rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Ma wants a rumble seat to take the grandkids in a parade. Does this panel need to be removed? (see photo and arrow, arrow is kinda faint)

If so, what replaces it?

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

there's a whole different panel that replaces that one. get an old used one as the replacement ones don't fit worth a damn.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Plenty of ole farts here wanting to change from rumble to trunk.

Just swap 'em the parts.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

That panel has to be replaced. You also have to drill a hole in the deck lid to accommodate the new location of the handle, and fill the old hole and repaint the lid. You will need to drill a hole in your fender for the step plate. You will want to figure out how to install seatbelts for the kids' safety. You will need a completely new hinge setup. You will have $1500-$2000 in costs, maybe more, to make the conversion, depending on how much you can do yourself.

Think long and hard about doing this. I converted my rumble back to a trunk because no one over 45 years old, 5' tall and/or 120 lbs could get in or out of it. My grandkids got too old to be interested. I got concerned about the safety of RS passengers in the event of a t-bone crash, even with seatbelts. And the trunk is just more practical.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Yeah and to add to the above disadvantages with a coupe whoever does manage to squeze into the rumble seat can't see a thing as the roof panels are right in your face.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

In my opinion the only cars that should maybe have rumble seats are roadsters and sport coupes. Only these two car have a way to communicate with the driver and passenger - the roadster and sport coupe have panels that can be folded up to open the back of the cars. Otherwise the rumble seat occupants are left isolated - i.e out in the cold.
Rusty Nelson

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

My 28 Sport Coupe has a rumbie seat that is the way it came new. But I wish it was a trunk.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Look at the nice shape of that platform. If I was in your shoes, I'd make a little taller back and add a cushion for the seat and back. When the parade is over just bolt the lid back on and be back to stock with a nice trunk.

If the kids are small enough you can lift them in and out, and not drill for a step plate.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

After 35 years of converting my 29 coupe to a rumbleseat, I converted it back to a trunk and glad I did.

Pluck

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Ill trade my rumble set up minus the seat springs for a trunk setup

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

might be easier to sell your car and buy another-or a swap with someone on the barn..........................

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

your probably right

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

I purchased a coupe once from a man who decided to sell it when his little daughter chipped a tooth when he had to stop fast and the lid closed on her.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

I have my rumble lids positively locked by fabricated automatic latches with lap sash belts fitted.

I would like someone here to prove if this a fallacy or not that a stock rumble lid will in fact shut on itself under severe braking .

I do not think it would.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

The You can put groceries in a rumble seat but you can't put passengers or grandchildren in a trunk! Think about it ! Wayne.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Does anybody have good pictures of the curved inner panel ect, just starting with rumble seat conversion . iI have all parts listed in the Macs catalog.

Re: rumble seat conversion, 29 coupe
 

Ford had the procedures which are reprinted in one of the "How to Restore" volumes. They give you a list of all the parts you will need.

The repro curved inner panel is not going to fit properly so you will need to adapt it. The front edge will need pan head screws. The rumble seat riser panel must have the re-enforcements solidly installed. They brace the rumble stops.

If you have an original lid then you do NOT want to use reproduction rumble hinges. The will not fit without significant trouble. The repro appears to be a direct casting that shrinks in every direction. The originals fit the original rumble lid like a glove.

The repro lower panel and the repro lids are straight across the bottom. They will tend to hit on the corners. Check your gaps or you are more likely to chip the paint in the corners. Take time at the shows and look at the rear panels and you will see the chip of paint I talk about. Now that you are aware of them you will always see them.