Upper air deflector installation

[dp1743]

I have a quick question about installing an after market upper air deflector on my 1940 Ford Standard. I hope with everyone's wealth of knowledge and experience someone can guide me here. In order to correctly install it, do I have to remove the cross bar and two support bars for the grill? If so, I assume the rivits need to be drilled out and the support bars unbolted. Is there anything specifically I should be concerned about here? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[40ford]

I didn't think you had to remove anything.Somebody should chime in here and correct me if I am wrong.Where did you get this air deflector?

 

[40cpe]

I remember someone recently had posted a picture of the deflector installed on the bottom side of the hood opening at the grill. I can't find the thread, but it should work the same if the installation is easier.

 

[19Fordy]

You can make the air deflectors yourself and mount them inside the hood using a couple of dabs of adhesive caulking. I posted the photos a while back and now I can't find them.
No need to drill any holes are remove any original parts.

 

[dp1743]

The air deflector I bought is flat steel and shaped to fit. I'm not sure where I got it as I 've had it for awhile (either Mac's or C&G). I' m not too bright so I have to ask... Is the deflector attached to the hood, or, attached to the top of the grill and support?

 

[19Fordy]

I just went out and took more photos of the ones you can make and not do anything to your hood or upper grille. Use very thin cold rolled steel , plastic door edging and tin snips. The piece in front of the radiator has a lip on it and is held in place with a spring clip and velcro. I believe the one you bought attaches to the top of the grille and support, if it's like the one Bob Drake sells.
http://www.bobdrake.com/Categories2.aspx?Id=19sheetsprin My friend has one on his 40.

 

[dp1743]

Your's looks great 19Fordy. However, if I have to attach my deflector to the top of my grill and support, the support bar that runs l to r in front of the radiator has a slight bow to it and is higher than the top of the front of the grill. The deflector is rigid and won't fit flat.

 

[dp1743]

My deflector is stamped steel, part #01A-8327-A for a 40 Standard.

 

[4dFord/SC]

Got mine from Drake and bolted it on. Sorry about the sideways thumbnail.

 

[4dFord/SC]

Here's a better shot, courtesy of Photobucket.

 

[gmc1941]

The defector is a great idea for better flow through the radiator. BUT, the design was for the greater air through, and the balance to flow over the engine, thus reducing the heat that would be transfer to the fire wall and the inside. Just my thoughts

 

[dp1743]

4dFord/SC. Thanks for the pic. It's the same as what I'm trying to accomplish with my Standard. My problem is there is a support bar under it that keeps it from lying flat on all three sides. Did you have to remove your grill support bar and struts?

 

[4dFord/SC]

4dFord/SC. Thanks for the pic. It's the same as what I'm trying to accomplish with my Standard. My problem is there is a support bar under it that keeps it from lying flat on all three sides. Did you have to remove your grill support bar and struts?

All I had to do was drill the holes for the bolts. There was no interference from the support bar or struts.

 

[dp1743]

Sorry I'm so slow with this reply, however I thought I'd add this quick postscript: My problem turned out to be the cross bar support, that runs in front of the upper radiator, has a slight arc to it. It must have been bent to bring in the fenders somewhat and for some reason. I'm going to try and straighten it out this fall, thereafter, the upper deflector should fit nicely. Thank you all for your input. Dick

 

[19Fordy]

dp1743, Just for the heck of it ( before you start taking your car apart) make a deflector out of cardboard and tape it in place to see if it helps your cooling.

 

[dp1743]

Thanks 19Fordy. I did as you suggested and it worked wonders keeping my car cool. That's why I plan on installing the permanent deflector.

 

[twostickmutt]

Thanks 19Fordy. I did as you suggested and it worked wonders keeping my car cool. That's why I plan on installing the permanent deflector.

I realize this post is 8 years old but someone may still chime in. question is does anyone make an air deflector for a 39 deluxe with the offset safety latch . thanks

 

[1931 flamingo]

If someone did I would think it would be in one of the Vendor's catalogs.
Paul in CT

 

[JayChicago]

Don't most overheating problems show up in stop-and-go driving, not at highway speed? Isn't this deflector going to be effective only at speed? I don't see how this deflector can help the fan pull more air thru the radiator when idling at a stop light.

 

[drolston]

Don't most overheating problems show up in stop-and-go driving, not at highway speed? Isn't this deflector going to be effective only at speed? I don't see how this deflector can help the fan pull more air thru the radiator when idling at a stop light.

Both traffic and highway speed can cause overheating. The 284" high compression flathead in my '41 would overheat quickly in traffic and also at speeds over 60 on the highway. At interstate speeds the engine is constantly putting out horsepower to overcome wind resistance, which increases with the square of speed. That is, a 10% increase in speed from 50 mph to 55 mph increases wind resistance by 21%. So the engine is working a lot harder as the speed goes up, generating a lot more heat load for the cooling system. At speed there is plenty of air and water going through the radiator, so the problem is generally the cooling capacity of the radiator, which is the core area and depth (number of rows of tubes).

On my engine, better water pumps helped a little in traffic and baffles helped a little on the highway, but neither solved the problem. A truck radiator with more area solved the problem, plus lowering the percentage of antifreeze in the summer. Water transfers heat significantly better than antifreeze.