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01-26-2023, 11:14 PM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Sun City and Show Low, Arizona
Posts: 42
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Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
It's difficult getting in and out of my '29 Roadster. I'm 5'-9" and weigh 170 lbs but it's still a struggle. Maybe my seat cushions are too large? From the bottom of my steering wheel to the bottom seat cushion is only 6". From the seatback cushion to the bottom of the steering wheel is 12.5". Are these typical Roadster dimensions? Seems like other models afford the driver more room.
Thanks! John D. |
01-26-2023, 11:49 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 465
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
John, We just had the same problem trying to fit my 6' 1" grandson in our '29 Business Coupe. Not only did he have trouble getting in, once in his knees hit the steering wheel and he could not operate the clutch or brake.
We took the seat riser and backrest support out and moved them back 3 inches. Had to bend down 3 inches of the package tray and cut the rumble floor pan to make this move. I am not sure you can do this with a Roadster, but watch for an article on this in THE RESTORER magazine, soon I hope. |
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01-27-2023, 12:35 AM | #3 | |
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Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Sun City and Show Low, Arizona
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
Quote:
Thanks for the info! John Dl |
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01-27-2023, 04:06 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Feb 2011
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
why some choose 30-31 as they have a little more room.
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01-27-2023, 06:45 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Central Maine
Posts: 646
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
Nice avatar John. Some room can be made by rebuilding the wood frame and back rest support and moving it back. This will also allow the seat cushion to be moved back a bit with a wood spacer used to keep it rearward. Spacer goes in front of the cushion. 6" clearance sounds like you have a seat cushion that is not stock. Bill
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01-27-2023, 07:40 AM | #6 | |
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Location: Eastern Tennessee
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
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01-27-2023, 12:34 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Hat City (Danbury CT)
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
See Attach home made job . Based on budget and money there’s plenty of options .
Just some plywood and foam . Moved the stock base back 5” . Keep both OEM springs . I’m 6-1” and can finally enjoy driving with my bad back .
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01-27-2023, 01:07 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 46
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
I'm 6'3" and 200 lbs w/ '29 Roadster.
They key for me is to slide in backwards, with legs towards the running board, swing the legs around under the wheel and I'm in. That said, based on the clearance to the wheel that you pointed out, even having a phone or something in my pocket stops me from making it in. I'll eventually pull out the base and switch to a Glide seat mounted to the floor and pushed back a few inches. |
01-27-2023, 02:09 PM | #9 | |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Sun City and Show Low, Arizona
Posts: 42
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
Quote:
Thanks! John D. |
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01-29-2023, 01:18 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Kuranda, Queensland Australia
Posts: 188
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
I had the same issue with my 1928 Phaeton. When it came time to re-upholster the front seat, I tied some wire between the springs - in effect part compressing them where I sat in the drivers position. Then re-upholstered. Both the seat and the back. Upside - combined, these two modifications gave me extra space of a few inches that made ingress and egress heaps easier. And the springs were not compressed so much as to interfere with the visual of the seat to any great extent. Downside, slightly less bounce in the seat due to the seat spring compression.
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01-29-2023, 11:38 AM | #11 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,792
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
Yes the '28's and '29's are a snug fit. The Roadster pickups from those two years are worse yet!
John whatever you do don't pull yourself in by the steering wheel. Make a habit out of not even touching it. You will loosen the steering column connection at the bottom of the gas tank and it will start to weep gasoline. You probably already know that We have a '30 Dlx. Roadster. I'm 6'6" and 215 lbs. I can slide in and out without too much trouble with the top up. I slip my right leg in first, scootch in then pull my left leg in last. Our '29 Tudor was easier to get in and out of by far. An early Ford V-8 is a breeze it is even easier. I hop in and out of the '36 Ford and don't even think about it. Huge difference from an early Model A Roadster. |
01-29-2023, 12:11 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tacoma, WA
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
MMM Only my opinion: who ever did the upholstery did a great job on tailoring. However it looks to have a bit too much underpadding be it foam or cotton. My guess is foam. There should be a bit of a taper from front to back. You may want to look up some factory pics. Your seat appears to be about 1.75 inches too high. Just a thought.
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01-29-2023, 12:36 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: So Cal
Posts: 8,781
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Re: Tight Fit in My 1929 Roadster
This might help.
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