39 ford standard

[blackchevy3de]

I have a 39 ford standard sedan, with seal beam headlights, and the 40 ford type head light covers,id like to change them to the stainless and full glass trim type, question I have is can I do this by just replacing the 40 type cover to the glass type, and keep every thing else stock .

[TonyM]

When I went from sealed beam to stock headlights on my 1937 Ford I discovered that the hardware on the headlight bucket that holds the stock pieces together had been altered/destroyed to allow the ugly sealed beam set up.

To get the headlight bucket back to stock you will have to replace the hardware that was destroyed in the conversion. The clips on the bucket; this hardware holds on the tear drop glass lens. Mac's sells a headlight bucket resto kit. The clips that hold the head light lens to the bucket will have to be riveted back on. Then you will have to replace the innards of the headlight bucket to go back to the bulb set up. You will need the reflector, reflector mounting hardware, bulb socket and bulbs.

I purchased new headlight buckets with a view to restoring my original buckets later on. You will need to buy the tear drop lens and trim for the 1939 Standard; you need to buy the correct pieces--1937 will not work for you.

It takes some effort and cost to put it back to the original set up, but the result is well worth it. The ugly sealed beam conversion really detracts from the good looks of these cars.

[mercman from oz]

Tony The Headlight Rims on your 1939 Ford Standard probably look like this one (on right and small picture). If you look closely, you will see that it is totally different to the Headlight Rims used on the 1940 Ford, which is pictured on the left. In my books, these After-market Headlight Rims don't look nearly as good as the originals, as Henry designed them. Good on you for changing them back to the originals.

[mercman from oz]

Looking good, one down with one to go. A great improvement in looks.

[TonyM]

Originally Posted by mercman from oz

Tony The Headlight Rims on your 1939 Ford Standard probably look like this one (on right and small picture). If you look closely, you will see that it is totally different to the Headlight Rims used on the 1940 Ford, which is pictured on the left. In my books, these After-market Headlight Rims don't look nearly as good as the originals, as Henry designed them. Good on you for changing them back to the originals.

Mercman Oz: You need to go back and re-read. You have me confused with the original poster (blackchevy3de). I didn't say that I had 1940 headlight rims. Look closely, I have a 1937 Ford, not a 1939 Standard. My headlight job has been completed for about three years now. But thanks for the info anyways.

[mercman from oz]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Hi Tony, Sorry for confusing you with Blackchevy3de. I have been away and on returning home, jumped onto FordBarn and saw the pictures of your 37 that had an After Market Headlight Rim on one side and the Genuine original on the other and responded with pictures. Hopefully, the pictures of the 2 different Headlight Rims will be helpful to other FordBarners. My mistake.

[TonyM]

No problem Mercman from OZ. I always enjoy your posts. Thanks for the info.

[JSeery]

Those seal beam conversions must have been consider quite the upgrade in their day, but now days, not so much!

[mercman from oz]

Here are a pair of 1939 Fords (Deluxe and Standard models) with the After Market Headlight Rims. The ones on the 39 Deluxe convertible sedan just don't look right? Give me the original any day.