Can someone school me on the differences between the 39-40 models?

Roothawg

Roothawg

Member
I am in the market to buy a 39-40 Ford sedan. I was just wondering if there was a good reference for the differences between the models, Deluxe, standard etc.? Pictures are always good for the simple minded...;)

Thanks
Root
 
Here are some books that may help. Both the 39 and the 40 are great cars. 1939 was the last year of the rumbleseat. 1939 wipers are on the roof, 40,s are on the cowl. Both had hydraulic brakes but 39's had the very wide bolt pattern. 40 was the first year for the column shift.
http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/flathead_drawings_body.htm
http://www.vintage-planet.com/1940-ford-.html
http://www.popularrestorations.com/Restorations/Restoration004.htm
http://www.sullivansgarage.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=27_60
http://retrocarsale.com/ford-deluxe...ford-v8-sedan-2d-flathead-hot-rod-steel-32-40
 
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There are many differences between the 39 and 40 models. The 39 deluxe looks similiar to the 40 standard and the 39 standard looks very much like the 38 deluxe. On all 39's the windshield opens up from the bottom for ventilation(also great for water leaks). The windshield wipers also mount on the roof just above the windshield. The doors on the 39 do not have vent windows. The one piece glass rolls back before going down to allow for ventilation. The dash in the 39 looks very much like the 38 and the 39 has the floor shift. There are many other small differences from the 40 , but these are the most obvious.
The 40 has a fixed windshield with a rubber seal and the wipers mount on the cowl. The 40 has vent windows(windwings) and the dash is totally a new design. The 40 has the column shift.
If you want a good book that will show you the differences you should purchase "The Early V-8 Album" put out by the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. The album shows every Ford V-8 from 32-53 and shows the differences and gives the production numbers for each year and body style. You can order the book by calling 707-226-5256 between 8:00am-8:00pm PST or by e-mailing; v8accessories@gmail.com. I think there is a sale going on the V-8 Album
 
Owning a 39 Deluxe Coupe, my observations in addition to above are:

1) The 40 has more modern conveniences with the 39 closing out the 30's. For example, sealed beam lights and sway bar suspensions.

2)I just prefer the 39 for the teardrop headlights, floor shift, crankopen windshield, woodgrain dash and deluxe style grill. The 40 is awfully nice for its design as well.
 
Roothawg said:
I am in the market to buy a 39-40 Ford sedan. I was just wondering if there was a good reference for the differences between the models, Deluxe, standard etc.? Pictures are always good for the simple minded...;)

Thanks
Root
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Pretty hard to beat the classic exterior lines of a 40 (both DeLuxe and Standard) and also the georgeous interior dash. And then there's the classic chevron tail lights and perfectly designed headlights. Bob Gregorie was a design genius. The "Classic 40 Sedan" custom is Bob McCoy's flamed black 40 2 door shown here. http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?title=Bob_McCoy%27s_1940_Ford
 

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I am looking at a 1939 Ford Deluxe Fordor right now. It's a nice ride. If we can just come to an agreement now.
 
Did a 39 Standard about 20 years ago when the "smoothie" look was the rage. A quite elderly gentleman came by while I was working on it and was needing some "Candy Cane" trim pieces that go on the hood side panels; said he couldn't find them anywhere. Every bit of the trim I'd removed was mint so when I told him he could have it all he was moved almost to tears. He had pulled out his check book before the offer and said to fill in any amount I considered fair so I knew he wasn't a something for nothing type. Felt good to know it was going to a faithful restoration. Also had a 40 Woody wagon that DID have a wood grained dash and a 51 Woody that Ford used the 50 dash so it could be wood grained. The digital dash that, Steve, at Dakota Digital designed for the 49/50 was patterned off of the mint cluster this wagon had.
 

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19Fordy said:
Here are some books that may help. Both the 39 and the 40 are great cars. 1939 was the last year of the rumbleseat. 1939 wipers are on the roof, 40,s are on the cowl. Both had hydraulic brakes but 39's had the very wide bolt pattern. 40 was the first year for the column shift.
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Not all 39s had the wide 5 wheels did they? We have a 39 Deluxe that has the smaller 5 1/2 bolt pattern, I'm preety sure it's stock. FWIW we also have a 39 Standard V8-60 that does have the wide five wheels.
 
metalman said:
Not all 39s had the wide 5 wheels did they? We have a 39 Deluxe that has the smaller 5 1/2 bolt pattern, I'm preety sure it's stock.
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Unless someone comes up with some obscure factory documentation to demonstrate that some late production cars came with early release parts it's not likely. It's not hard to switch hubs and drums, and a lot can happen in 70 years.
 
I think you will find that the '40 is generally considered to be the "classic" early Ford (but maybe that is just in my circle). You might look at an Old Cars Price Guide and see if the prices bear this out.

Charlie Stephens
 
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