Ford Grille Inserts

[Elder Rodder]

A couple of years ago my daughter gave me the grille inserts that go in the sides from the grille to the front of the radiator to help cool the congested engine compartment. The trouble is that I had the '40 Ford truck already together at that point. I'm reluctant to pull the bolts out of the grille/fender attachment, especially since I also put welting on each side also. Everything's aligned very nicely, and I don't want to pull the grille out, and have to go through that process again. Is there a possibility that I could slot the holes in the inserts and slide them into the joint? Will there be sufficient room to angle the inserts and gradually work them into place? Anybody have this dilemma also? Otherwise, I think these are going to stay on my shelf.

Elder Rodder

 

[joel]

It might be worth a try, but if they are repos they may have to be tweaked. This was my experience on the last 40 I had. I'd be very cautious about pulling or forcing those diecast grille pieces. Good luck.

 

[19Fordy]

It's tempting to give it a try. But if your 40 is not running hot, let it be.
Simple projects are rarely simple and if it ain't broke, don't break it.

 

[Elder Rodder]

Thanks guys, I was thinking along the lines of "why do this?" myself, especially since I'm running a Walker four core radiator, a stainless grille insert on top, and the bottom standard panel. Although the Chevy 350 is bored .030" over, the Walker takes care of the extra heat. I'm running a 180 degree thermostat, and it rarely exceeds that temperature. I just wanted to use those panels, since they're hanging around the shop, and were a present from my kid. 19Fordy has a point, why ask for trouble? I guess these Drake panels will have to stay around the shop until someone else can use them.

Elder Rodder