1939 NASH
Model Designations:
Nash, Ambassador "Eight," Series 3980, 8 Cylinder
Nash, Ambassador "Six," Series 3920, 6 Cylinder
Nash Lafayette, Series 3910, 6 Cylinder
Nash Ambassador Eight, Series 3980, 8 Cylinder Body Styles
2 Door Cabriolet, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3981
Base Price: $1,295; Shipping Weight: 3,740 Pounds
2 Door A-P Coupe, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3982
Base Price: $1,210; Shipping Weight: 3,710 Pounds
2 Door Victoria, 6 Passenger, Model #3983
Base Price: $1,205; Shipping Weight: 3,770 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #3985
Base Price: $1,175; Shipping Weight: 3,720 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3988
Base Price: $1,235; Shipping Weight: 3,800 Pounds
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3980
Base Price: $1,235; Shipping Weight: 3,800 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
Nash Ambassador Six, Series 3920, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3920
Base Price: $985; Shipping Weight: 3,470 Pounds
2 Door Cabriolet, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3921
Base Price: $1,050; Shipping Weight: 3,430 Pounds
2 Door A-P Coupe, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3922
Base Price: $960; Shipping Weight: 3,360 Pounds
2 Door Victoria, 6 Passenger, Model #3923
Base Price: $955; Shipping Weight: 3,420 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #3925
Base Price: $925; Shipping Weight: 3,370 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3928
Base Price: $985; Shipping Weight: 3,450 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
Nash Lafayette, Series 3910, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles
4 Door DeLuxe Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3910
Base Price: $885; Shipping Weight: 3,350 Pounds
2 Door DeLuxe Cabriolet, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3911
Base Price: $950; Shipping Weight: 3,340 Pounds
2 Door DeLuxe A-P Coupe, 3/5 Passenger, Model #3912
Base Price: $860; Shipping Weight: 3,260 Pounds
2 Door DeLuxe Victoria Coupe, 6 Passenger, Model #3913
Base Price: $855; Shipping Weight: 3,320 Pounds
2 Door DeLuxe Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #3914
Base Price: $825; Shipping Weight: 3,270 Pounds
2 Door Coupe, 3 Passenger, Model #3915
Base Price: $770; Shipping Weight: 3,200 Pounds
2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3916
Base Price: $810; Shipping Weight: 3,250 Pounds
4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3917
Base Price: $840; Shipping Weight: 3,290 Pounds
4 Door DeLuxe Trunk Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3918
Base Price: $885; Shipping Weight: 3,350 Pounds
4 Door Trunk Sedan, 6 Passenger, Model #3919
Base Price: $840; Shipping Weight: 3,285 Pounds
Production Totals by Body Style are not available.
1939 NASH
Lafayette 6, Series 3910, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 117 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 6 Cylinder, L-Head
Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8" X 4-3/8"
Engine Displacement: 234.8 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.30 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 27.34
Horsepower: 99 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 179 Ft Lbs @ 1,200 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.10:1
Carburetor: Stromberg EE1
Tire Size: 6.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 28, Rear, 28
Ambassador 6, Series 3920, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 121 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 6 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8" X 4-3/8"
Engine Displacement: 234.8 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.00 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 27.35
Horsepower: 105 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 190 Ft Lbs @ 1,050 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.10:1
Carburetor: Carter 435S
Tire Size: 6.25 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 27, Rear, 27
Ambassador 8, Series 3980, General Specifications
Wheelbase: 125 Inches
Engine Type: Inline 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve
Bore & Stroke: 3-1/8" X 4-1/4"
Engine Displacement: 260.8 Cu. In.
Compresssion Ratio: 6.00 to 1
Taxable Horsepower: 31.25
Horsepower: 115 @ 3,400 RPM
Torque: 200 Ft Lbs @ 1,200 RPM
Rear Axle Ratio: 4.10:1
Carburetor: Carter 436S .
Tire Size: 7.00 x 16 inches; Inflation Pressure, Front 26, Rear, 26
Tune Up Specifications, Lafayette 6, Series 3910
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Champion 7, D-16, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .020"
Distributor Cam Angle: 38 Degrees
Ignition Timing: TDC Mark on Flywheel
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 60 Ft Lbs
Tune Up Specifications, Ambassador 6, Series 3920
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .020"
Distributor Cam Angle: 35 degrees
Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 65 Ft Lbs
Tune Up Specifications, Ambassador 8, Series 3980
Spark Plug: Gap .025"
Spark Plug Type: Champion J-8, J-11, or Equivalent
Point Gap: .017"
Distributor Cam Angle: 28 degrees
Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper
Firing Order: 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4
Tappet Clearance, Hot: Intake .015", Exhaust .015"
Cylinder Head Torque: 65 Ft Lbs
Valve Specifications, Lafayette, Series 3910, 6 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing:
Intake Valve Opens @ 21.5 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes @ 36.5 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: 70 Lbs @ 2 inches (New Springs)
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.004"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Valve Specifications, Ambassador 6, Series 3920, 6 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing:
Intake Valve Opens @ 24.5 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes @ 5 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: Inner Spring: 21 Pounds @ 1-3/8"
Outer Spring: 38 Pounds @ 1-11/16"
Combined Pressure: 59 Pounds
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.004"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Valve Specifications, Ambassador 8, Series 3980, 8 Cylinder
Tappet Clearance, Running Hot: Intake .015"; Exhaust .015"
Clearance for Timing: Intake: .015"; Exhaust: .015"
Valve Timing: Intake Valve Opens, 20 Degrees Before Top Dead Center
Exhaust Valve Closes, 10 Degrees After Top Dead Center
Valve Seat Angle: Intake 45 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees,
Valve Spring Pressure: Inner Spring: 21 Pounds @ 1-3/8"
Outer Spring: 38 Pounds @ 1-11/16"
Combined Pressure: 59 Pounds
Valve Stem Clearance: Intake .002"-.004"
Exhaust .002"-.004"
Piston & Ring Data, Lafayette, Series 3910, 6 Cylinder
Piston Removal: From Above
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .020"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .0015"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .002"
Pounds Pull on Scale: 10
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .015"
Oil Ring: .015"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Top Ring: .002"-.0035"
2nd Ring: .0015"-.003"
3rd Ring: .0015"-.0025"
4th Ring: .001"-.0025"
Piston & Ring Data, Ambassador 6, Series 3920, 6 Cylinder &
Ambassador 8, Series 3980, 8 Cylinder
Piston Removal: From Below on 8 Cylinder
From Above on 6 Cylinder
Piston Clearance (Minimum):
Top Land Inch .018"
Top of Skirt, Inch: .0015"
Fitting Pistons with Spring Scale:
Shim Thickness: .002"
Pounds Pull on Scale: 10
Width of Ring End Gap (Minimum):
Compression Ring: .015"
Oil Ring: .015"
Clearance Between Ring & Grooves:
Top Ring: .002"-.0035"
2nd Ring: .0015"-.003"
3rd Ring: .0015"-.0025"
4th Ring: .001"-.0025"
Engine Bearing Data, All Series
Camshaft End Play: .004"-.006"
Camshaft Bearing Clearance: .001"-.003"
Rod Journal Diameter: 1.9995"-2.0005"
Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"
Rod End Play: .006"-.012" inches
Rod Bolt Tension: 50-60 Lbs. Ft.
Main Bearing Journal Diameter: 2.4785"-2.4795"
Main Bearing Clearance: .0005" -.003"
Crankshaft End Play: .006"-.010"
Main Bolt Tension: 70 Lbs. Ft.
Capacities, Lafayette, Series 3910, 6 Cylinder
Cooling System: 20 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 6 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 3-1/2 Pints Without Overdrive: 6 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Capacities, Ambassador 6, Series 3920, 6 Cylinder
Cooling System: 16 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 3-1/2 Pints Without Overdrive; 6 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 4 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Capacities, Ambassador 8, Series 3980, 8 Cylinder
Cooling System: 17 Quarts
Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;
Engine Oil Refill: 7 Quarts;
Grade of Oil: Above +32F 20;
Above +10F 20W;
Above -10F 10W
Manual Transmission: 3-1/2 Pints, Without Overdrive: 6 Pints With Overdrive
Grade of Oil: Summer 70, Winter 50
Rear Axle: 6 Pints
Grade of Oil: Summer 90H, Winter 90H
Beginning Engine Numbers:
Model 3910: HE-18950
Model 3920: E-82800
Model 3980: B-101700
Beginning Serial Numbers:
Model 3910: H-109450
Model 3920: R-331400
Model 3980: B-89000
Brake Specifications, 6 Cylinder Models
Lining Material: Molded
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 22"
Width: 2",
Thickness: 7/32"
Pedal Free Play: 3/8"
Brake Specifications, Ambassador 8, Model 3980
Lining Material: Molded
Lining Dimensions/Wheel in Inches: 24"
Width: 2-1/4",
Thickness: 7/32"
Pedal Free Play: 3/8"
Wheel Alignment Specifications, All Series:
Caster: +1-1/2 Degrees
Camber: +1-1/4 Degrees
Toe In: 1/32"
Kingpin Inclination: 7 Degrees
Rear Axle Specifications, All Series:
Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .005"-.007"
Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims
Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Shims
Axle Shaft End Play: .004"-.006"
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 10 (Lafayette):
Distributor #1GS-4104
Cam Angle: 38 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 300 RPM
Full Advance: 5 Degrees @ 850 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 7" Vacuum
Full Advance: 5-1/2 Degrees @ 12" Vacuum
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 10 (Lafayette):
Distributor #1GS-4104X
Cam Angle: 38 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 300 RPM
Full Advance: 5 Degrees @ 850 RPM
Vacuum Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 7" Vacuum
Full Advance: 5-1/2 Degrees @ 12" Vacuum
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 20:
Distributor #1GE-4019
Cam Angle: 35 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .020"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 3 Degrees @ 370 RPM
Full Advance: 11-1/2 Degrees @ 875 RPM
Auto-Lite Distributor Specifications, Series 80:
Distributor #1GK-4102
Cam Angle: 28 Degrees
Breaker Point Opening: .017"
Condenser Capacity: .20-.25 Mfds
Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-20 Ounces
Centrifugal Advance Data:
Advance Starts: 4 Degrees @ 400 RPM
Full Advance: 12 Degrees @ 1,100 RPM
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications, Series 10 (Lafayette):
Generator #GCM-4825A-4
Brush Spring Tension:
Main Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Third Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 3.51 - 3.89 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 7.6 Volts @ 1,090 RPM
Maximum Output: 23 Amperes; 8 Volts
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications, Series 10 (Lafayette) & 20:
Generator #GDS-4802A
Brush Spring Tension:
Main Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Third Brush: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.65 - 1.82 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 8 Volts @ 1,210 RPM
Maximum Output: 34 Amperes; 8 Volts
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications, Series 10 (Lafayette) & 20:
Generator #GCO-4802C
Brush Spring Tension: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.47 - 1.63 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 8 Volts @ 1,125 RPM
Maximum Output: 28 Amperes; 8 Volts @ 1,850 RPM
Auto-Lite Generator Specifications, Series 80:
Generator #GDS-4802B
Brush Spring Tension: 53 Ounces (Maximum)
Direction of Rotation: Clockwise
Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.65 - 1.82 Amperes
Low Output Test: 8 Amperes, 8 Volts @ 1,210 RPM
Maximum Output: 34 Amperes; 8 Volts
Auto-Lite Regulator Specifications - All Series:
Regulator Type: Voltage & Current
Part #VRB-4010A
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.4 - 7.0
Amperage to Open Relay Points: .5 - 3.0 Amperes
Maximum Operating Amperage: 27 - 29 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage @ 70 Degrees: 7.45 Volts
Auto-Lite Regulator Specifications:
Regulator Type: Voltage
Part #VRD-4010A
Ground Polarity: Positive
Voltage to Close Relay Points: 6.4 - 7.0
Amperage to Open Relay Points: .5 - 3.0 Amperes
Maximum Operating Voltage @ 70 Degrees: 7.45 Volts
Starting Motor Specifications - 6 Cylinder:
Part #MAB-4076
Brush Spring Tension: 42 - 53 Ounces
No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 3,700 RPM
Lock Test: 775 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 22.5 Ft Lbs Torque
Starting Motor Specifications - 8 Cylinder Models:
Part #MAB-4054
Brush Spring Tension: 42 - 53 Ounces
No Load Test: 60 Amperes, 5.5 Volts @ 3,700 RPM
Lock Test: 775 Amperes, 4.0 Volts @ 22.5 Ft Lbs Torque
Stromberg Carburetor Specifications - Series 10 (Lafayette):
Carburetor Model: EE-1
Part #A-18471
Code # 8-30B
Repair Kit # RK-64
Fuel Level: 15/32"
Throttle Position for Economizer Valve: 5/16"
Throttle Valve Location for Idle: .030"
Carter Carburetor Specifications - Series 20:
Carburetor Model: WA1
Part #435S
Casting # 253
Repair Kit # 1065
Float Level: 3/8"
Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-1/2 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: T109-102
Pump Travel: 27/64" (Long Stroke)
Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle valve open .020", there should be .005" to .015" clearance between rocker arm & pump arm.
Unloader Setting: 31/64"
Fast Idle Setting: 5/8"
Choke Lockout Adjustment: 1/32"
Carter Carburetor Specifications - Series 80:
Carburetor Model: WD0
Part #436S
Casting # 255
Repair Kit # N/A
Float Level: 3/16"
Idle Screw Setting: 1/4 to 1 Turns
Metering Rod Gauge: T109-113
Pump Travel: 32/64" (Long Stroke)
Anti-Percolator Setting: With throttle closed, indicator lines should be flush with the top of the anti-percolator plugs.
Unloader Setting: 9/64"
Fast Idle Setting: .015"
Choke Lockout Adjustment: None
Fuel Pump Data:
Pump Type: W
Maximum Pressure: 4-1/2 PSI
Pump Type AD
Maximum Pressure: 3-1/2 PSI
Dash Gauge Manufacturer:
Lafayette:
Gasoline: Moto-Meter-Neco
Temperature: King-Seeley
Oil Pressure: King-Seeley
Ammeter: King-Seeley
Dash Gauge Manufacturers:
Nash:
Gasoline: King-Sealey
Temperature: King-Sealey
Oil Pressure: King-Sealey
Ammeter: King-Sealey
Popular Options
Radio, Antenna, Heater, Clock, Cigar Lighter, Bed Conversion, Fender Skirts, White SideWall Tires, DeLuxe Steering Wheel with horn ring, Overdrive, Hill Holder.
1939 Nash Historical Data
Model Year Introduction was on October 15, 1938.
Total 1939 Nash Production was 65,662.
Steering Column mounted gear shift lever was standard.
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