1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

I have been looking at a 1929 Phaeton to purchase and took a ride in it last week end. I had a heck of time getting into it. There was only about 4 inches between the seat and the cowl. The seat was on a base with no adjustments. Is it possible to increase this clearance for your feet by removing the seat bottom and re-mounting the seat base? Thanks for your input. Ed

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

No. I own a 1928 Phaeton, and getting in and out is a learning experience. Once you figure out how to contort yourself, you will be comfortable and really enjoy the car. At least once you are in the seat, you are comfortable. Model A and AA trucks are tight getting in and even tighter when you're seated.

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

There's no way to move the front seat backwards without butchering the divider between the front and rear seats. Don't go there. Either take some yoga lessons or look for a 30-31 Phaeton. The 30-31's are more forgiving. I've got a 28 Phaeton and have developed my own personal technique for getting in and out of the driver's seat.

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

Hi Ed.
Yes, I find the same problem. I have 3 A Models and another vintage, a GM. One for each of my kids. I have the ute and my Roadster is lent to a bloke who will use it. I offered the Tourer to another friend who declined it for the reason you mentioned .
My ute I replaced the rear of seat with a thin biscuit of soft rubber and shortened the base. Just as comfortable to drive and much easier to step in and out. My tourer I had the seat modified too. cut one row of springs off. I went to put it back and then figured the back needed to be done as well. In the process of doing that now. It should give an extra six inches.
yes the difficulty in climbing in and out does detract from the car.
I'm away from home now but if you send me your email address I will photograph the entry and send it to you. cheers, gary

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

if you look at old movies, it seems that people usually entered cars from the passenger side, including the driver who slid over. at one time, cities had laws against entering a parked car from the driver's side since it exposed you to traffic. that said, it is easy to understand why the doors were wider on the '30-'31 models.

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

I've been in my friend's 31 Phaeton several times, and I can't say it's easier to enter and exit than my 28. At least I didn't notice it. Once you get used to it, they aren't so bad because getting in and out is only a few seconds out of your lifetime. Once seated, enjoy the ride.

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

have the same problem with my 28 phaeton. I am 6 1" and 230 ibs


but when I am in, it is very comfortable.

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

Snyders can make you up a set of seat springs that are thinner than stock. Once in the car, you can't tell that they are thinner. That moves you a couple of inches back from the wheel and lower.

Everyone has their own way of getting in and out of a Model A. I find stepping straight into my '29 phaeton with my right foot/leg is best for me. Then sit down, then bring left leg/foot up and in. I seldom use the running board in or out.

Yes, yoga helps. :D
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Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

I sold my early '28 because it was too tight. If I got in it was ok but getting in and out was the trouble. In the old movies they just jumped over the doors and slid in.

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

I'm over 1.8 metres and about 89 Kg (6' and 196 lb) and have absolutely no trouble getting into or out of my '29 Phaeton. I suppose after about 50,000 miles, I have worked it out but I don't remember ever having trouble.

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

I am about the same size but certainly not as limber.

Re: 1929 Standard Phaeton Front Seat
 

The approximate door openings of a 28 Phaeton, and a 30 roadster at the level of the door handles:
28 Phaeton- 21 1/2"
30 roadster- 23"
So there is a little more wiggle room with 30-31 open cars. For some folks, that may or may not make a difference. In my case, it does, but still love my 28 Phaeton.