Car Is Shrinking........

[CatMan1]

......or I'm getting too big for my '28 Sport Coupe! I bought this car 3 years ago and I was able to drive it, but somehow over the winter, I no longer fit. I have put on some weight I know. The problem seems to be when I have the car in low gear there is not enough room to move my foot off the accelerator and to the brake. Same boots as last year. I don't get it. Anyone else have trouble fitting operating the pedals? I think driving my '26 T is definitely out of the question! I haven't driven either one since last June and now it sort of scares me to drive them now. Just doesn't seem safe.....

[nkaminar]

Some people have modified their cars to add a few inches to the driver's compartment. I think there is a way to move the seat back but I saw at least one car where the body was modified. An expensive and time consuming project, no doubt.

I have a super 8 movie of my grandpa getting in my 30 coupe that I drove in high school. It was a struggle for him. I am now at his age when the movie was taken and it is little struggle to get in and out of my Model A. For me it helps to keep some weight off by exercise and reducing the caloric intake.

One idea is to sell your Model A and T and buy a larger car. Maybe a Lincoln.

[CatMan1]

I have seen a factory Service Bulletin about moving or modifying the seat somewhat for one model or another. The big problem I think I am facing is that the gearshift is just too close.

[WHN]

Our 1929 Sport Coupe we owned for 42 years. Reluctantly sold it two years ago for the reasons you have mentioned.

I really loved that car but I no longer was able to easily get in or out. Plus I was very much concerned about working the pedals and safely driving in todays traffic.

I had gotten to the point were I was just enjoying the car while setting in the garage having a cold summer drink.

A number of my friends have also decided to sell their cars. Age and health problems.

Enjoy your car and life while you can.

[CatMan1]

Originally Posted by WHN

Our 1929 Sport Coupe we owned for 42 years. Reluctantly sold it two years ago for the reasons you have mentioned.

I really loved that car but I no longer was able to easily get in or out. Plus I was very much concerned about working the pedals and safely driving in todays traffic.

I had gotten to the point were I was just enjoying the car while setting in the garage having a cold summer drink.

A number of my friends have also decided to sell their cars. Age and health problems.

Enjoy your car and life while you can.

I'm 52 with a desk job and I'm falling farther behind everyday. I've got to decide to really work on my health or sell the 'A' & 'T' and get a roomier 40's car.

[Y-Blockhead]

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Originally Posted by CatMan1

The problem seems to be when I have the car in low gear there is not enough room to move my foot off the accelerator and to the brake. Same boots as last year. I don't get it. Anyone else have trouble fitting operating the pedals?

I had the same problem. I bent the shifter ~2" to the right (assuming your car is left hand drive)so my leg would clear the steering wheel. Worked great, now I can drive in 1st no problem.

[CatMan1]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

I had the same problem. I bent the shifter ~2" to the right (assuming your car is left hand drive)so my leg would clear the steering wheel. Worked great, now I can drive in 1st no problem.

I have heard of that modification. I guess it is a possibility. Wonder if I have to take the transmission out to do that?

[Zax40]

I did the same thing, my shifter was clocked at about 7 O'clock when I got my Roadster. I bent it to 6 O'clock and now it's perfect.


I did it with the shifter still attached and in the car.

[CatMan1]

Originally Posted by Zax40

I did the same thing, my shifter was clocked at about 7 O'clock when I got my Roadster. I bent it to 6 O'clock and now it's perfect.


I did it with the shifter still attached and in the car.

Did you have to heat it up or just start tweaking on it?

[Zax40]

Here is how I did it. I'm not saying it was the best way. But it worked well and did no damage.

I put it in 1st gear, sat in the car, and planned out how far I wanted to twist it to the right. Next I removed the shift knob and wrapped shop rags tightly around the shifter and bound them with masking tape to protect the shifter. Next I removed the handle from my floor jack (long steel tube) and slid it over the shifter. Then I took my left hand and placed it at the bottom of the shifter to hold the tube where the bend in the shifter is. I took my right hand and placed it at the top of the tube and started to lightly push in the direction I wanted it to bend. It did not require a great deal of force.

I would only slightly bend it, remove the tube, and test the position. I did that until I got it where it was comfortable.

[CatMan1]

I think that's my only issue. Sure, I'm 6' and 280, but I can drive the car even though it's cramped, but for some reason suddenly I can't feel safe with the shifter being this close & I can't move my right foot. Is there any danger of hurting anything in the transmission?

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by CatMan1

I have heard of that modification. I guess it is a possibility. Wonder if I have to take the transmission out to do that?

The shift tower will come off easily without removing the transmission. It does take a special tool to safely remove the shift lever from the tower, though. That way you can grab onto the lower portion of the shift lever in a vise while you bend the upper. I would remove the cup from the lever and hold onto the lever above where the cup mounts, that way you won’t bend how the cup goes over the tower casting. Look at where Y-B bent his.

[Marshall V. Daut]

Try removing some padding from the front seat. That will lower the height enough to make it easier to get in an out. Older LeBaron Bonney interior kits ended up being too high in this area if you used all the padding they included in the kit. Although more work, you could also pull some padding out of the backrest, which will increase room even more and make entry and exit moves easier.
Marshall

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by CatMan1

I have heard of that modification. I guess it is a possibility. Wonder if I have to take the transmission out to do that?

I have shared this numerous times in the past. I made this 'Shifter Bender Tool" to bend mine (and numerous others). You don't have to remove the shifter to use it.

Place the shifter thru the eye bolts and slide down so the lower eye bolt is just above the bend in the shifter. Wrap some tape around the eye bolts so you don't mar the shifter. Tighten the large nut in the middle.



I use the tool because I was concerned of putting too much stress on the internals by just bending it. But others have just bent it without issues.

[Benson]

Originally Posted by CatMan1

I have seen a factory Service Bulletin about moving or modifying the seat somewhat for one model or another. The big problem I think I am facing is that the gearshift is just too close.

Service bulletin 257 for Coupes.

Seat can be moved 1 inch and 5/8ths towards front or rear from "Standard" position.

I moved SEAT BACK to the rear on both upper and lower.

Later I made a bracket to move lower seat-back even further to the rear.

CAUTION: If you have Mitchell transmission, DO NOT try to bend shifter stick without heating it.

These shifters are made in two pieces and only spot welded together.

The other version are two pieces and threaded together.

I am not picking on Mitchell I have seen both versions of shift levers made as REPRO levers in recent years.

Mine broke in half just below the "Chrome Dome" while driving.

The weld only penatrated about .060 to .070.

Luckily it broke in second gear and close to the garage.

[ModelA29]

Someone would make a fortune if they made a Model A steering wheel that was 3" smaller in diameter.

[CatMan1]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

Someone would make a fortune if they made a Model A steering wheel that was 3" smaller in diameter.

Probably so, but oddly enough that isn't my issue. It is on my '55 Chevy truck, though.... Maybe I need to wear ballerina slippers when I drive!

[Gene F]

One of the guys that was formerly in our local club took 1 1/2 to 2" out of his clutch and brake pedals, then welded them back together.

[ronn]

why not wear sneakers instead of boots?

[WHN]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

Someone would make a fortune if they made a Model A steering wheel that was 3" smaller in diameter.

Have you seen the “Fat Man’s Steering Wheel” for a Model T Ford?

Enjoy.

[CatMan1]

Originally Posted by ronn

why not wear sneakers instead of boots?

I might try that. The problem I have is that I have such flat arches that the I the only thing that works for me is boots. I'd be fine in sneakers as long as I'm driving, but if I had to get out to walk, after about half an hour my back would be screaming at me!

[Gene F]

For years I had a pair of low profile sneakers I'd make a point to wear when driving my car.

[Robert/Texas]

I'm 89 years old and 5 feet, 9 inches tall. My oldest son gave me several car cushions that are about 3 inches thick. On my '28 and '34 roadsters I step on the running boards and slip into the driver's seat. Then I slip a cushion under my butt. It is quite comfortable for me to drive this way but difficult and uncomfortable without the cushion. I do the same thing with my '22 roadster except that I use 2 cushions. I only drive these cars on the rural roads in my area.

[jg61hawk]

Great thread... My wife and grandkids laugh..."Pop drives in his his socks". Yep, as soon as I get in the Roadster, off comes my footwear, sneakers or shoes or boots,,,,I can't navigate the pedals fast enough unless I'm footloose and fancy free!
Nice to know we are all in the same boat...Funny but serious...Again great post thanks.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by WHN

Have you seen the “Fat Man’s Steering Wheel” for a Model T Ford?

Enjoy.

Helps you get in but still gets in the way if you like beer.......

[ModelA29]

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[Keith True]

Legroom or seat room is not a problem for me in an A.My problem is my shoulders.I can only drive a closed A with the window up for a very short time.I have to have my arms out from my sides,so the left arm has to go out the window.Doing the kinds of work I've done all my life has left me with some weird shoulder socket configurations.There is no way a set of handcuffs can be put on me without dislocating one shoulder.I need two sets.I have a nice 28 phaeton that I am going to get rid of because it is so hard for me to drive.That left side parking brake is a constant pain on my left leg and knee.Probably the A with the most comfortable sitting and driving position for me is my 30 RPU.Right arm up holding the wheel,left arm resting on the door top,and my legs just seem to fit.

[Robert/Texas]

Keith, That's interesting, I sold my early OCPU in March last year for the same reason that you sold your Phaeton. The guy I sold it to calls me once in a while but has never complained about this.

[ronn]

I might try that. The problem I have is that I have such flat arches that the I the only thing that works for me is boots. I'd be fine in sneakers as long as I'm driving, but if I had to get out to walk, after about half an hour my back would be screaming at me!
you obviously havent had a decent pair of sneakers. go buy yourself some New Balance sneaks.......... great arches.


I was in the shoe biz in a previous lifetime.

[deuce5wndw]

Originally Posted by Keith True

Legroom or seat room is not a problem for me in an A.My problem is my shoulders.I can only drive a closed A with the window up for a very short time.I have to have my arms out from my sides,so the left arm has to go out the window.Doing the kinds of work I've done all my life has left me with some weird shoulder socket configurations.There is no way a set of handcuffs can be put on me without dislocating one shoulder.I need two sets.I have a nice 28 phaeton that I am going to get rid of because it is so hard for me to drive.That left side parking brake is a constant pain on my left leg and knee.Probably the A with the most comfortable sitting and driving position for me is my 30 RPU.Right arm up holding the wheel,left arm resting on the door top,and my legs just seem to fit.

Hey Keith just wondering how you know it takes two sets of handcuffs?! LOL

[CatMan1]

Originally Posted by ronn

I might try that. The problem I have is that I have such flat arches that the I the only thing that works for me is boots. I'd be fine in sneakers as long as I'm driving, but if I had to get out to walk, after about half an hour my back would be screaming at me!
you obviously havent had a decent pair of sneakers. go buy yourself some New Balance sneaks.......... great arches.


I was in the shoe biz in a previous lifetime.

Interesting. I didn't know that. For years now I just wear Red Wing boots and have had great luck with them. I tried their shoes, but haven't been happy with them. Might have to look into New Balance.

[JayJay]

I had to sell my ‘30 CCPU when my wife could no longer negotiate into the passenger seat after her hip replacement. Got the Town Sedans because I could push the front seat back. Better for her, and at the same time helped me with the additional legroom. However, the coolant heater in my ‘31 is mounted to the left of the steering column and constricts foot access to the clutch pedal, especially with boots on. Trade offs I guess.

[Keith True]

Years ago I was on my way into town,and the local PD was on traffic detail at a water line repair.The officer looked at me,did a double take,and pointed for me to pull over and park off to the side.He started lecturing,we've given you breaks time after time,and you just crap on our faces in return.Turn around.He found my shoulders wouldn't cooperate to put the cuffs on.I told him he needed two sets,so he got out another set.He called for transport,and the chief showed up in a couple of minutes.THAT AIN'T Ronnie! They asked why I didn't say anything,but the truth was I knew something was wrong,and something in me wanted to see how far it would go before the detail cop realized it. A friend that looks as scruffy as I do had been caught sneaking around town without a license.They spanked him,sent him home,and told him to cool it.(he did)It didn't help that we drove identical blue Toyota pickups.

[Seth Swoboda]

I had the same problem. I'm 6'1" and 215 lbs. So, I bought a V8 Ford and it solved the problem.

[CatMan1]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

I had the same problem. I'm 6'1" and 215 lbs. So, I bought a V8 Ford and it solved the problem.

I'm leaning that way myself, but this is the car I dated my wife in and we left our wedding in so it's hard to sell.

[WHN]

Originally Posted by CatMan1

I'm leaning that way myself, but this is the car I dated my wife in and we left our wedding in so it's hard to sell.

Car has to much History. You must find a way to keep her in the family.

It’s like your baby cup. You may not be able to still use or need it, but the item represents something you will never get back. Your Youth!

Great story.

Enjoy.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

I had the same problem. I'm 6'1" and 215 lbs. So, I bought a V8 Ford and it solved the problem.

I've got a few pounds on you and would love to add a 33-4 Vicky to the stable. I wonder if any of the aprox 4,200 1933 Vickys got a 4 cylinder.

[ronn]

Keith, thx for the laugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[WHN]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

I've got a few pounds on you and would love to add a 33-4 Vicky to the stable. I wonder if any of the aprox 4,200 1933 Vickys got a 4 cylinder.

That is a really nice looking Ford.

Enjoy.

[ModelA29]

Originally Posted by WHN

That is a really nice looking Ford. .

I'm torn on which one to get. The rarer early 33 had a fender like the Model A but later and in 34 the fender had an extra piece behind the wheel.

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by CatMan1

I'm leaning that way myself, but this is the car I dated my wife in and we left our wedding in so it's hard to sell.

Drove mine to our wedding too.

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

I've got a few pounds on you and would love to add a 33-4 Vicky to the stable. I wonder if any of the aprox 4,200 1933 Vickys got a 4 cylinder.

I wonder if those suicide doors are really that much easier to get in and out of.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by Gene F

I wonder if those suicide doors are really that much easier to get in and out of.

There is more leg room. That is why they are easier to get in and out of and sit in.

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

I've got a few pounds on you and would love to add a 33-4 Vicky to the stable. I wonder if any of the aprox 4,200 1933 Vickys got a 4 cylinder.

I can't tell you about the number of 33 or 34 Victoria's built with a 4 cylinder. I can tell you that you will want a V8. The V8 engine makes the car so much more enjoyable. By the way, any 33-34 Ford is a great choice.

[Zax40]

After bending shifter to passenger side. First pic is first gear, second is neutral. Sorry about the pics, the sun coming into the garage windows was really bright.

[Seth Swoboda]

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The first time I drove a '32 Ford I was amazed at how much better the car drove compared to my '31 Victoria. The comfort, ride, steering, gear shifting, and power of the V8 engine is a night and day difference. I can't imagine what the buying public thought about the '32 Ford when it first came out. Yes, the '32s had lots of problems in the beginning. However, they were worked out. I like my Model A and all Model A Fords. However, the upgraded V8 car is and was remarkable.

[ronn]

I had a 31 vicki and easiest A to get in and out of.

may one day buy another...........

[CatMan1]

Originally Posted by Seth Swoboda

I can't tell you about the number of 33 or 34 Victoria's built with a 4 cylinder. I can tell you that you will want a V8. The V8 engine makes the car so much more enjoyable. By the way, any 33-34 Ford is a great choice.

I think the '33 or '34 is what was in the 1968 'Bonnie & Clyde' movie when his brother comes roaring up to the travel court. Oh, that exhaust rumble.....

[Keith True]

I'm kind of looking for a Victoria.I'm going to replace my July of 28 Phaeton.But,I only want a steelback,no puffy tops.I'd be just as happy with a slant window Fordor too.

[ronn]

Keith pass the fluffy tops to me.

A fordor can be bought for half the $................