Converting 1929 Coupe from Rumble Seat to Trunk...

[Steve Plucker]

When I got my 1929 Standard Coupe back in 1966, it was already assembled with a trunk.

But at the time, being 16 years old, I thought it would be great to convert it to a rumble seat so I could take my friends with me if I went any where...Not any more.

The rumble/trunk lid was already assembled for use as either or so I converted it with no problem what so ever.

Well, now I want to put it back to being a trunk as it was originally and need to collect the correct original parts to do so...so I will have to be scrounging around to find what I need to make the conversion (unless you have something to help with the conversion).

My question is were there "side panels" on the inside as with the rumble seat or no panels at all?

Thanks.

Pluck

[700rpm]

I've been gathering parts for about two years to do this also. I finally have everything (I think). If someone with an original trunk could post some interior pictures it would be very helpful. Especially the way the back lower inner panel fits.

Pluck, I've got an extra original latch if you need one. Just the part that goes on the back panel that the latch mechanism closes on. Maybe a couple other small extras; I'll have to check.

[Tom Elliott]

Glad to hear your going back to a trunk, too many cars were changed to rumble seats ( In my humble opinion). Seems like very few coupes or roadster have trunks anymore. I had a 30 coupe with a rumble seat and used it only in parades and was worried then about the passengers.

[Rowdy]

I agree too many were converted. I am trying to convince my Dad not to convert his, but so far this has fallen on deaf ears. Rod

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

I agree too many were converted. I am trying to convince my Dad not to convert his, but so far this has fallen on deaf ears. Rod

I,m with you guys. Good move Steve

[Dennis Pereira]

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Originally Posted by 700rpm

I've been gathering parts for about two years to do this also. I finally have everything (I think). If someone with an original trunk could post some interior pictures it would be very helpful. Especially the way the back lower inner panel fits.

Pluck, I've got an extra original latch if you need one. Just the part that goes on the back panel that the latch mechanism closes on. Maybe a couple other small extras; I'll have to check.

Is this the panel your talking about ? I just have it mocked up .

[29er]

I've been thinking of making this conversion as well (rumble seat to trunk), but don't know where to begin.

Is there an article on this somewhere? A list of parts needed? I don't know anybody with a trunk in their coupe to even look at, so photos would be great!

Thanks,

Mike in Oregon

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by 29er

I've been thinking of making this conversion as well (rumble seat to trunk), but don't know where to begin.

Is there an article on this somewhere? A list of parts needed? I don't know anybody with a trunk in their coupe to even look at, so photos would be great!

Thanks,

Mike in Oregon

Where at in Oregon are you Mike?

No, there is no article at this time BUT I am thinking when I get all the parts to do this...There just might be...Kind of like the Kerry-Kene Trunk article which I sent to MAFCA to be printed (Hopefully) in The Restorer some time soon.

However, if you were to get a copy of the FORD Indianapolis Service Letters, there is a Service letter that describes the "trunk to rumble seat conversion" and if one would be to work backward, you can kind of see just what parts are needed.

Needed parts:

1. Deck lid hinges;
2. Deck Door Support (as seen in Fig. 578 of September 1928 Service Bulletins);
3. Trunk Striker;
4. Trunk Handle (if different than Rumble handle);
5. A-45203 Floor Pan Rear Assembly (Without Rumble Seat);


Pluck

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by Dennis Pereira

Is this the panel your talking about ? I just have it mocked up .

Dennis,

Is that panel original and is the Trunk latch hook riveted or screwed on?

Pluck

[marc silva]

My 28 Special Coupe is un- restored and it is screwed on with slotted head screws.

[TonyM]

Long Live the Trunk Coupes.

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by marc silva

My 28 Special Coupe is un- restored and it is screwed on with slotted head screws.

Marc,

Can you please post a photo...If not can you send it to someone who can?

Thanks.

Pluck

[Dennis Pereira]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

Dennis,

Is that panel original and is the Trunk latch hook riveted or screwed on?

Pluck

Steve its a original panel and the latch is riveted . Or I should say was . there's still one you can see the waffle pattern . After thinking about this the top was riveted and slotted screws on the bottom so you can attach to the angle piece .

[woodiewagon46]

My 1929 Business Coupe came from the factory with a rumble seat inner panel PN-50203. I know it was never replaced because I am the third owner. As you know you can use a rumble panel for a trunk car but can't use a trunk panel for a rumble seat. I am in the process of replacing the panel with the correct one PN-45203 with a mint one that I picked up thru a dealer friend at Hershey. The panel does bolt in using six 10-32 x 5/8" oval head bolts along the top edge and eight 1/4-20 x 1/2 " oval head bolts along the bottom edge. Brattons has the bolt kit.

[700rpm]

Thanks Dennis. Both of your pix are very helpful, and answer some of my basic questions.

Pluck, we should be in communication on this if we are both doing the conversion at the same time. I'll photograph and take notes as I go along, and share with you. Maybe we can solve any problems together, and come up with a good "how-to" article.

[Tom Wesenberg]

I saw a near mint original 29 Coupe at a national meet several years ago, and the trunk had NO side panels. This is the upholstery panels you are asking about.

[chuckstinn]

The following was copied from A Body Parts list:

SPEC CPE 49A
+A-52664 Cardboard (deck side) R.H.+ Use on cars with rumble seat
+A-52665 Cardboard (deck side) L.H.+ Use on cars with rumble seat

SPORT CPE 50A
A-52664 Cardboard (deck side) R.H.
A-52665 Cardboard (deck side) L.H.

BUS CPE 54A
No listing of Cardboard (deck sides)

ROADSTER 40A
A-41666 Cardboard (deck side) R.HNo ref to cars with or without rumble seats
A-41667 Cardboard (deck side) L.H.

STD CPE 45A
+A-52664 Cardboard (deck side) R.H.+ Use on cars with rumble seat
+A-52665 Cardboard (deck side) L.H.+ Use on cars with rumble seat

Based on the above it appears no Cardboard side panels were used with a trunk configuration.

[woodiewagon46]

Allow me to add to the confusion. This is how the Judging Standards are worded. In Section 12, page 12-2, "From the beginning of production until October 1929, all trunk compartments had anti-drum cardboards on the rear quarter panels. The cardboards were painted with the body". I know this is different than the trim panels used on rumble seat cars but perhaps this will be helpful.

[racer32]

Is a repro flat trunk floor available, or do those of us trying to convert from rumble to trunk have to find an original?

[d.]

racer,
there is no "flat" trunk floor panel...the rumble and trunk bottom panels are the same; check your catalogs.

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by woodiewagon46

Allow me to add to the confusion. This is how the Judging Standards are worded. In Section 12, page 12-2, "From the beginning of production until October 1929, all trunk compartments had anti-drum cardboards on the rear quarter panels. The cardboards were painted with the body". I know this is different than the trim panels used on rumble seat cars but perhaps this will be helpful.

[29er]

Good stuff here guys. Thanks for the information.

Pluck, I'm only about 90 miles from Walla Walla and will see you in June for the NW MAFCA Meet. Maybe you'll have the trunk on your coupe complete by then.

An article on rumble seat-to-trunk conversion would be a significant contribution and I would look forward to it!

Mike

[Marco Tahtaras]

Originally Posted by woodiewagon46

My 1929 Business Coupe came from the factory with a rumble seat inner panel PN-50203. I know it was never replaced because I am the third owner. As you know you can use a rumble panel for a trunk car but can't use a trunk panel for a rumble seat. I am in the process of replacing the panel with the correct one PN-45203 with a mint one that I picked up thru a dealer friend at Hershey. The panel does bolt in using six 10-32 x 5/8" oval head bolts along the top edge and eight 1/4-20 x 1/2 " oval head bolts along the bottom edge. Brattons has the bolt kit.

I didn't see your post previously. No, you can't use a trunk lid with the curved rumble type rear floor pan. There is no FORD provision for stops to prevent the deck lid from lowering into the hole, nor is there any provision to latch it closed.

[Midwest Tin]

Hi to All,
I'm posting two photos showing the trunk inner rear body panel, striker, and rubber stops. Also note the Anti-drum Cardboard size on my Original 1928 Mid year Ford Roadster. Jim

[Steve Wastler]

Also visible in Jim's pics are the small rubber plugs in the rain gutter, in the hole for the rumble bracket to fasten.

[Franchise_24]

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Originally Posted by forever4

I am not following your logic.
You are the third owner, therefore you know the complete history of your car????

Did you every think maybe the other owners were in the family, like grandpa, and dad?

[woodiewagon46]

When I started this project a couple of months ago, I asked the gentleman that I purchased the car from in 1968 if he or any one else changed the trunk panel and he said he did not. He got the car from his aunt and he knows for a fact she never had an occasion to replace the panel. So I am just about positive that it came from the factory that way.

[roddyb34]

I to am looking to convert our 28 coupe back to trunk lid ,is the inner panel and rail with the bump rubbers and latch position in one piece?

i suppose with all these being converted back to trunks the necessary panel will be hard to get?

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by Marco Tahtaras

Marco,

Is there a Ford Part Number for this?

Thanks.

Pluck

[700rpm]

I received part # A-161-ABTR from Snyder's this morning. It is the inner panel for the trunk conversion which fits in place of the curved rumble seat panel, and it seems to be the correct size (9-1/2"). It includes the anti-rattle brace, the L-channel, and the latch. Of course I won't know if it fits until I get into the project, but this now completes everything I think I'll need to return my coupe to a trunk.

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by Steve Wastler

Also visible in Jim's pics are the small rubber plugs in the rain gutter, in the hole for the rumble bracket to fasten.

I would assume that's to keep the lid square too the quarters?
Were does the water drain?in?

[31 Model A]

I have the curved rumble rear floor panel that was added I guess when the conversion from trunk to rumble took place. I can not see any water drain holes in the rain gutter. If the rain is to drain out both sides, not much opening there either.

[Dennis Pereira]

It runs off the end of the rain gutter and on to the ground . there a big opening all the way across . And off the curved panel at the ends under the guide shoes .

[Dennis Pereira]

Originally Posted by d.j. moordigian

I would assume that's to keep the lid square too the quarters?
Were does the water drain?in?

I'm I seeing things or is the gutter upside down ?

[31 Model A]

Originally Posted by Dennis Pereira

It runs off the end of the rain gutter and on to the ground . there a big opening all the way across . And off the curved panel at the ends under the guide shoes .

Gotcha....thanks

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Dennis Pereira

I'm I seeing things or is the gutter upside down ?

Dennis, I just went out and looked at my gutters and the one pictured does seem to be upside down. Mine is more like a channel with an inner edge. The picture might just be a deception from the camera angle.

Here is my gutter with the rumble installed.

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by Dennis Pereira

It runs off the end of the rain gutter and on to the ground . there a big opening all the way across . And off the curved panel at the ends under the guide shoes .

Gezz,...I need to look at that closer,...when I see a closed car with
a trunk! And,....... the gutter looks correct to me, let your eyes adjust.

Thanks

[31 Model A]

At the panel under the bolt follow the curve downward. It dips further down in an area you can't see for the angle.

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by 31 Model A

At the panel under the bolt follow the curve downward. It dips further down in an area you can't see for the angle.

Thanks,...I get the gist of it...!

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by Midwest Tin

Hi to All,
I'm posting two photos showing the trunk inner rear body panel, striker, and rubber stops. Also note the Anti-drum Cardboard size on my Original 1928 Mid year Ford Roadster. Jim

Can you post a full photo of the "Anti-drum Cardboard"?

Thanks.

Pluck

[Steve Wastler]

Originally Posted by d.j. moordigian

I would assume that's to keep the lid square too the quarters?
Were does the water drain?in?

Actually I was referring to the SMALL rubber PLUGS in the side rain gutters. They fit in the hole for the rumble hinge bracket, when it's a trunk. Look in the gutters about 4" up from the rubber corner bumpers.

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by Steve Wastler

Actually I was referring to the SMALL rubber PLUGS in the side rain gutters. They fit in the hole for the rumble hinge bracket, when it's a trunk. Look in the gutters about 4" up from the rubber corner bumpers.

Thanks Steve!
I thought it was a screw,...like I have in my car. Is that rubber plug
something that the vendor's sell,.....interesting!

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by Midwest Tin

Hi to All,
I'm posting two photos showing the trunk inner rear body panel, striker, and rubber stops. Also note the Anti-drum Cardboard size on my Original 1928 Mid year Ford Roadster. Jim

Jim,
In your 3rd photo, the panel that makes it a "trunk". The 4 stiffing
ribs on the panel,....which way are they raised, to the front or to
the rear ?? Can you do a better / closer photo of them?
Thanks, Dudley

[wrndln]

I am posting a picture of an original trunk inner panel in a 28 roadster. As you can see, the ribs are stamped inward.
Rusty Nelson

[PeteCruz2715]

All, Through slight of hand, smoke and mirrors and just plain luck (I'm not saying if that was good or bad luck!) I find myself as the Technical Director for our club. I would very much like to assist and (mostly) benefit from the creation of such a "How-to" article. I've had a few of A's and the coupe I had and the roadster I now have both had rumble seats. I love the thought of the rumble seat but I'll be the first to admit they aren't practical and I'd never let anyone ride back there except perhaps in a parade and even then I don't like the idea. Can we work on this together? Thanks for your consideration!

[700rpm]

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Originally Posted by wrndln

I am posting a picture of an original trunk inner panel in a 28 roadster. As you can see, the ribs are stamped inward.
Rusty Nelson

That's what my new one from Snyder's looks like.

PeteCruz, send me your email by PM and I'll put you on my info list as I go through the procedure. I probably won't start in earnest until late March or early April.

[Steve Wastler]

This isn't the best pic, but here are some NOS rain gutter rubber plugs when it is a trunk model. I got these from Dan Bixby 5-6 years ago. I can take better pics if anyone is interested. These are not reproduced to my knoledge.

[Steve Plucker]

Originally Posted by Steve Wastler

This isn't the best pic, but here are some NOS rain gutter rubber plugs when it is a trunk model. I got these from Dan Bixby 5-6 years ago. I can take better pics if anyone is interested. These are not reproduced to my knoledge.

Steve,

Thanks for showing these!

Pluck

[d.j. moordigian]

Just some thoughts about this, after being in this "mess", with emails over the
weekend.

1. Dennis's trunk panel is different, Rusty Nelson (wrndln) pointed this out, Rusty
has one also. The 3 screws, on each side, can be installed from the top,....the panel has a "relief" for the screws. I guess the panel is another "oddity"...?

2. Dennis,...the 6, 1/4" screws at the base of the trunk panel should be "oval
headed, counter sunk",.... are the holes dimpled??

[Dennis Pereira]

d.j. here's a photo of the holes .

[d.j. moordigian]

Originally Posted by Dennis Pereira

d.j. here's a photo of the holes .

Ya,...they look "dimpled",...should be oval headed / counter sunk
screws,....I would think !
Found one in the rusty trunk panel in my "bone yard" out back...

Dudley

[Marco Tahtaras]

Here is a pic of the plugs I have. I may have included them in one of my Restorer articles back in the 80's. The one on the right came from a fairly unmolested May '30 Coupe my buddy Larry Ryder was restoring about 30 years ago. He called me to see them before he attempted to remove them just in case they didn't survive. The funny thing was that Turlock swap meet was about a month later and a found 8-9 NOS ones in the bottom of a box. I've never run across any since!

[700rpm]

Marco, there seems to be some confusion about the placement of the trunk hinge pieces. Could you please look at this thread (http://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160504) and give us your input regarding differences, if any, between 28-29 and 30-31 installations?

Thank you.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I received part # A-161-ABTR from Snyder's this morning. It is the inner panel for the trunk conversion which fits in place of the curved rumble seat panel, and it seems to be the correct size (9-1/2"). It includes the anti-rattle brace, the L-channel, and the latch. Of course I won't know if it fits until I get into the project, but this now completes everything I think I'll need to return my coupe to a trunk.

Ray, I have the 1929 std coupe with trunk that I think is original. If you would like sometime I can load it on the trailer and bring it over or you could drop by and take a look at it. Don't know if this would help you but would be happy to do it.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Ray, I have the 1929 std coupe with trunk that I think is original. If you would like sometime I can load it on the trailer and bring it over or you could drop by and take a look at it. Don't know if this would help you but would be happy to do it.

Fred, if you could just take a picture of your trunk hinge similar to this one from Steve Wastler, that might confirm our theory about 28-29s and save a drive. Isn't the coupe running?

[Fred K-OR]

Ray, yes the coupe is running very well. Have driven it on a couple of our tours. But from our place to yours is about 50 miles one way through traffic and trying to stay out of the way of the weird Portland drivers.

I will try to get some pictures in the A.M. (if it doesn't rain to much)

I messed around with one of the trunk hinges a year or so ago and tried to put in a "new" after market one. This new one never quite did the job. But I think the other side is one of the original ones so may be able to get some pictures of it.

[Steve Plucker]

I am truly sorry about all this ruckess about rumbleseat to trunk conversion but you know what...this is what Model A'ing is all about and I love it!

All you guys contrubuting to this thread ...Thanks.

Pluck

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by Fred K-OR

Ray, yes the coupe is running very well. Have driven it on a couple of our tours. But from our place to yours is about 50 miles one way through traffic and trying to stay out of the way of the weird Portland drivers.

I will try to get some pictures in the A.M. (if it doesn't rain to much)

I messed around with one of the trunk hinges a year or so ago and tried to put in a "new" after market one. This new one never quite did the job. But I think the other side is one of the original ones so may be able to get some pictures of it.

Fred, if that doesn't work, how about I meet you inbetween? You could take the country roads and this weird Portland driver would like a drive into the wilds of Washington county some sunny day.

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Fred, if that doesn't work, how about I meet you inbetween? You could take the country roads and this weird Portland driver would like a drive into the wilds of Washington county some sunny day.

Ray, let me get some pictures and see if that gets what you need. Sorry about the comment about Portland Drivers!

[Fred K-OR]

Ray and others. Here are some hinge pictures, lock latch and lower right lid corner. I think the right hand one is a bit messed up. It "pops" out of the part of the hinge bolted to the body.

Ray if you need more, I could meet you at the Rock Creek tav for lunch sometime????

[d.j. moordigian]

The hinges look correct,.....worn, but correct! Fred, that would be a good project
for this winter?

Thank you for posting the photos..

After looking at Fred's hinge(on the lid), I realized that my hinge part wasn't a
fluke,....it looks like Ford ADDED a shim in the fit-up?!

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Steve Plucker

When I got my 1929 Standard Coupe back in 1966, it was already assembled with a trunk.

But at the time, being 16 years old, I thought it would be great to convert it to a rumble seat so I could take my friends with me if I went any where...Not any more.

The rumble/trunk lid was already assembled for use as either or so I converted it with no problem what so ever.

Well, now I want to put it back to being a trunk as it was originally and need to collect the correct original parts to do so...so I will have to be scrounging around to find what I need to make the conversion (unless you have something to help with the conversion).

My question is were there "side panels" on the inside as with the rumble seat or no panels at all?

Thanks.

Pluck

Pluck, I don't know if you received an answer to your panels or not but my std 29 coupe with trunk lid does not have any side panels. If you like I could remove the "junk" from the trunk and take pictures.

[700rpm]

Thanks Fred. That reinforces the theory that the 28-29 hinges were mounted to the inside on the rain gutter.

Lunch in Rock Creek sounds good. I'll send you an email when the weather breaks again.