Newbie to Model A's

[BillEbob]

Greetings All!

Strange at my age to be called a 'newbie' but, yes, that's what I am both to this forum and to Model A's.

I have been a Mustang aficionado for 20 years, owning a '68 Coupe and a '69 Convertible (both were 1 owner cars!) (the convertible I restored to concours.) The convertible has won "GOLD" at National MCA Shows. Additionally, I became an MCA (Mustang Club of America) Certified Judge.

Now I am feeling the urge to change gears and learn about the Model A. My plans are to sell the '68 to be able to afford an "A." I have joined the local MAFCA Model A Club in Albuquerque, "Poco Quatros" -- a really great group of folks, extremely knowledgeable about A's. Too, I purchased Les Andrews' book (having perused it cover to cover) and also ordered a copy of Mike's Catalog pouring over it like a kid with a new comic book.

The Model A coupe (and it's soft topped brother) really attract my attention but I don't know if I can get my fat belly and legs into one and be comfortable. I spoke with one club member (at the State Fair display) who told me that with his Deluxe Coupe he has to enter through the passenger door and slide over because the fender-mounted spare keeps the (very small) door from opening widely enough for entrance and egress.

Is it possible that one of you nice folks would be willing to furnish me with a couple of dimensions? 1) how wide is the (driver's) door opening on a 5-winow coupe (without fender-mounted spare) and 2) what is the distance from the leading edge of the steering wheel to the back cushion of the seat?

I do believe that these measurements might give me a clue as to whether I might fit or not. (I have a replaced left knee that gives me fits trying to get that leg into most modern cars!) Luckily, the doors of my convertible Mustang are wide enough to allow me entrance without too much difficulty.

I saw a video of a '30 Coupe advertised on West Coast Classic Cars' website that showed a replaced steering wheel that 'appeared' to be adjustable. Are there indeed replacements like that available?

Thanks for your help in this new odyssey of finding a "good fit" for me!

Bill in Albuquerque

[René W]

Welcome Bill,you have joined a model a club so i think the easiest option is to find a member who has the same car type you want an just try if you fit into that model.
I own a '29 Tudor and i had to mount the seat backwarts 3 inch so my knees did not touch the steering wheel while shifting gears and breaking,i am not a tall guy,only 1.85 meter.
Good luck,René

[pgerhardt]

Originally Posted by René W

Welcome Bill,you have joined a model a club so i think the easiest option is to find a member who has the same car type you want an just try if you fit into that model.
I own a '29 Tudor and i had to mount the seat backwarts 3 inch so my knees did not touch the steering wheel while shifting gears and breaking,i am not a tall guy,only 1.85 meter.
Good luck,René

If your knee gets trapped under the steering wheel when going from the clutch to the brake while in first gear (like at every complete stop) then the issue is with the shift lever. They bend pretty easily, and can wind up leaning a little toward the driver's side leaving no room for your knee to get by the steering wheel. A little force will cause it to lean a little toward the passenger side completely elimination the problem.

[sethkestenbaum]

welcome

[Anteek29]

Best to try the fit of several Model A body types...your club members will be happy to help!
BTW, I am 6' and fit in my unmodified coupe OK but a bit snug.

[Y-Blockhead]

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Welcome to the Barn BillEBob.

I hope this scan helps you. Better to try out one for size, they are tight. I had to move the seat back 3" and bend the shifter 1" to the right to be comfy in my '30 Town Sedan. I'm 6'2", 190lb.

Easiest way for me to get in is to step over the running board with my right foot, sit down, then drag in my left foot.

[Y-Blockhead]

BIGGER...

[BillEbob]

[QUOTE=Y-Blockhead;1538631]

"Blockhead" thanks for that rendering! It answers all my questions, now I just have to adjust the seat and tilt wheel to those dimensions in my daily driver and
voilá, I will have some idea of what the coupe will be like!
Moving that seat back sounds like an excellent idea!

Any familiarity with the after market steering wheel I mentioned?

[BillEbob]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

BIGGER...

I DID IT! Set the steering wheel and seat (of my Sonata) to the
dimensions shown in the mechanical drawings posted by
Y-Blockhead!

Someone would have to have the contour of an airmail envelope
to fit in that tiny space! lol 😂

That being the case, there is no way on God's green earth that
a coupe will work for me❗I'm thinking that I'll have to go back
to my original idea of a '31 Vicky. The reason I strayed from
persuing that model is the lack of availability in and around my
State (New Mexico).

Any of you from NM have one that you're not telling me about?

[glenn in camino]

I've heard that if you remove the package tray, you can move the seat back for more room up front. Although I've never done it.

[kenparker]

I am 6 ft 1 in tall and most of it is legs. getting in and out with stiff knees is a challenge, but once in my 31 coupe is comfortable.
When building it 10 years ago I removed two inches of the package tray and moved the seat back until it touched the front edge of the tray. Oh, makes a difference but I am only 145 lbs. Yeah. skinny!. ken

[Larry Jenkins]

Originally Posted by kenparker

I am 6 ft 1 in tall and most of it is legs. getting in and out with stiff knees is a challenge, but once in my 31 coupe is comfortable.
When building it 10 years ago I removed two inches of the package tray and moved the seat back until it touched the front edge of the tray. Oh, makes a difference but I am only 145 lbs. Yeah. skinny!. ken

Ken's post turned on the light!

If I were younger and not 86, I would pursue making thinner package trays to solve the "fit" problems. Judges may not even notice 2" narrower..

[1930artdeco]

Welcome Bill,

Since you have restored Mustangs you will have the skills to work on an A. Albeit, some things will be slightly different. But what do yo want to do with the car? Long/short tours/parades/kids/grandkids will all play into the answer. Coupes are great for two people inside and two ADULTS in the rumble seat-there is no lock to keep it open in a collision. And very little trunk space for long trips. Room? Go for a sedan there is plenty. Although the 28-early 31 Fordoors all have wood bodies so be careful.

For the steering wheel, I think you are referring to the 'fat man' steering wheel. It will flip up so that the 'larger girthed' people can get in. Not sure where to send you to look for one other than Ebay.

Mike

[30ccpickup]

Different years different sizes

http://www.smcars.net/threads/ford-m...27-1931.31679/

[Tinbasher]

What you may be talking about is a Fat Man steering wheel. Google it and see what you find.

John Poole

[BillEbob]

Thanks all! Great information!! Your efforts to welcome me and help answer initial questions are MUCH appreciated!

In fact, I did Google 'Fatman' steering wheels and I have a strong feeling that that was what the video (on West Coast Classic Cars) showed on a '30 coupe. The salesman made no reference to that particular feature but it could clearly be seen. The salesman DID make reference to an electric fuel pump (car had an ugly toggle switch prominently mounted on the dash to the left of the steering wheel.)

Wouldn't an electric fuel pump cause too much pressure to the carburetor, or is that something used just for starting a stubborn engine?

Bill

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Bill, welcome and I think you will end up with a nice mix of eras keeping one Mustang and moving into a Model A.

A sound stock runner should not need an electric fuel pump. If the engine is set up with multiple carbs or such, that is one thing, but otherwise I would be suspect of an electric pump on a stock Model A.

I have lost 30 lbs since acquiring our latest A, a roadster, and it does help a bit. YOu generally have a little more room in the '30 - '31s. As mentioned above, sedans can be roomy - - also, from what I have seen here in New England anyway, they have a good following which is different from the usual collector car rule of 4 doors is 2 too many. People like the room for others, nice ride and enclosed comfort for cold weather touring. If I had room for another I might go for a nice 4 window sedan. They can be kind of fancy inside as well. But it sounds like your leaning coupe, good luck on your search, maybe you can find someone to trade with?

[100IH]

You're right, no need with up draft carb. and gravity delivery

[Dick Steinkamp]

The Victoria had an adjustable driver's seat. I believe that is the only Model A that came stock with one.



Various Model A parts vendors sell two types of seat adjusters for the Tudor Sedan. The permanent type moves the seat back about 3".

https://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=5701

The adjustable type can move the seat back up to 5".

https://parts.modelastore.com/show_Product.asp?ID=5700

[BillEbob]

Dick,
I had looked for a Vicky but found none in this area (a friend is building a '40 Ford that he bought sight unseen ((Maine)) and it turned out to be a rust bucket!) Can't afford to fly around the country looking at Vicky's then arranging to pay for shipping!)

BTW: Was the 400-A built out of "unobtainium?" What makes those beasts so darned expensive?!