36 5-wcoupe, seat too close to wheel?

[tubman]

I think it's good that you are taking care of this now. If I had had the knowledge advanced in this thread back then, I might still have my 3-window.

[rich b]

I took a little different approach as the original tracks I had were pitted and prone to get hung up. I cut down the original bases and put new ball bearing slide tracks between them and seat. I located the tracks on the bases to position the seat further back and besides allowing me to fit between the wheel it now moves smoother than before too.

[95476]

I am (was) 6'5" and have had 33-40 coupes roadsters, cabriolets etc. I still have a bunch of 34's. I did not fit well in any of them but I enjoyed them for what they were. I had to sell my '34 phaeton because it was really hard on my hip. When I did my last '33 sedan delivery I set the stock bucket seats waaaay back and it is fine. In my Vicky I put in a Glide seat and it it decent. I can't drive any of the others for more than a hour without being in agony the next day. For me it is worth it, I love the cars.

[ford nut]

Originally Posted by tubman

I think it's good that you are taking care of this now. If I had had the knowledge advanced in this thread back then, I might still have my 3-window.

yep, now is the time for it.

[ford nut]

Originally Posted by rich b

I took a little different approach as the original tracks I had were pitted and prone to get hung up. I cut down the original bases and put new ball bearing slide tracks between them and seat. I located the tracks on the bases to position the seat further back and besides allowing me to fit between the wheel it now moves smoother than before too.

mine still had grease in it and the lose ball bearing were still there, it works okay, i'll be the only one driving it, so once i find the spot, it'll probably stay there.

[ford nut]

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Originally Posted by 95476

I am (was) 6'5" and have had 33-40 coupes roadsters, cabriolets etc. I still have a bunch of 34's. I did not fit well in any of them but I enjoyed them for what they were. I had to sell my '34 phaeton because it was really hard on my hip. When I did my last '33 sedan delivery I set the stock bucket seats waaaay back and it is fine. In my Vicky I put in a Glide seat and it it decent. I can't drive any of the others for more than a hour without being in agony the next day. For me it is worth it, I love the cars.

i thought about a modern street rod seat, but i just love the clunky looks of the original. the way the back flips up, it's from another era. for now, it stays. it's just gotta' move back. i'm going to tack it, bolt it up, and try it out. if all is good, fully weld it, reinforce the front tab, paint it black.

[ford nut]

it's all made up and tested and it works. i may add a sheet metal plate as a gusset, but i don't know. feels very solid, and when it's all the way back i need to move it up one or two clicks to be in my comfort zone. i also had been working on mounting my oil filter and modifying the inner fenders for. . .ah . .reasons. i'll post some pics of my progress.

[ford nut]

the seat. .

[outlaw]

ford nut, your seat mod looks good. I will file away the idea for when I get to my car. Thanks.

[cadillac512]

That's nice work-well done!


Terry

[Rockymountainsparky]

I'm starting to restore my 36 3 window coupe. I'm pretty sure I'll have to move mine back.

[richard crow]

loose weight you & the car will last longer

[Jeff/Illinois]

Originally Posted by richard crow

loose weight you & the car will last longer

That's good advice.

I didn't notice having that type of problem until I got into my late 50's and then the steering wheel somehow was getting closer to my gut

Last year I got knocked down with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, for the second dang time had it about six years ago, and I had a Stem Cell treatment. Getting to that point, the prep treatment was brutal. I couldn't eat or barely even drink water for about four months or so. In the meantime I dropped 40 pounds and low and behold now I can get in and out of the old cars a whole lot easier

It makes all the difference in the world.

[ford38v8]

My second car was a Model A Coupe, I sat like in a kitchen chair no problem. Some years later, I found my dream car, a '57 Bird, but had to pass on it 'cause my gut wouldn't clear the steering wheel. I never got over that disappointment.

[ford nut]

boy did this thread drift off topic. i wouldn't have been able to fit in the stock set up when i was 15 years old. legs bent up, etc. the seat was too close. anyway, the last three photos are there to show the change, the seat is all the way back and you can compare it with a stock set up. who knows, maybe the upholster put too much padding on the back, who knows how it would compare to what ford did at the time. i thought the steering wheel was to close, but then remembered the column drop and the bolt that secures it has to fit into a notch. so you're not free to just slide it down closer to the dash. anyway. i'm happy.

[ford nut]

Originally Posted by richard crow

loose weight you & the car will last longer

"lose"

[ford nut]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

My second car was a Model A Coupe, I sat like in a kitchen chair no problem. Some years later, I found my dream car, a '57 Bird, but had to pass on it 'cause my gut wouldn't clear the steering wheel. I never got over that disappointment.

i know what you mean. i had a restored 68 datsun roadster for 30 years, but at some point the seats just didn't agree with my lower back anymore. hated to, but i sold it. at 62 i'm going for comfort too.

[rich b]

Nice job designing and building the seat bracket.

[ford nut]

Originally Posted by rich b

Nice job designing and building the seat bracket.

thanks. a friend who is 6'-5"stopped by and sat in it and said he's been in worse and that he could drive and shift it. i have i little group of parts to go to the powder coater next week for some semi-flat black, and this project can be crossed off the list. thanks to all who replied, kurt.