VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 '39 grill air baffle?

My '39 currently doesn't have the grill air baffle installed, but I do have one and was looking at it today. First, is it a good idea to install it, or would it not matter much? Second, how is it installed...is it squeezed between the two grill halves or is it installed off center? Nothing looks obvious...there's a screw hole at the bottom and another that seems to fit to the radiator brace...any thoughts would be appreciated.

the grill baffle helps straighten out the air flow to the radiator and , as such , is important in helping keep the engine cool when under duress.
My memory is a little vague , its been 25 yrs sinve I had a '39 , but I seem to rember that the baffle was attached to the grill that I had floating aroung in the shed for ages .. and yes the top screw and the rear screw were fitted up after installation.

The book states that its function was to direct the air thru the core-also prevents looking thru the grille when viewing it from the sides.The baffle is attached between the grille halves-and they were originally riveted together.Bolted for replacement.It will be necessary to remove the grille to install corectly-not difficult but a lot of bolts.The rear bolt secures it to the horizontal rod of the core support.

Over the years I found that my 1939 will run at a higher temperature when driving in a cross wind or driving with the wind.(it has the baffle)...The horizontal grille bars seem to deflect the air movement away from the radiator...This occurs only at speeds oner 50 or so.If you are not having an overheating problem without it (at higher speeds) I wouldn't be too concerned.

Thanks Chevgene, that was very helpful. There's an offset screw hole at the bottom of the baffle...I'm not sure where that attaches...any ideas there?

At this time I am unable to open the right hood side-parked too close to its brother.Can't see it on the left side but should attach to the lower grille baffle - would be my guess - willl check later.