The Ford Barn

Forker · 03-05-2013, 11:37 AM

For starters, I am new to Model Aing and also new to this site, so let me ask for forgivness up front for a dumb questions I might ask. I am most appreciative for any assistance anyone might be able to provide.

I purchased a renovated Model A Phaeton sight unseen, but after viewing a 100 or so detailed photos and having a non-Model A friend in the area check it out. Everything proved to be as described or as pictured, no complaint there at all. What I didn't realize was how limited the space in the front seat would be for a guy my size. Although I can drive the car, it is very tight and I was wondering if anything can be done to move the seat back in order to make it just slightly comfortable.

Thanks
Forker

Richard Wilson · 03-05-2013, 11:42 AM

Seat is fixed in position. Only thing that you might do to gain extra room is remove the springs from the cushions. Not a very comfortable solution.

Forker · 03-05-2013, 11:51 AM

Thanks Richard, it appeared to be in a fixed position and I was hoping someone might have figured out a way to modify that, after looking and looking at it, I couldn't. It's not leg room as much as I'd like to gain room between the steering wheel, so maybe just modifying the seat back might help.

Tom Wesenberg · 03-05-2013, 12:46 PM

Use wire or plastic ties to pull the seat cushion and backrest springs shorter. If you pull the springs to form a body shape they can still be comfortable, even though pulled springs would be stiffer. I think someone mentioned they removed the springs and used foam. I also have a 28 Phaeton and find it tight getting in and out. Once seated I don't find it too bad. If I could loose 25 pounds, that would also help.

Forker · 03-05-2013, 12:52 PM

Tom, losing some weight was my wife's suggetion as well...but in the meantime I think your suggestion has merit, thanks!

wrndln · 03-05-2013, 02:05 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

One another solution to get a little more room in the front is to have Snyder's make a custom seatback spring. That is what I have done with my 28 coupe and 29 phaeton. I haven't installed the thinner spring in the phaeton, but the 2" thinner spring works OK in the coupe. The thinner backrest spring with padding and upholstery just cover the back of the seat cushion in the coupe. I don't think I would reduce the backrest any more than 2" which is the amount I had Snyder's do. Even with an extra 2", I am sure the front area in a phaeton wont be spacious. I am 6' 4" and average weight and all model A's are a little tight for me. I mostly like taking a rusted hulk and make it like new again, not so much driving the A's. The coupe is almost done with the restoration. I will drive the A's, but not a lot.
Rusty Nelson

Forker · 03-05-2013, 02:38 PM

Thanks Rusty. Since the seats are like brand new and have recently been redone, I think I'll try Tom's suggestion first and if that doesn't get the job done or turns out to be less then a desireable solution (practically or visually) then I will go to your suggestion and have the seat back redone. I'm going to start working on that weight loss one of these days also!

CarlG · 03-05-2013, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forker

... I'm going to start working on that weight loss one of these days also!

Me too --- one of these days!

Tom Wesenberg · 03-05-2013, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarlG

Me too --- one of these days!

Me too!

I'm also going to start procrastinating......as soon as I get around to it.

03-05-2013, 11:37 AM	#1
Forker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 150	'30 Standard Phaeton front seat room For starters, I am new to Model Aing and also new to this site, so let me ask for forgivness up front for a dumb questions I might ask. I am most appreciative for any assistance anyone might be able to provide. I purchased a renovated Model A Phaeton sight unseen, but after viewing a 100 or so detailed photos and having a non-Model A friend in the area check it out. Everything proved to be as described or as pictured, no complaint there at all. What I didn't realize was how limited the space in the front seat would be for a guy my size. Although I can drive the car, it is very tight and I was wondering if anything can be done to move the seat back in order to make it just slightly comfortable. Thanks Forker Last edited by Forker; 03-05-2013 at 11:37 AM. Reason: spelling error

03-05-2013, 11:42 AM	#2
Richard Wilson Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NC Posts: 908	Re: '30 Standard Phaeton front seat room Seat is fixed in position. Only thing that you might do to gain extra room is remove the springs from the cushions. Not a very comfortable solution.

03-05-2013, 11:51 AM	#3
Forker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 150	Re: '30 Standard Phaeton front seat room Thanks Richard, it appeared to be in a fixed position and I was hoping someone might have figured out a way to modify that, after looking and looking at it, I couldn't. It's not leg room as much as I'd like to gain room between the steering wheel, so maybe just modifying the seat back might help.

03-05-2013, 12:46 PM	#4
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: '30 Standard Phaeton front seat room Use wire or plastic ties to pull the seat cushion and backrest springs shorter. If you pull the springs to form a body shape they can still be comfortable, even though pulled springs would be stiffer. I think someone mentioned they removed the springs and used foam. I also have a 28 Phaeton and find it tight getting in and out. Once seated I don't find it too bad. If I could loose 25 pounds, that would also help.

03-05-2013, 12:52 PM	#5
Forker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 150	Re: '30 Standard Phaeton front seat room Tom, losing some weight was my wife's suggetion as well...but in the meantime I think your suggestion has merit, thanks!

03-05-2013, 02:05 PM	#6
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,159	Re: '30 Standard Phaeton front seat room Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) One another solution to get a little more room in the front is to have Snyder's make a custom seatback spring. That is what I have done with my 28 coupe and 29 phaeton. I haven't installed the thinner spring in the phaeton, but the 2" thinner spring works OK in the coupe. The thinner backrest spring with padding and upholstery just cover the back of the seat cushion in the coupe. I don't think I would reduce the backrest any more than 2" which is the amount I had Snyder's do. Even with an extra 2", I am sure the front area in a phaeton wont be spacious. I am 6' 4" and average weight and all model A's are a little tight for me. I mostly like taking a rusted hulk and make it like new again, not so much driving the A's. The coupe is almost done with the restoration. I will drive the A's, but not a lot. Rusty Nelson

03-05-2013, 02:38 PM	#7
Forker Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 150	Re: '30 Standard Phaeton front seat room Thanks Rusty. Since the seats are like brand new and have recently been redone, I think I'll try Tom's suggestion first and if that doesn't get the job done or turns out to be less then a desireable solution (practically or visually) then I will go to your suggestion and have the seat back redone. I'm going to start working on that weight loss one of these days also!