Help figuring out missing '38 dash knobs

46wischris

46wischris

Junior Member
Just bought a driver-quality 4 door Deluxe convertible. Very happy! Needs a new set of tires, a top repair and a good going-over. I have no idea what these two missing dash knobs are, and would rather not be looking at empty holes if it can be avoided. Knowing what they are will help me with sourcing.

Thanks in advance, glad to have a Ford convertible again. Still miss our '29 Roadster.

'38 dash.jpg
 
46wischris said:
Just bought a driver-quality 4 door Deluxe convertible. Very happy! Needs a new set of tires, a top repair and a good going-over. I have no idea what these two missing dash knobs are, and would rather not be looking at empty holes if it can be avoided. Knowing what they are will help me with sourcing.

Thanks in advance, glad to have a Ford convertible again. Still miss our '29 Roadster.

View attachment 565052
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565052
 
Thanks much, I'll go on the hunt for a throttle control knob and hopefully cable. I'm pretty sure that bottom hole must have been for the now-disconnected nitrous bottle in the trunk.
 
That hole looks to me like it was factory stamped. Could it possibly be an open car specific hole? This is my coupe dash panel.
 

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For knobs look to Dennis Carpenter reproductions. Bottom knob is a cigar lighter. Believe there is a face for the radio also.
 
40cpe said:
That hole looks to me like it was factory stamped. Could it possibly be an open car specific hole? This is my coupe dash panel.
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I found some pictures on the internet of '38 open car dashes, I didn't find any with a hole where the OP car has one.
 
Thanks Terry, I'll reach out to Dennis Carpenter Reproductions on Monday. Face for the radio would be nice. From the photo supplied by Petehoovie it sure looks like a lighter.

Car just left Maine this morning, should arrive in a couple days.
 

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I particularly like 1937 and 1938 Fords, and hope you enjoy your car.
Please be aware that in 1938 (and many other years) the throttle knob is connected to a throttle rod, not a throttle cable.
The radio area on your dash may have had some later year "surgery" to allow a more modern unit, the openings look bigger than I am used to. If you do not plan on using the radio a stock 38 radio blank-off plate might cover the sins.
The hole below the lighter is not the normal location for Columbia controls in a 38, although over the last 88 years almost anything is possible. The hole looks to me like an owner drilled it and installed something with a beveled bezel, like an aftermarket choke cable, light switch, etc.
For reference, here is a picture of the dash in my 38 Phaeton. If you are interested in originality please ignore the upholstery in my car, it is the wrong material.
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Thanks, '38, for helping me realize that the bottom left opening is non-standard. In looking at your dash photo (and others) there are two knobs on either side, not three on the left and two on the right. I was told by the dealer (Motorland Cars in Maine) that this Deluxe had been in the prior owner's collection since the early '90's. He's now in his mid-90's. I would hope that at some point I'll get to actually talk with him. I'm told there's a big folder of receipts in the trunk. The car does not have the Columbia kit. What I know so far about modifications are tube shocks all around, 12v conversion, and sealed beam headlights. Before buying the car I asked for last two DOT digits on the tires, but they're pre-1971. Unless I'm convinced otherwise, at this point I plan to spring for a set of 600x16R's from Diamond Back. Car is expected to arrive Monday or Tuesday. Dennis Carpenter's throttle rods are out of stock, but he does have radio dial bezels in stock.
 
38 coupe said:
I particularly like 1937 and 1938 Fords, and hope you enjoy your car.
Please be aware that in 1938 (and many other years) the throttle knob is connected to a throttle rod, not a throttle cable.
The radio area on your dash may have had some later year "surgery" to allow a more modern unit, the openings look bigger than I am used to. If you do not plan on using the radio a stock 38 radio blank-off plate might cover the sins.
The hole below the lighter is not the normal location for Columbia controls in a 38, although over the last 88 years almost anything is possible. The hole looks to me like an owner drilled it and installed something with a beveled bezel, like an aftermarket choke cable, light switch, etc.
For reference, here is a picture of the dash in my 38 Phaeton. If you are interested in originality please ignore the upholstery in my car, it is the wrong material.
565149
Click to expand...
565149
 
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