Can I make entry easier?

I am thin but because of a motorcycle accident my left foot don't work so good so some A's I have to get in the passenger side and slide over, some T's too ( :) ).
 
put it in "courting gear" Lift up and turn counterclockwise.

What is this? I've never heard this before. Please explain.
I have a '31 town sedan, would it be the same on mine? And other A's for that matter?
 
burner31 said:
put it in "courting gear" Lift up and turn counterclockwise.

What is this? I've never heard this before. Please explain.
I have a '31 town sedan, would it be the same on mine? And other A's for that matter?
Click to expand...
i found a model A gearstick can be lifted upward, as the stick shifter in some modern cars would do when selecting reverse, when lifted the shift lever will be able to be turned sideways without selecting any gear.
 
I noticed in a couple of old movies, guys entering from the passenger side like Wayne mentions. What was the logic of having a keyed, locking door handle on the passengers side and a manual interior slide lock on the driver's door like my DD?...............Pete
 
Charles Coe said:
It's usually my left foot that I have trouble getting between the seat and door frame.
Click to expand...

Tom Wesenberg said:
Same with me. I lift my left foot high, so it goes over the seat, then down to the floor, then I shut the door. If I didn't do that I'd have to turn my foot sideways to make it slide past the seat, and that just isn't comfortable to do.
Click to expand...

The left foot thing is exactly my problem, not sure if it's my age, weight, or having both knees replaced, but I found that I could not turn my left foot enough to clear the narrow space between the front of the door opening and the front of the seat.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I really like the little truck and will have to revisit it and try out the techniques you all have suggested - except the K-Y - great product but don't think it will help in this case.
 
Pete/MA,
I too have wondered about the reasoning behind having the only exterior lock on the passenger side. My '31 Chrysler sedan as well as other vintage cars I have seen are the same. Anyone know the reason? I have a few guesses but no facts.

Glen
 
I have heard it was considered safer to enter and exit from the curbs side than to exit the car into the path of traffic. Can you imagine a muddy road with cars careeening along (trying to keep from hitting each other) and someone suddenly appears in the roadway? Many manufactures installed the key lock ont the curb side only, and exiting via the right door was the norm. At least thats the lore I have heard.
 
Gents,
I believe that is also the reason for having the spare on the drivers side. It is said to encourage passenger side entry. Funny enough my RHD has the spare on the left.

About entry with the engine running. I once stopped in front of my hangar to open the door, when I got back and climbed in, I bumped the gear lever with my knee and accidently engaged reverse. Fortunalely it automatically reversed away from the hangar while I was still trying to get in, but it could easily have gone the other way and crashed into my hangar or even worse into one of my aeroplanes.

Regards
Chris
 
Re exiting passenger side, many places had laws about parking at the curb and had to get out on that side. Even into the 50's often you will see people getting out on that side in the movies and such.
 
We're people smaller back then?

No...not at all
 

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I'm only 5'9" and I too find it challenging getting in and out of my Open Cab PU. I have lost more belt loops on the dovetail than I can count. I try to get in without stepping on the running board but don't seem to have long enough legs. When I get in my Tudor, it seems like such a big car now! I almost feel like I have to put a pillow behind my lower back!
 
Goldhardt said:
Were people really that much smaller 85 years ago?
Click to expand...

Yep.........even just 20 years ago people were smaller. Look around and you can see people have really been packing on the pounds. But even when the A's were new I'd have to believe people found them thight to enter and exit, as well as quite cozy when seated. You'd have to buy a Buick or Studebaker if you wanted room.
 
burner31 said:
put it in "courting gear" Lift up and turn counterclockwise.

What is this? I've never heard this before. Please explain.
I have a '31 town sedan, would it be the same on mine? And other A's for that matter?
Click to expand...

Yes, you just lift up on the shifter and then it will rotate out of the way. It takes some effort as the spring in the transmission top is quite strong. I usually use my right knee for leverage. An elderly gentleman at my church showed this to me on my first model A in 1968.
 
While Cabriolets are probably the easiest Model A's to enter, I skip the running board as stated, then plop my butt down while bringing the left foot in TOE DOWN.
 
Charles Coe said:
Yes, you just lift up on the shifter and then it will rotate out of the way. It takes some effort as the spring in the transmission top is quite strong. I usually use my right knee for leverage. An elderly gentleman at my church showed this to me on my first model A in 1968.
Click to expand...

Can't wait to try this little trick, haven't found the need for it, but I have to try it at least once.
 
Fat Man Steering Wheels for A models come up for sale from time to time
all the parts houses sale Fat Man Steering Wheel Brackets for T Models a clever guy could make 1 for an A Model
 
I have to say my immediate thought was exactly as per Mark DeR. with the KY.
and now Mad Mac is suggesting a "full frontal" Just gotta:)

(I replied to post #20 and in no time it's #38)
 
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Might try one of the smaller 14" steering wheels out there...I know they aren't stock, but I've seen one recently on a parts site. I thought of doing this myself. I'm only 5'6" but over 200lb. And it's a tight fit for me.
 
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