Hi Its been awhile since I posted a question. I have a 39 Ford Deluxe Coupe. Just finishing a chassis restoration and 327. I notice my front fenders are slightly different. Between the headlight and grill one is a little more curved in. Also the bumper hole is slightly out of place. Aside from hat they fit perfict. They have been on the car since the 60's at least. Anyone know which fender is correct?
I didn't know there was any bumper hole difference. The frames were the same dimension, and I was pretty sure the bumpers were the same dimension as well. I know the face of the bumpers were different, but always thought the irons were the same.
Mike, had the same situation with my '40 coupe, was told mine were '39 & '40 fenders. Looked in a Ford Parts manual, and found that '39 & '40 Passenger car models were the same part number... '39 & '40 Commercial models shown with the another part number. The higher ride height of the Commercials (this may include Station Wagons) explains the lower headlight mounting, the different fender curvature and change in the bumper mounting. Ya just got to match 'em up! Think trading with another '39/'40 owner who the same problem... Hope that will work for you, Dyno Dave
Thanks guys that answers my question. Now I have to decide to live with it or try to match a new fender to my old patina.
Mike I have several 40 fenders and I have an extra left (drivers side 39 fender) I want to trade for a right side 39 fender . Sam
The basic shape is the same in a passenger and commercial 40 fender, the difference being in the rear mounting flange that bolts to the body (not a lower headlight). After they are bolted on the car/truck they look exactly the same. The two part numbers is because of that flange. The reason a 39 Deluxe fender has the same part number as a 40 fender is because Ford used a 40 part to replace bent up 39 fenders. A 40 fender is functionally accurate. And Ford is well known to phase out old parts and replace them with other functionally accurate parts that work. The big "32 heavy axle" controversy is one for instance. They were replaced by a skinnier axle in 33, but the new version fits the same place.
Let me ask for a clarification of "Commercial". If by Commercial you mean a Sedan Delivery, I would expect it is the same as other passenger body styles. If Commercial also includes the '40-'41 pickups and panels. there is more difference than the cowl flange. The fender aft of the wheel opening curves differently on passenger models compared to trucks. The cowl flange can be dealt with by a bending of the flange, but the fender curvature requires reworking the front of the running board mating curve and, while certainly doable, requires a bit more work. I do concur with your explanation of '39 fender design being superceded by '40 part and number. Ray Ray
I found that the bumper holes are in the same location but the 40 fender is arched at the bottom making the distance shorter to bottom of the fender. Easy yo see on the hoist not so easy on the ground.
How about a picture of that Mike? . I had not noticed that before. I will have to go up in my attic where my fenders are and do a comparison check.
you'er ALL correct. I am not needed here.... little well known FACTS, all above...... Move along citizens, nuthin' to yell/tell here !!!! Its handled by first responders !!!
According to the Early Ford V8 Club "The 1938-39 Ford Book" - "There were two slightly different design '39 Deluxe front fenders used, being changed around March, 1939. The early fender is more concave between the grille and the headlight; the late fender flatter. Factories were told to use up the early design and that it was all right to mix early and later design on the same car."
Now my OCD will have me checking for matched fenders, in addition to sedan doors on coupes. This is some interesting info.
The Jalopy Journal
