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-   -   Driver space (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321581)

Clem Clement 12-18-2022 08:04 PM

Driver space
 

Does the '31 deluxe coupe give the most driver room? I'm getting stiff and roundy??

jb-ob 12-18-2022 08:09 PM

Re: Driver space
 

Might be as it should have an adjustable front bench seat.

My customer's '29 Coupe is by far the easiest to simply step into.

JoeCB 12-18-2022 10:27 PM

Re: Driver space
 

Front seat adjustment ??? My 31 coupe has about 3 inch of total adjustment, and it's kept all the way back. I'm 6 ft and not a spring chik, can still get in and out pretty easy.
Joe B

Bob Bidonde 12-19-2022 07:01 AM

Re: Driver space
 

1 Attachment(s)
Hi Clem!
I believe that the 1930-'31 Coupes have the most driver's space, and are the easiest of cars to get in & out of.

rich b 12-19-2022 07:22 AM

Re: Driver space
 

'30-'31 coupes with the package shelf removed to allow the seat to be located further aft.

Bruce of MN 12-19-2022 12:42 PM

Re: Driver space
 

Excessive shoe size makes for a challenge in a Coupe.

Gene F 12-19-2022 01:15 PM

Re: Driver space
 

I always wondered if there was a way to fit a fat-man steering wheel on to an A column.

Will N 12-19-2022 01:37 PM

Re: Driver space
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde (Post 2190092)
Hi Clem!
I believe that the 1930-'31 Coupes have the most driver's space, and are the easiest of cars to get in & out of.


Huh, I would have thought the Vicky would be easier to get in and out of. Because the doors are longer on a the Vicky and the seats are lower, I assumed there would be more space between the steering wheel and the seat than other body types.

ModelA29 12-19-2022 02:41 PM

Re: Driver space
 

I'd think a Tudor would be easiest to get ample room in. there's enough room to stick the seat where it best fits you.
I kicked around getting a Glide Eng seat frame https://www.glideengineering.com/ But before I spend the $800 I'm going to try some other ideas.
I'm going to shorten the seat so the front edge lines up with the base. That couple inches should help me get my size 13 feet in. Next I'm going to take about 3" of height off the seat cushion. Finally I'll narrow the back by 2" and also move it back another couple inches by trimming the package tray. I'm 6'1" 280 and did consider a Tudor due to my size but I always liked Coupes.


Anything is possible given enough money. Installing a fatman wheel might make it a little easier to get in/out but won't help in actual driving. How about a smaller diameter wheel? Mounted to a Prius electric PS column? https://www.facebook.com/hotrodmag/v...1455060802328/

California Travieso 12-19-2022 03:15 PM

Re: Driver space
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce of MN (Post 2190151)
Excessive shoe size makes for a challenge in a Coupe.

That’s why they make Driving Shoes. They became popular in the fifties and sixties when small European roadsters and VW’s with small clutch and brake pedals were being imported.

They are not as common today because of the prevalence of automatic transmissions but are still available. I got mine at Macy’s but I’ve seen them in other shoe stores. I’ve see too many videos of guys driving Model A’s with tennis, basketball or walking shoes with wide soles. Driving shoes are leather, narrower and have very thin soles. They are comfortable especially during long road trips.

David Serrano

Bruce of MN 12-20-2022 05:13 AM

Re: Driver space
 

Do they help with length?

ronn 12-20-2022 06:52 AM

Re: Driver space
 

Huh, I would have thought the Vicky would be easier to get in and out of


totally agree Will. coupe isnt even close. the front doors on the vicki are perfect for fat people...........!!!!!!!!!!

Chris in WNC 12-20-2022 08:30 AM

Re: Driver space
 

We had a Coupe and found it very cramped, almost as bad as a pickup.
Our SW Town sedan was better, but the Tudor (I've had 3) gives you the most flexibility to move the seat back.
Vickie is possibly equally comfortable but I drove one once and noticed the window opening was uncomfortably high to hang your elbow out.
Tudors are more plentiful and cost less......

ed thibodeau 12-20-2022 09:01 AM

Re: Driver space
 

I went to a junkyard and got the seat adjuster out of a Saturn. I then
narrowed it and made a few small brackets to accept the 2 door drivers
seat. It now has about 5" of fore and aft adjustment. It bolts to the floor
using the same holes as the original seat and works fine for my 6' 2"
grand son.

Dino's A 12-20-2022 09:18 AM

Re: Driver space
 

Just stay out of a 28'-29' Roadster pickup. It was interesting when
I was 17, now REAL interesting at 62.

Robert/Texas 12-20-2022 12:57 PM

Re: Driver space
 

I have an early '28 open cab pickup (It doesn't have a folding top but one that is easily removed). I'm 88, 5'9 and weigh 195. It is hard for me to get in it with the top on but easier with it off. When I get in it I need to hold my knees close to my chest in order to operate the clutch and brake pedals. I never drive it on paved roads anymore but I do drive it on back country roads. Years ago I drove it on several Model A tours.

Ordsgt 12-20-2022 01:06 PM

Re: Driver space
 

I am comfortable in my 1930 Tudor but I put the 2 inch seat dog legs in and that works well for me. I am 5 11 and 230 lbs with 11.5 shoe

Gene F 12-20-2022 06:48 PM

Re: Driver space
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by California Travieso (Post 2190190)
That’s why they make Driving Shoes. They became popular in the fifties and sixties when small European roadsters and VW’s with small clutch and brake pedals were being imported.

They are not as common today because of the prevalence of automatic transmissions but are still available. I got mine at Macy’s but I’ve seen them in other shoe stores. I’ve see too many videos of guys driving Model A’s with tennis, basketball or walking shoes with wide soles. Driving shoes are leather, narrower and have very thin soles. They are comfortable especially during long road trips.

David Serrano

I do have a pair of tennis shoes that I tend to wear if I am touring in my A. For errands, I just wear whatever I have one.

Bob Bidonde 12-21-2022 11:00 AM

Re: Driver space
 

2 Attachment(s)
I have a Victoria and a Coupe, and the Coupe is easier to get in and out of. The big doors on the Victoria are to enable back seat access. With the Victoria's driver seat all the way back, there is only 8" between the seat cushion and the "A" Pillar. The steering wheel is another obstacle as it is lower in the Victoria. The most difficult cars to get in and out of generally are the open cars.

Seth Swoboda 12-21-2022 11:01 AM

Re: Driver space
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will N (Post 2190167)
Huh, I would have thought the Vicky would be easier to get in and out of. Because the doors are longer on a the Vicky and the seats are lower, I assumed there would be more space between the steering wheel and the seat than other body types.

I have a late '31 Victoria. I'm 6' 1" about 215 lbs. It's tough for me to get in and out of. Once I'm in, I have very little leg room. The V8's have far more front seat room. Folks in the late 1920's thru early 1930's must have been short.


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