Re: 1940 super eight 160 series 1804 model 1362 138" Wheelbase: making it driveable

Posted by Larrys40s On 2023/5/24 21:37:13

One of the more complex things I did on the car was replace the thermostatically controlled front grill louvres that came on the Super 8's. The originals were completely rusted through in some places and I had some replated ones I bought years ago (for way too much money!). In order to replace the louvres you have to remove the front clip and then remove the grill frame from the clip. I soaked all the bolts and screws for weeks with my favorite 50:50 ATF:Acetone penetrant solution. Then you have to undo the thermostat linkage and remove the top louvre mount from the frame. After that grind off the tops the brass rivets on the top of the frame. Take lots of pictures and number the old louvres left and right from inside to outside. They fit in the frame in a particular order and have different lengths depending on their location. Then you need to order 14 new rivets from Max Merritt (best price I found) and a Hanson HT-178 hand rivet clincher tool for 5/32 dia rivets (Amazon or from Hanson directly). Somehow it all needs to be held together while setting the rivets and then you need to feed the ends of all the louvres into the holes in the bottom of the grill frame. It can be done but it will test your patience!

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