'40 Dash Panel Brace?

Fred A

Fred A

Well-known member
Removing the dash in one of my '40, found a stamped brace with a rather factory appearance, about 9" long, running from the bottom, behind the battery gage up to the cowl. Of the relative many '40 Fords I've owned, this is a first for me. Could it be an original feature or just something someone added?
 
Original piece ,,I do not re-use mainly for stability as I recall.....Merry Christmas my friend!
 
I had the same experience with the dash in my 40 sedan I have started on. I also had never seen one on the many 40's I have had. I was told they all had them when new.
 
Thanks to all, No reason not to use it again. Must be like the engine pans that are usually tossed. Only lately has such disassembly been needed as the cars and I are about to get old. Good Luck: Fred A
 
I suspect most were removed at some point to facilitate working behind/under the dash (e.g., installing a radio).
 
They were in fact installed to each new 1940 Ford passenger car. I tend to agree with Deuce... strengthens the instrument panel near the steering column.
 

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That is definitely the brace that I was surprised to find. From Kube's picture also sense the futility or inadequacy of my work on these cars comparing the level of restoration that I am likely to achieve gathering my best parts compared to the extreme, as new restoration that Kube achieves. Thanks again: Fred A
 
Thank you Kube for posting that photo. Now, I very vaguely remember seeing that brace (or something like it) when i took my car apart many years ago.
Didn't remember to re - install it
 
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I thought that bracket looked familiar. My 40 was disassembled when I got it. Just went digging through boxes and found the bracket with masking tape around it with a question mark on it. I will be installing it today. Thanks Ford Barn!!!!!!
 
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