM and only use repro to get by with until I got the real McCoy. Kube or some of the other 39 owners may have some suggestions.
 
Is the grille structure gone OR just the stainless covers for each bar? I was able to find the stainless covers for mine and had them polished. Basic grille structure is harder to find in good condition.
 
rotorwrench said:
I don't know what the quality of the reproduction stuff available is but there were two versions for the deluxe models. There was an early latching mechanism and a late type. This made a difference in the way the shells were manufactured. How you deal with this depends on what you have to work with.

As general rule, the repro stuff doesn't equal the quality of the original. A lot of stuff has to be massaged to even work at all. I would search for OEM and only use repro to get by with until I got the real McCoy. Kube or some of the other 39 owners may have some suggestions.
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There was a difference in the grille bars. One version had an extra shortie bar at the outer edge.
 
The repro prices aren't cheap either after you add up all the pieces and find a vendor that has them all.
 
I think the early ones have a copper colored safety latch for the hood. That is what is on my car. I think the 38-39 Ford book has something about the latches.
 
Check with Bob at Dennis Carpenter. They had a what I believe was a NOS one at Hershey along with a ton of other old original and NOS parts. I would call DC on Monday and find out if they still have it
 
As was stated above the early and late are different. The early has two alignment pins that stick up to align the hood they look like the ears on a Doberman dog. The late don't have them. Also the safety latch is different. I can't post pictures on here but can send them by email if you need them to show the difference PM me. You need to use the grille that matches your hood. I saw 6 grilles this year at Hershey and all were late, and all were pricey. I do have the phone number for one of the venders that had one.
 
mike in tucson said:
Is the grille structure gone OR just the stainless covers for each bar? I was able to find the stainless covers for mine and had them polished. Basic grille structure is harder to find in good condition.
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The only thing bad is the bottom horizontal bar that has a major crease in it. The top, sides and bars are generally OK. Would like to just replace the lower bar, but can find no-one locally that will do the job.
 
Joe,

I think there is one in the Grafe auction of Little Deerborn in Minneapolis. It may have been a 40, I can't remember. The auction for this part ends tomorrow, 10/11/16. Hope this helps.
 
1937pickup said:
Joe,

I think there is one in the Grafe auction of Little Deerborn in Minneapolis. It may have been a 40, I can't remember. The auction for this part ends tomorrow, 10/11/16. Hope this helps.
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Thanks for the heads-up, but the one that I saw there was a '40....
 
Was at the Grafe auction in Little Germany Mn Sept 28th & bought a 39 Deluxe grill for $400 for my dad's project here in Canada. Much easier to bid on items at an auction when you are bidding for someone else and using their money.
 
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