rumble seat ins & outs
 

Maybe a dumb question but- We have not had any passengers in the rumble seat of our "new' '28 Sport Coupe yet. We soon will have though. We have a couple of family get-togethers coming up later this month and will probably want to give some rides, weather permitting.
My question is... How is the best/safest way to instruct and assist someone to get into the rumble seat, without risking injury to themselves OR our car. It is obvious there are the two steps and the grab handles on either side of the opening, but is there anything I/we should know besides the obvious? NO WOMEN WITH HEELS, right?
We have owned coupes before but never a Model A and never one with a rumble seat.
Thanks.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

I had a coupe with a rumble seat back in the 60's, and took several passengers for rides then. I would suggest limiting it to somewhat younger folks, who are still agile, wear tennis shoes, and have someone standing alongside to offer a helping hand.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

If you can't get them into the rumble seat there is always the running boards
Henry thought of everything

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

you could use an airlift......


I agree, older folks will have a problem with contortion

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Remember, left foot first on the lower step, otherwise the passenger will be crossed up trying to get in. Don't know why, but it seems everyone wants to start with the right foot.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Cut out a piece of carpet to go around the step on the fender

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Don't know why, but it seems everyone wants to start with the right foot.







most people are right handed and favor their right foot.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Just like mounting a horse, left foot first. Under forty and underweight works best. High heels are out. Cut the carpet sounds like a grand idea. Have a steading hand available and insist the passenger use it.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Check the tightness on the lower step; it can sometimes be a little loose, depending on exactly what type you have. This causes it to rotate when people step on it. There are various fixes; I stuck a rubber grommet between the step and the bolt.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

I have one of these. Works great!

https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/P...a/rumble-parts

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

One of the joys of owning a "driver" … lots of kids and yes, older folks get to experience the rumble seat. Mounting instructions - Left foot , right foot then left foot ON THE SEAT, and slide in.

Joe B

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

I had a 1932 Plymouth PB convertible coupee before the '31 Model A roadster I now have. Difference between night and day the ease of getting in and out of that car's rumble seat. Almost like the Model A is 3/4 scale of the Plymouth.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Recently a friend of mine and I participated in a parade at which he had an older lady riding in the rumble seat. Her getting in was not a big problem but getting out.....well the roof was folded down so she stepped onto the front seat to exit.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Only thing I can add to what has been posted is exit procedure is the reverse of entrance. Left hand on the corner of the lid helps steady the person climbing in/out.

BTW, the grab handles aren't - they are supports for the roadster top bows when the top is down. Many people put them on coupes but Ford installed them only on roadsters. If they're handles, why are they on both sides instead of just the passenger side like the steps?

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

On exit, you almost have to guide their feet to the step plates and the stretch to the bumper mount is a duzzy. Other exit procedure if they're up to it - jump down.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Most of the guys with coupes that I know wish they had a trunk instead of a rumble seat. Easier to store your folding chair in a trunk.
Marty

P.S. What would it cost to convert back to a trunk?

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

Child Protective Services here in Michigan would not be happy with giving kids rides in the trunk... come to think about it , likely not too happy about rumble seat rides either.

Joe B

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

If you install seat belts in the rumble seat then you can put toddler car seats in there. The kids love it.

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

IMO.. I choose to stay within the streets in our development, and I have taken grandchildren also in a parade setting, riding "up-front" first, the in the rumble once at the destination. I have a driver, and at a car show or event, I let younger ones enjoy the static experience of the rumble seat. Our Delaware highways/drivers do not afford the driving joys of earlier times.
Not worth the risk to me personally. kb

Re: rumble seat ins & outs
 

We give rides to elderly people every Fathers Day at a retirement home.
A couple of years ago we had a 101 year old Women that remembered riding in a rumble seat in her youth.
She was very insistent that she have a ride, so up she went with lots of help.
Big smiles and lots of waves.
Getting her out was a little more challenging but went well it helped that she was about only abut 80 lbs.
Good fun for all and glad we could make her day.