Anyone know if any kind of under dash storage shelf/parcel tray has ever been produced aftermarket for our Model A's? I did a search here on the Barn, but didn't come up with anything. It was common to see them in VW Beetles 50+ years ago. I have a '30 Deluxe Roadster and due to the lack of convenient inside storage, something like this would sure come in handy. I'm thinking about making one just for kicks. Has anybody seen anything like this available for purchase nowadays?
Under dash storage shelf
- Thread starter mcgarrett
- Start date
Jim Brierley
Well-known member
Good idea, but not much leg room. My '31 pickup has a box of sorts attached to the right kick panel, a factory item.
Jim,
Thanks for your feedback. I'm 6'3" and did some preliminary checking on that very issue (leg room) and I think if designed correctly, it could work since the dash is up high like the dash on the VW Beetle. I think something could be built without intruding into leg space. The idea intrigues me so I think I'm going to try to come up with a prototype. It will at least give me something to keep me focused going into the winter months.
Russell Reay
Well-known member
Keep us posted
s.e.charles
Senior Member
toss everything in the rumble & slam the lid
David in San Antonio
Well-known member
McGarrett - I’d be interested in having one.
David in San Antonio
Well-known member
Woven straw and fibers were basic materials for products at the time. I can picture hobby weavers who make baskets might be of help.
Yes, I thought about that too. The basket look would seem to fit the Model A era. We'll see what transpires...
You could do a Google search or Amazon for rectangular wicker baskets and probably find something suitable. I installed a heater in my A and supported it with a steel strap that went from the wiring tunnel on the bottom of the tank over to the brace at the cowl. I could have easily hung a basket instead of a heater.
Yes sir, we are on the same page - I was thinking about wicker baskets also.
Brentwood Bob
Well-known member
Wicker like the vw shelf?
Synchro909
Well-known member
I don't think a shelf would be too difficult to make. I imagine it attaching to the side panel in front of the door on passenger side. the firewall and the tunnel under the fuel tank where the wires and speedo cable go.
Re: Under dash storage shelf - Update
Today I spent some time taking measurements and thinking about ergonomics and how the shelf might fit, what shape to make it, and where and how to attach it while clearing the steering column and GAV rod. I found this wire basket the wife wasn't using so I fitted it to see what I thought about it. Not much to look at, but again, it's a work in progress. My main concern was allowing for legroom, foot room, and clearance issues for driver & passenger as they enter and exit the car. but also being sensible about mounting it without drilling holes in places I shouldn't!! The basket is 15" x 6" x 2.5". It has plenty of clearance to operate the handbrake and doesn't interfere with accessing the fuel tank valve or the GAV rod and my big size 11 shoes clear it without a problem. The passenger foot room is fine too.
As I thought more about it, I didn't think that anyone would really need a shelf spanning the full width from kick panel to kick panel, but who knows. To verify space accommodations, it now holds a pair of sunglasses in a case, phone charging cord, and my Hagerty insurance card in a waterproof wallet with room to spare for a small flashlight, gloves, and a cell phone and...?
My goal was to add some convenient, easy-access storage space for my Roadster for miscellaneous items. The kick panel pockets are fine, but inconvenient. I was thinking about covering it with some faux woven cane material I found on Amazon to give it somewhat of a period look. Like most of my projects, it will be ever-evolving.
Today I spent some time taking measurements and thinking about ergonomics and how the shelf might fit, what shape to make it, and where and how to attach it while clearing the steering column and GAV rod. I found this wire basket the wife wasn't using so I fitted it to see what I thought about it. Not much to look at, but again, it's a work in progress. My main concern was allowing for legroom, foot room, and clearance issues for driver & passenger as they enter and exit the car. but also being sensible about mounting it without drilling holes in places I shouldn't!! The basket is 15" x 6" x 2.5". It has plenty of clearance to operate the handbrake and doesn't interfere with accessing the fuel tank valve or the GAV rod and my big size 11 shoes clear it without a problem. The passenger foot room is fine too.
As I thought more about it, I didn't think that anyone would really need a shelf spanning the full width from kick panel to kick panel, but who knows. To verify space accommodations, it now holds a pair of sunglasses in a case, phone charging cord, and my Hagerty insurance card in a waterproof wallet with room to spare for a small flashlight, gloves, and a cell phone and...?
My goal was to add some convenient, easy-access storage space for my Roadster for miscellaneous items. The kick panel pockets are fine, but inconvenient. I was thinking about covering it with some faux woven cane material I found on Amazon to give it somewhat of a period look. Like most of my projects, it will be ever-evolving.
Attachments
David in San Antonio
Well-known member
McGarret - How is it attached?
Keith True
Well-known member
I tried a couple of ways years ago in a pickup,but everything tangled with my feet or legs.I wanted to use the VW one,because I had a couple of them,both wood and plastic covered metal.I called the wood ones bamboo,but wicker is probably more correct.I didn't want to cut them down for the A.The wood ones are very light.
