The vaunted rumble seat...

[700rpm]

Most Model A’s that can accomodate one now have a rumble seat, due likely to some nostalgic idea of the Model A era. But I wonder how many original buyers of the “New Model A” actually looked upon the rumble seat as a desirable item. Certainly they were a feature of the era, and standard on the higher priced A’s, but I wonder how many buyers poneyed up for the RS as an accessory, either during or after the sale.

Full disclosure:I converted the RS in my ‘29 business coupe (my avatar) back to a trunk, because first, I found it dangerous for passengers in today’s traffic; second, the car came stock with a trunk, and I like my cars "as original”; and third, a trunk is much more practical. I think they look better than a RS when open, too.

But are there any records of how many cars rolled out with factory installed rumbles?

[Chuck Dempsey]

If I may piggy-back onto this thread, were dealers able to convert a trunk into a RS if requested?

Thanks

[Oldbluoval]

Chuck....interesting question
I have to say in all these years of resto I’ve never seen a deck lid that looks like it was converted except the obvious screwups later in life by non professionals.
I’ve only seen what appears to be factory d nuts or no d nuts.
I wouldn’t think a dealer would convert by changing a lid and repaint to match car.
I’ll be interested to see other more authoritative posts.
Fwiw I don’t like rumbles ..only for showy, dangerous and takes space for nothing

[McMimmcs]

Three good reasons for my rumble seats and I think they are great.
I think it increases the car’s value. They are novel and unique.
It gives me the opportunity to take all three grandchildren to parades.
Last but not least. My mother in law will get in the rumble seat but she sure as hell won’t get in a trunk.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

Most Model A’s that can accomodate one now have a rumble seat, due likely to some nostalgic idea of the Model A era. But I wonder how many original buyers of the “New Model A” actually looked upon the rumble seat as a desirable item. Certainly they were a feature of the era, and standard on the higher priced A’s, but I wonder how many buyers poneyed up for the RS as an accessory, either during or after the sale.

Full disclosure:I converted the RS in my ‘29 business coupe (my avatar) back to a trunk, because first, I found it dangerous for passengers in today’s traffic; second, the car came stock with a trunk, and I like my cars "as original”; and third, a trunk is much more practical.

But are there any records of how many cars rolled out with factory installed rumbles?

The irony is I am seeing that trend go the opposite way. Out of 11 cars presently in the shop that could accommodate a Rumble Seat, only 4 cars actually have a rumble seat (three 40As and one 45B). Most are going back to the trunk, -or the vehicle came into the shop with a trunk.


There are no records that I know of that recorded how many cars rolled out.

[alexiskai]

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If it's true that RS conversions were highly popular among collectors at some point, I guess I'm surprised, because I gather it's kind of a PITA to do. The contemporary advertising literature played up the rumble seat a lot, because seating only two people is a major limitation of the coupe/roadster design. Even today you see very few cars that have literally only two seats.

[SteveB31]

If you look in the service letters, they reference that when the dealer
Did a rumble seat conversion, they return the truck lid to Ford for credit.
I doubt many cars were converted to rumbles. These cars were for practical people, and practical people would have bought a sedan if they wanted a 4 passenger car.

[KenBolton]

Well, I like my RS and have been pleasantly how much luggage I can store on the floorboard! When we drove out to Gilmore I did add a turn into haul parts back.

[KenBolton]

“Turn” should be trunk.

[Anteek29]

I've been surprised at how many people look at my Model A and ask if it has a rumble seat. Kinda comes with tradition I guess.

[ronn]

Most are going back to the trunk, -or the vehicle came into the shop with a trunk.


Brent, are not most of your customers older and more astute?
I find young people love the novelty of the rumble seat. Those into high quality/points judging tend to go for the trunks.


I agree with Mc on resale. as far as the mother in law goes...........

[WHN]

Last summer I was passed on Interstate Route 95 by a Packard with two people in the rumble seat. We were in a Volvo doing about 70 MPH, the Packard was doing much more. Everyone was smiling and looking like they were really enjoying the ride. Waving to cars they were going by. Safe? Fun, sure looked like it.

I would never remove a factory installed rumble seat. My grandson and adult children would not be happy.

If you need room for four or more people and stuff. I would recommend buying a sedan, which most likely would cost you less than a coupe with a RS.

Price out a two door sedan against an equal condition Sport Coupe, three/five window Coupe, or Roadster.

Enjoy.

[Synchro909]

IMO, a RS is a PITA!

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

IMO, a RS is a PITA!

Put thicker padding on the seat !

[lake_harley]

Originally Posted by McMimmcs

My mother in law will get in the rumble seat but she sure as hell won’t get in a trunk.

Maybe you could "bait" her into the trunk with a little food?

Please know that I'm joking. I even like my own Mother-In-Law.

Lynn

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by lake_harley

Maybe you could "bait" her into the trunk with a little food?

Please know that I'm joking. I even like my own Mother-In-Law.

Lynn

Just as well, too. Your wife will end up just like her. My mother in law was more like a mother to me than my own one was - and for longer. When someone calls me a SOB, I have to agree with them - I am.

[Anteek29]

Originally Posted by McMimmcs

Put thicker padding on the seat !

Loved that response...hearty laughter!

[CWPASADENA]

I think when our cars were new, most buyers of the standard coupes and roadsters did not opt for the optional rumble seat. It was extra money and most of the time, people were buying the cars for their economical and utilitarian value and did not want to pay extra.

My opinion.

Chris W.

[gdmn852]

I think the 1930 Deluxe roadster came equipped with a rumble seat and driver side mounted spare as part of the deluxe package.

[TerryO]

Originally Posted by gdmn852

I think the 1930 Deluxe roadster came equipped with a rumble seat and driver side mounted spare as part of the deluxe package.

As did the Sport Coupes...


TOB

[gdmn852]

One of the “old timers “ I knew referred to cars with a trunk instead of R/S as a turtle back , not sure if that was a common reference then. He had also worked at a Ford agency before WW2 ,coupes were considered a business type car at that time, most customers would op for a sedan.

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by gdmn852

One of the “old timers “ I knew referred to cars with a trunk instead of R/S as a turtle back , not sure if that was a common reference then. He had also worked at a Ford agency before WW2 ,coupes were considered a business type car at that time, most customers would op for a sedan.

I have in my collection a 1924 Model T doctors roadster referred to as a turtle back. I bought a lot of cars in my career and still have a lot and I refer to the 24 as my biggest mistake!

[700rpm]

I think that turtleback nomenclature was unique to the T, like Flivver and Lizzy.

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I think that turtleback nomenclature was unique to the T, like Flivver and Lizzy.

I think you are indeed correct !

[Brendan]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

IMO, a RS is a PITA!

i think so, my Roadster has one, i would rather have a trunk