'39 Standard to Deluxe ?

F

Ford Freak

Well-known member
Hey all ! Can a '39 Standard be converted to a Deluxe by changing hood , fenders , grill ? If not easily , how much of a pain is it , and what is involved ? :confused: Thanks - F F
 
I would suggest you get a copy of the restoration guidelines from the Early Ford V8 Club before you start. I am only slightly familiar with the '39 and am guessing from my '37 experience. Are you trying to make a car that would fool the average person or are you trying to make a show car? I would expect (a guess) different upholstery, 2 tail lights versus 1, maybe 2 sun visors instead of 1, different gauge faces and ranges. I for one like the '39 standard.

Charlie Stephens
 
If your pretty good with metal. It would not be that bad. The cowls are not the same. So you would have to change that.
 
The cowls are a completely different shape between the '39 standard and the deluxe.

The '39 standard cowl is like the '38 Ford. The '39 deluxe cowl is like the '40 Ford cowl











.
 
Cowls and firewall are different.
Easiest way is to cut the standard at the windscreen pillars and at the bottom of the front floor section..
Then install the deluxe firewall/cowl assembly.
Then there's the dashboard, instruments,window mouldings, grille, hood, front fenders and running boards.
Or sell the standard and buy a deluxe.
I find both 39's are equally attractive models - just the deluxe is easier to work in the engine bay.
 
I belive if you change the side panels were the fenders bolt on ie from the belt line down your in business as the cowl section top is the same ,don't cut the car through the screen totally unnesassary
 
woops forgot have to change fire wall as well ,but all this dosnt involve cutting in the drip rail area which will create all kinds of trouble you don't need
 
And then you get into the under hood mods: Crank fan, Radiator, generator, regulator, battery box, horn, the list goes on...
 
The windshield wipers are in the cowl on the deluxe and in the roof on the standard, so the cowls do have to be changed. Looks like you need 2 cars to do it.
 
Marv said:
The windshield wipers are in the cowl on the deluxe and in the roof on the standard, so the cowls do have to be changed. Looks like you need 2 cars to do it.
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Deluxe '39's have the wipers in the roof, just like the standards. Wipers on the cowl came in 1940. Other than that, I have nothing more to add.
 
I'm with Snouts out,I think the 39 is a thing of beauty.39 is the new 40,getting harder to get everyday.
Just my opinion.
 
For just a decent looking driver, I think costs in both money and work would be much greater than just selling what you have and buying what you want.
For restoration...just park a complete DeLuxe next to a complete Standard, and swap all the parts except the frame and axles...I think that would cover it.
 
The standard models have a unique look and personality all of their own. I have three standard model '35's and would never consider trying to make them into deluxe models. They were originally targeted for buyers who were probably not wealthy enough to afford more. I would keep them as they were built unless the change is felt to make them safer to drive. Of course it's your car, but....if you feel you really would prefer a deluxe model, buy one and sell the standard. JMHO
 
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Hey guys - I was just curious to know if the front sheet metal & grill were easily interchangeable . That's all - just curious . Thanks to those that answered my question . To those that may have felt offended - I am sorry , that was not my intention .
Like many of you , I also like both models . - F F
 
JM 35 Sedan said:
...They were originally targeted for buyers who were probably not wealthy enough to afford more... JMHO
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John, That's the politically correct way of saying they were originally intended for buyers who were... "frugal"?
In other words, Midwest farmers who could pinch a penny till it squealed like a pig! Old Henry grew up in the middle of those ball busters, and knew how to pinch a few pennies himself!
 
At 19 years of age I first saw a '39 standard fordor sedan in 1965.
Thought it was the most stylish car I had ever seen especially the hood catch and the front of the side panels..
I had to have one.
Bought one and drove it hard for several months before wrecking it in an accident - combination of youth, alcohol and speed.
Most of the 39 deluxes in those days had missing stainless trim from the grille and didn't look quite so good as they do today.
50 years later I have examples of both of them.
 
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