Model A models for tall drivers?

D

dochawk

Junior Member
I'm tall. Not extremely so, but 6' legs and a 6'4" torso works out to 6'2".

As such, Model T seems completely ruled out; even in the Fordor, the ceiling seems to be at mid-forehead, and the seat too close. (But I'm told there's some hope for a roadster or a torpedo, but . . .)

Anyway, I'm currently looking to acquire a Model A. A nice driver, not a concourse. I do expect to do some touring in it. Maybe a survivor, or an older restoration.

I definitely fit in town car, although I would need a pillow or foam insert to support my left thigh, as I can't fully extend my left leg in it.

Any advice on what I am likely to fit or not would be appreciated.

If I fit, the cabriolet would seem to be my preference. I much prefer open cars, but want actual windows for when they're needed.

I'm also open to almost any other configuration that I fit as an interim A if the cabriolet is likely to be a long hunt, but would want to get it at a price such that I can sell it fairly easily without taking a bath.

I've found the local Model A club (actually, it found me :) ); I'll go there next week.

And is there somewhere I should be posting a general introduction?
 
It would NOT be the 82A "Square" closed cab pickup.

I'm 6'-3" and it's a struggle to even get my feet past and up onto the two pedals. I've helped a bit by "shortening" the seat and seat back - and going to a foam core for both.

I can't understand how on the 82A Cab on the Walton's AA truck how they managed to get THREE people into the cab. People must have been smaller in 1930 - although Grandpa (Will Geer) seems to be at least six feet. It must be the magic of cinematography.


Joe K
 
I am 6' 5". When I was looking for a closed car, everyone recommended to me that I get a '31 Slant Windshield Town Sedan. That was great advice. It is the most spacious and the front seat adjuster can be moved back 4 inches for an bit of extra legroom.

The later 1930 Cabriolet seat is adjustable, but I'm not so sure it will go back enough for you to be comfortable. You need to test drive vehicles.

There are several body styles with a fixed front seat and that is not what you need. That would be Roadster, Phaeton, Pickup.
.
 
I'm 6'4" with size 13 shoes and fit the best in my 1930 Cabriolet with its adjustable seat slid as far as possible to the rear (which gives me more room to slide my feet in and out of the car).

I also fit well in a 1930/1931 Tudor which is easy to get in and out of with its slightly larger doors. In my Tudor, I have also moved the driver's seat back (by about four inches) by using a seat extension which not only gives me more leg room, but also gives me more clearance between the seat and the door opening allowing me to easily slide my feet in and out of the car.

I for sure do not fit well in a Town Car. Perhaps you mean Town Sedan? .....because in a Town Car, the partition forces the front seat to be mounted further forward which reduces the leg room (when driving a TC, you will find your legs are spread very wide apart in a most uncomfortable and awkward position) and, as a man of girth, my belly rubs against the steering wheel.

You should also consider a Victoria. They too have larger doors and adjustable front seats.

.....my $0.02,
Brad in Maryland
 
Hello I have a 31 Roadster, and as mentioned, not the car you would want,hard to get in and out with the small doors. Also as mentioned, a Victoria,or perhaps a Convertible Sedan both have the larger doors than other Models.
 
I'm 5'-10" in my size 13 socks. Shoes do add to the difficulty. I had initially targeted a Phaeton but after attempting to sit in the driver's seat of one, I found I couldn't even get my left foot into the car. Sitting in Tudors was no problem if they had the extended seat mounts.

Driving the Model Ts weren't as problematic. The very upright position put me very comfortably in a Speedster, two Pickups and a C-Cab. No adjustments, no problem. I was more worried about the steering wheel...again, no problem. I would prefer a Touring... but I'd have to sit in one first.

I finally bought a '31 A Coupe but even with the adjustable seat, I had to make modifications to get the seat back another 2.5". Now it is very comfortable...and I can wear my regular New Balances.
 
My 2 cents worth are a closed car (30-31 tudor/three window sedan which have seats that adjust backwards). You should be able to modify the seat to move it back even further I believe. A Pheaton/Touring car since you like open cars (granted they have side curtains and not windows) might be good if you can set up the seat to adjust. The ideal car sounds like a 400A convertible sedan BUT they are $$$$$.

Mike
 
6-1 265 moved the seats back in our 28 Tudor & 29 Coupe 4 inches. Tried the foam & plywood seat idea for the Coupe. Ended up getting a Glide Engineering seat and foam along with original material.
 
Buy a vicky- the front doors are huge and easy to get in and out of. they are also the best looking closed car, in my opinion!
 
At 6'3" my '30 tudor was very easy to fit into, after I moved the seat back about 3". I also had a '31 widebed that I owned for 65 years. I fold pretty well, so it was no problem either, until I had a stroke and couldn't keep my foot on the brake pedal! Any year tudor is my recommendation. The seat is easiest to move, they were more of them made so might be the easiest to find, will accommodate passengers and they look cool.
 
I'm 6'2". I had to move my seat rearward 3" and bend the shift lever 2" to the right in my '30 Town Sedan in order to give me leg room. Very comfy now.
 
I'm 6;4#. When I got my Vicky after following it for 35 years I couldn't get my foot, size 15. from the gas to the brake without popping it out of gear. I moved the seat back 2" but that required a new center support plate for the seats. Then I started tearing up starter switches. The angle to push the switch had changed. The next repair was push button start. No more problems!!!
 
5'-11-1/2'' shrunk from 6'. I finally could not navigate my '30 pickup and sold it in favor of a '30 Town Sedan and a '31 Town Sedan, both with adjustable front seat. No major issues now. But face it, no Model A is ever going to be a Lexus with fully adjustable power seats.

I finally wedged myself into the front passenger seat of a club member's '30 phaeton to go to dinner on a tour one time. Almost had to call a crane to get me out.

At least in the '31, the Town Sedan quarter windows roll down, so you can get plenty of air. At least some of the Tudors do too. Might be an alternative to an open car. I believe that most of the open cars use the seat upper as reinforcement of the door jambs, so the flexibility of seat placement is limited.

I once had a drawing showing the interior dimensions of the various models. Can't seem to find it.
 
Last edited:
We have a very tall member in our club. Before he bought a car he came to a meeting and tried several cars on for size. He eventually chose a '30 town sedan.
Marty
 
I am 6 feet
When I built my hot rod I was considering chopping the top couple inches. I’m so glad I didn’t. Even with the standard top it’s a tight fit.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4883.jpg
    IMG_4883.jpg
    20.2 KB · Views: 15
  • IMG_2760.jpeg
    IMG_2760.jpeg
    140.8 KB · Views: 16
Last edited:
RalphM said:
I am 6 feet
When I built my hot rod I was considering chopping the top couple inches. I’m so glad I didn’t. Even with the standard top it’s a tight fit.
Click to expand...

Really?? You should not let a couple of inches lower roof become a fit issue! I mean......look at how easy and comfortable it is to drive this one. It is a 1931 Ford Model A Tudor with the slightly wider doors for easy access and the seat extenders to allow extra leg room:

592481



....and since apparently the tallest man in the world enjoys driving around in his 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe, perhaps you should consider that body style as well:

592482


:rolleyes:
Brad in Maryland




.
 

Attachments

  • 246046481_10220555717790734_2663810711949928740_n.jpeg
    246046481_10220555717790734_2663810711949928740_n.jpeg
    33.4 KB · Views: 97
  • 4c392cae93e9f.preview-300.jpeg
    4c392cae93e9f.preview-300.jpeg
    39.1 KB · Views: 95
Last edited:
A coupe is easily modified if you are willing to make some changes. my Dad’s business coupe easily fits my son who is about 6’ 3”
 
I have a '31 Victoria. I'm 6'1", 215 lbs. Size 11.5 shoe. It is very hard for me to get in and out of, even at the age of 46. I'm also a jogger in pretty good physical condition.


I love model A's and all the body styles. However, for me the Early V8's are much easier to get in and out of and drive comfortably.
 
Seth Swoboda said:
I have a '31 Victoria. I'm 6'1", 215 lbs. Size 11.5 shoe. It is very hard for me to get in and out of, even at the age of 46. I'm also a jogger in pretty good physical condition.


I love model A's and all the body styles. However, for me the Early V8's are much easier to get in and out of and drive comfortably.
Click to expand...

The Victoria has a slightly larger door than the front door of a Fordor Sedan, which can help some with getting in and out. Have you looked into moving the seat back a few inches? That made all the difference in my '31 S/W Town Sedan.
.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top