Deluxe vs Standard 38 Fenders

[Mark Gus]

HELP!!!!

I have just purchased a 1938 Standard coupe. It is out of town and I still need to pick it up. It has been in a barn for decades and is all there. I currently have a 38 Deluxe hood and side panels from a rusty parts car that a buddy had.

I can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone about the front fenders. My question is this...Will my standard fenders and lower part of the grille work with the deluxe hood and side panels? If not I would appreciate any and all suggestions on modifications to make it fit.

Thanks to all in advance.

[fordscript]

If you want to make a de luxe coupe out of your standard, you will need a 38 deluxe lower grille, and front fenders.

[Mark Gus]

I was afraid of that. Thanks for the information. Looks like my parts search continues.

[packyusmc]

I'm not even sure that delux fenders will fit on a standard. I have a 1938 standard 2 door sedan and have "eyeballed" delux vs standard fenders and don't think they will fit. Besides, look at the lines of the standard fenders and, to me anyway, they are more attractive than the delux, jmo.

[JSeery]

All of the front sheet metal is totally different between 38 std and 38 dlx. The 38 dlx is similar to the 39 std.

http://www.wescottsauto.com/WebCatal...td-C58-C61.pdf

[swoopNZ]

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As well as inner and outer fenders, you would need to weld up all the holes along the body line, and then re drill them further up.
Unless it was a really early one which had no holes for body stainless trim.
The deluxe stainless trim is also different than the standard trim and is set higher, actually up in the recess.
It's hard to beat the look of a 38 standard coupe painted in a dark colour, black, dark blue or dark green, really sets the stainless grille trim off.
They have the look of the 37 Lincoln Zephyrs.
I have 2 of them.
Cheers,
Chris.NZ.
New Zealand.

[Fe26]

If you want a Deluxe front clip on a Standard you need a new Firewall as well, the Deluxe front guards are a different shape where they bolt on.

[JSeery]

Think it would be much simpler to sell a standard and buy a deluxe than to attempt a conversion. Myself, I far prefer the looks of the standard!

[Jack E/NJ]

>>>Besides, look at the lines of the standard fenders and, to me anyway, they are more attractive than the delux[e]>>>

[rockfla]

Jseery
Bite your lip, one never sells one car to buy another!!! Lol, now that you have acquired a standard BUY a DeLuxe!! Build the collection and display the differences for people at shows!!!

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by rockfla

Jseery
Bite your lip, one never sells one car to buy another!!! Lol, now that you have acquired a standard BUY a DeLuxe!! Build the collection and display the differences for people at shows!!!

There's an idea!

[Mark Gus]

Thanks to everyone for all the information. I think the comparison photos Jack posted have help me make up my mind. I will be keeping the 38 standard coupe "as is". I think with the current collection I have (35 coupe, 41 coupe, 41 truck, 34 truck, 49 Merc convertible, 50 woodie) and now adding a 38 coupe I'll be hard pressed to convince the better half that we need a deluxe 38 to round it out. The 41 truck is hers but she keeps saying things like "we are out of space" and "it is expensive to insure all these cars". I can't believe my lovely bride uses such language! Ha ha.

Seriously guys, I do appreciate y'all sharing your knowledge and taking the time to reply to my distress call.

Thanks also to the NZ folks. Any chance you know Bryan & Wendy Kilsby from Levin? They are good friends and will be in the states this summer for some shows and a visit to Texas to stay with us for a bit.

[FlatheadTed]

You have a nice collection there Gus I like the 38 to ,specially the D trimmed early one .Ted

[Fredb_]

I personally think the 38 Deluxe is beautiful, especially when it's dressed up a little.

[JSeery]

Can't argue with that!

[willowbilly3]

The 38 Standard coupe is my favorite Ford of all. I'll trade you a 36 Deluxe 5 window for it.

[swoopNZ]

I know of Brian Kilsby but do not know him personally.
Levin is about 3 hours south from me.
I'm in new Plymouth.
Spent time in Odessa, the Kilgore and Longview nearly 30 years ago.
You better get down here sometime - Kumeu and Beach Hop sre great car meets.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by Fredb_

I personally think the 38 Deluxe is beautiful, especially when it's dressed up a little.

Fred, Those are two fine looking ladies you have there!

[Mark Gus]

SwoopNZ,

I've heard stories about the legendary (camping, drinking and so on...) beach hop and Bryan has given me a couple event T shirts which are my favorites. Can't wait to get down there sometime soon. I'm hoping for your summer in February in the not too distant future.

Thanks! Mark

[rotorwrench]

The 38 Standard cars have more in common with the 1937 models than anything in the new 1938 Deluxe line. 1938 Deluxe is closer to the 1939 Standard model. Starting in 1938 the Standards models were almost a hold back from the previous model year but there are subtle differences and not all parts interchange.