'40 9N Grill Brackets

Which, if either, of the two brackets in this picture might be the original lower grill bracket? I'm guessing the steel bracket. The aluminum bracket is broken at the 90 degree bend. The other was removed for comparison and possible fabrication.

Thanks,

John

The front grille of the 40 9N has three pins that mate with the upper hood. (I'm assuming you have that covered but thought I would mention it for the archives).

The lower front grille bolts to a bracket that is spot welded into the lower dog leg of the hood assembly.

I'm not aware that the lower dog legs of 40 9N's were made of aluminum and same regarding the bracket that is mounted/spot welded too.

The aluminum components were found on the very early 39 9N's and quite possible some of the mid to later year 39 and early 40 9N's had some remaining aluminum lower hood/dog legs installed but that would be suspect. It would not be surprising if your bracket is made of aluminum and came from your 40 9N. Ford used up components and pieces in remaining stock items. It could be your 40 9N is a very early 40 9N transitioning from the later 39 production year or, somehow your lower hood/dog legs were switched at one point.

Getting back to your question: The bracket on the left is the type of steel or aluminum bracket spot welded to the lower hood/dog leg.

For my 40 9N restoration one bracket had disappeared and I ended up fabricating and welding a piece of bent steel to the dog leg using the other side as a model. I refrained from drilling the bolt hole until I had installed the hood, supported it at the right height, and then with the grille in place and supported too, drilled through the grille into the steel bracket to ensure correct alignment.

I hope this is useful to you. tom

Thanks for your informative reply. While you mention spot welding, neither of these brackets were spot welded on mine. Both had a bolt that went into . . . well, let me describe it:

There is an approx. 3/16" thick steel plate, bolted to the lower-front of the engine, 4"x15-1/2". The lower radiator brackets are bolted to the top outside corners of this plate. A hole at each bottom, outside corner is where these brackets are located.

Thanks,

John T

I need to see it to better understand if what you have is a later 2N or 8N lower assembly, or an early 9N assembly.

I'll try to help. tom