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08-08-2023, 07:37 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Danville, CA
Posts: 1,557
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finding more foot/leg room in the 31 deluxe coupe
I am a bit short in the leg for my height, now down from 5'11 and 7/8", but I still have my size 12 shoes to try to maneuver into the coupe past the door opening to the front and the seat to my heel. Not to be out done, my bride seems to usually have to exit the car a time or two per entry to retrieve a wayward shoe. So at this point I'm looking at the problem and the short answer seems to be to remove the package rack and move the seat whatever amount is then available, to the rear. What all is involved? I have seen several mentions of people having done that but no specifics of best practice. Maybe even a video to help an old guy understand?
Thanks, Davey Mc. Then there is also a question of room under the air conditioning evaporator, (Where I often find one foot during, a now panic stop.) I saw and entry about gaining room by working over the firewall/tray for the speedometer cable and the wires. Any thoughts? |
08-09-2023, 10:06 AM | #2 | |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,543
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Re: finding more foot/leg room in the 31 deluxe coupe
Quote:
The package tray can be modified by removing a few inches out of it and re-welding it together. Just remember, this package tray is a structural member of the body, so don't get carried away. Below is some pix of a tray that we modified for a Cabriolet body to gain the occupants more room. Maybe that will give some inspiration?? On the A/C units we have installed, we cut the gas tank open where we could reinforce the floor of the tank. Then we welded brackets to hold the unit more securely, and also modified the tunnel where we gained a little over 2 inches of room. That's a lot of work to do on a restored car though. Below are a few pix showing how we installed that unit which does give WAY more leg/foot room. . . |
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08-09-2023, 07:58 PM | #3 |
Member
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Posts: 80
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Re: finding more foot/leg room in the 31 deluxe coupe
The package tray alteration I performed is exactly same as described by Brent, although I must admit his welds are a bit more elegant (Well, actually MUCH better) than mine. My photos attached here to provide more perspective if you decide to go this route...(I do think this is the best option to gain additional space without much show of the alteration).
I also wish to reinforce a comment Brent made...under no circumstances should the package tray be eliminated entirely...it is a structural element of the body and deleting it entirely would no doubt result in shifting that would change the geometry of the body....if you need the space make the alteration as we describe...it is a proven method that has been done many times. Not a terribly difficult job...just a bit tedious and time consuming depending on your shop set up and working speed....for me it took a couple of weekends of "hobby time".
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Cliff Ward Cary, North Carolina Last edited by clifforddward; 08-09-2023 at 07:59 PM. Reason: correcting grammar |
08-09-2023, 09:17 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Danville, CA
Posts: 1,557
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Re: finding more foot/leg room in the 31 deluxe coupe
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Thanks again guys, Herb Newcome, you may wish to add your thoughts, sir? Dave Mc Arthur |
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