'40 Headliner Bow Numbers?

[Fred A]

I have a couple of '40 coupe projects that the previous owner took out the interior, leaving a bundle of the headliner bows from both cars. It is not obvious where they each came from. Is there a known numerical order to these bows? I would at least want to make two sets for perhaps selling the cars. Actual order would be great. People looking at the Drake/Carpenter bodies may be quite surprised to find how many additional parts it takes to make a car. Having Fun! Fred A

 

[funrunr]

Hey Fred,
If you have two sets,can't you just take the amount you have and divide it by two?

 

[Fred A]

I wish it were that simple. Not all the bows are the same length, while some of the number codes are odd where there may be three of a certain number for two cars. Finally it doesn't go from short to long or long to short because of the place it attaches under the top. If others had fought this battle and won, they might have notes on what they did. That sequence may be the same from earlier coupes with that top profile, perhaps from '38 on, '40 being the last of that series, '41 and beyond getting even fatter in the body. I have two other coupes with headliners in them but didn't want to damage them for this purpose. Thanks: Fred A

 

[36fordguy]

On 1939 -1940 all of the cars I have dealt with had the bow number stamped on the bow starting with #1 at the front -The number was on the flange where the screw hole is -36fordguy

 

[Fred A]

I'll trot out and check that. Thanks: Fred A

 

[Fred A]

Decided to peel back one of the headliners on the other cars and find the front bow unique by an angle end and luckily that side had the number on the back side visible by a dental mirror about four inches from the end. That number is F01. going back to the bundle of 12 bows, they also number F01, F02, F03, F05, F22, F23. F35, F75. This does not include the round wire bows that are behind the quarter windows that are not numbered like the front six. You can see that the front six have eight chances to be different. I'll give the F01 to the front. Perhaps 02 next and so on. To make them fit trimmers in the past have drilled new holes to get a fit but not all are obvious. There are some points in getting a car together that are less thrilling that cams and intakes, but they should be done right. Thanks: Fred A

 

[funrunr]

I do not have my headliner in my coupe yet, would it help you if I gave you the numbers on the ones I have stashed away. I'm pretty sure I have all my bows, just not installed.
LMK, Mark

 

[Fred A]

Looks like mark is in pretty much the same spot that I am. I still have two coupes with the headliners installed that I may have to tear it down to find a useable sequence. Before that the other cars may be offered for sale and the bundles of bows along with them. Father's Day with the LA Roadsters is not to be missed. Takes three weeks to get title to a car here in CA and need to step it up before the best of the summer events are past. Thanks: Fred A

 

[joel]

I found my headliner and bows finally, so I thought I might be able to post some pics to add to Fred As post. I'm probably too late to help Fred, but maybe someone else will benefit. There are a couple of pics of the bows still in the headliner; the I removed them one at a time and installed them in my car and adjusted the so that the distance between them matches the locations in the headliner.As fred said 01 is closest to the windshield and they go sequentially back from there. As a side note, 01 04,05 had thier numbers stamped on the drivers side top of the bow, while 02 and 03 numbers were on the passenger side. I installed them that way. I only found one of the little wires that make the 6th bow.


PS the distance between bows 1-2 is 10", 2-3 is 13", 3-4 is 6 1/2", and 4-5 is 6 1/8 " measured at the center of the bows.

 

[39 STD]

Joel, thanks for your photos. I took my 39 apart years ago and also couldn't remember how they looked installed or the angles of the #3 & #4 bow.
How I Know

 

[Fred A]

Looks like Joel did a lot of work cleaning the old tar based insulation inside that body. I plan on doing a lot less as long as it is in good condition and does not cover any rust.
As for the numbering, it is good to know that they are not uniform as to the side with the numbers. Temporarily busy with deciding which car is to be assembled as Deluxe and the other Ford V8(as per Kube) as I have both sets of parts. The summer shows are coming soon to offer them for sale. So much has to be right. Thanks: Fred A

 

[joel]

Removing the tar is not that bad; hot air gun, putty knife, and follow up with a rag and laquer thinner. Once the tar gets soft, it rolls right up.

 

[white64]

Joel, What did you use for the headliner bow wires in the rear corners, between the rear window and the qtr window... am I right in guessing there may have been 4 of them, 2 on each side?

You added some great pictures! Very helpful!

Thanks

 

[19Fordy]

Re: What wire to use? Try 3/32 or 1/8 copper coated welding rod or brazing rod. Headliner bows installed with #1 at the front. Remember to leave enough material for where the visor screws in place. Easy to forget this. Also, don't foget to run a new wire from the interior light switch to the dome light as original is cloth covered and may be frayed.
On the 40 coupe there is only one wire on each side of the rear quarter window area. Replace the roof tar with some head reflective material so you don't roast. This is the LB kit
below.

 

[19Fordy]

More photos, just in case they may help.

 

[Kube]

Re: What wire to use? Try 3/32 or 1/8 copper coated welding rod or brazing rod. Headliner bows installed with #1 at the front. Remember to leave enough material for where the visor screws in place. Easy to forget this. Also, don't foget to run a new wire from the interior light switch to the dome light as original is cloth covered and may be frayed.
On the 40 coupe there is only one wire on each side of the rear quarter window area. Replace the roof tar with some head reflective material so you don't roast. This is the LB kit
below.

Lebaron has corrected their '39 and '40 coupe headliner kit. There should have always been a vertical seam on each end of the rear window - from the bottom (corner) of the window to the rear tack strip.
And, I agree whole heartedly that a reflective type of insulation should be added. I install this wherever it won't be seen. Serves two purposes really - insulates for temperature and noise. I place it over the entire roof, the quarters and inside the doors. It truly does make a significant difference.

 

[mike42]

19fordy.......I wish you would stop showing these pictures ! I'm jealous as hell looking at what you did. Bad *** guy !

 

[19Fordy]

OK Mike: I won't post those photos anymore. Folks can go to this thread.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116643&highlight=1940+headliner Just trying to show that if a novice like me can install the interior, anyone can. I installed it in 1988 and it is the only headliner kit I have ever installed. So, I am sure you can do it too. Just have to get in the mood or get so disenchanted with the condition of your present upholstery that you decide to make the move. I always figure, " If other amateurs have done it, so can I." Plus, it gives one confidence to move forward and also install the LB seat upholstery kits. Wish I lived closer so I could give you a hand. Take tons of before, during and after photos when you decide to go "out with the old and in with the new." Also, DO NOT throw away your old headliner until you are completely done.

"Kube" Thanks for posting that photo showing the corrected LB 39-40 headliner kit. I was not aware of that update. You sure do nice work. Be sure to include that new info. in your book.
I think their uncorrected version looks better. Does the AACA takes off points for cars having the uncorrected headliner? I'm not a contender, but would like to know.

 

[white64]

You guys are such a help! Thanks again! I favorited this link I should be doing the headliner next week!

 

[19Fordy]

You guys are such a help! Thanks again! I favorited this link I should be doing the headliner next week!

I saved the LB instructions for the 40 coupe. Let me know if you want them and I'll email them to you.