Roadster vs. Closed Cab Pickup

[Cape Codder]

Is there more room i.e. body to steering wheel in the Roadster then in the Closed Cab Pickup 1930/1931?

[Purdy Swoft]

Yes there is more room in the 30-31 roadster than the pickup . The seat back is adjustable to some degree in the roadster . My standard roadster with the taller top is very comfortable to me and I am 6.2. the taller top makes it easier to enter and exit than a deluxe model and I prefer the look

[Cape Codder]

Thanks Purdy sure appreciate the response. Any idea how your Roadster compares to the Roadster Pickup in room ?

[Purdy Swoft]

I don't know from experience because I don't have an open pickup but I suspect that the pickup is closer

[31a]

The Roadster pickup is a challenge to get in and out of unless you change the top to fold down, being 6'2 made it difficult

[C26Pinelake]

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I have quit trying to get in the drivers side of the 1929 Roadster / open cab pickup. I get in the passenger side and slide over. Less trips to the chiropractor that way ( lol ) !
Wayne

[Floats]

Cape Codder,
I am 6 ft and have a Roadster Pickup. I have not compaired it to a CC Pickup as I have not seen one here in Cape Town.
Mine is a RHD with the spare in the left front fender, which means the driver door can open slightly more. I trimmed my seat back foam down to about an inch, which made a big difference in leg room. Obviously the seat back does not help getting in or out and since I fitted the hood it is rather A tight fit.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[Drive Shaft Dave]

A friend of mine owns a 28 roadster pickup, on the occasion i drove it ,i found it hard to get in and out of it. I am not that big of a person , i think people were smaller back then. Also the 31 Phaeton was also difficult to enter and exit. I own a 30 coupe and it is much easier to get in and out.

[Purdy Swoft]

The narrow doors make it harder to enter and exit the roadster and roadster pickups.

[barkleydave]

It is easier to get in the passenger side of my CC. Spare on left makes it VERY tight.

Yes folks were smaller and so was I 25 years ago

[Purdy Swoft]

Because of parallel parking back in the day, I think that entry was suppose to be on the passenger side

[Patrick L.]

There is adjustability of the seat back on STD roadsters ? Hmm, I'll look but never noticed anything on mine.

I really don't have a problem getting in or out of them [ I'm 6'1" and swelling a little more around the middle each year], but, its kind of a learned experience over the years.

I wonder if there is a real problem with that, if a shorter steer column would help.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Marco made this illustration that I think shows the relation between the Pick-up and a Roadster very well. (the seating between the open & closed cab is the same).

.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Marco made this illustration that I think shows the relation between the Pick-up and a Roadster very well. (the seating between the open & closed cab is the same).

.

Wow. If that holds true for 30/31 also, then, I guess I'll probably stay away from a PU.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

Wow. If that holds true for 30/31 also, then, I guess I'll probably stay away from a PU.

Well, think about the length of the pick-up bed, and then locate it by way of aligning the two rear fenders, then see if the same does not hold true!

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

There is adjustability of the seat back on STD roadsters ? Hmm, I'll look but never noticed anything on mine.

I really don't have a problem getting in or out of them [ I'm 6'1" and swelling a little more around the middle each year], but, its kind of a learned experience over the years.

I wonder if there is a real problem with that, if a shorter steer column would help.

Patrick, the backrest of the 30-31 roadster, standard or deluxe is adjustable. The adjustment is in the package tray. The package tray is two pieces with two rows of screw holes. if the pieces are bolted together using the back row of holes the seat backrest moves backward slightly. This is pretty well hidden under upholstery and will be difficult to find and adjust after prior assembly. I used the front row for Debs sake because she is the primary driver, it still feels comfortable for me. This original style part is listed in Brattons catalog on page 150 bottom of center column. Most people that didn't do the actual restoration of their roadster probably are not aware of this adjustment because it is completely out of sight. The older catalogs showed a detailed picture of how these parts fit together. The pics in the new catalog is not so good.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

Patrick, the backrest of the 30-31 roadster, standard or deluxe is adjustable. The adjustment is in the package tray. The package tray is two pieces with two rows of screw holes. if the pieces are bolted together using the back row of holes the seat backrest moves backward slightly. This is pretty well hidden under upholstery and will be difficult to find and adjust after prior assembly. I used the front row for Debs sake because she is the primary driver, it still feels comfortable for me. This original style part is listed in Brattons catalog on page 150 bottom of center column. Most people that didn't do the actual restoration of their roadster probably are not aware of this adjustment because it is completely out of sight. The older catalogs showed a detailed picture of how these parts fit together. The pics in the new catalog is not so good.

As usual, this sounds Purdy good. Thanks. I've not had the need to look and have not done anything in that area. My Brattons book is a couple years old and doesn't seem to show that, but, thats OK. I'll go and have a look probably in the spring. Too darn cold up there right now.

[1931 flamingo]

Before I bought my Tudor I was at an AACA meet. Saw a ccpu and a roadster pick-up. I 'm 5'10" and could get into the CCPU (30) but it was tight after getting in. The rpu I had great difficulty getting in and then couldn't bring my legs up to work the cluth or brakes (29). Got into a coupe and no problems, same with a four door. The front seat in my 31 Tudor is moved back about 6" and is fine once I get in (harder now since the hip revision surgery). The owners of the cars were very gracious in letting me ck them out.

Paul in CT

[Purdy Swoft]

I think that the 1928 thru june 1930 open pickups are closer than the later 30-31 pickups.

[pooch]

I have a 28 roadster and a 28 CCPU .

It seems like I fit in the CCPU better , even though there is less room from seat back to wheel .

Maybe it is just because it is far easier to drop inside the CCPU with the much larger door and possible wider between the inside doors to stretch a bit more sideways.

Will run a tape over both of them when down in garage .

edit, checked width, at upper arm/shoulder height, the CCPU is one inch wider, it seems more.

[1930pu]

I have a 1930 rpu and I am 5' 11" it is tight to get in, but once your in it's worth it!!

[BlueSunoco]

'28 Roadster P/U................ TIGHT squeeze no matter how you cut it!

[Gold Digger]

I have a 30 AA closed cab 1 1/2 ton truck and a 30 roadster pickup. I thought I had trouble getting in the AA till I got the pickup. I'm 5' 11" and 250 lbs. I think my biggest problem is my right knee doesn't work as well as it used to. But that don't keep me out of them.

[tagroff]

I ahve a heck of a time getting in and out of my 28 roadster p/u I am 6:1 and go 230# I guess I need to get on a diet and have some of my legs removed

[BlueSunoco]

Originally Posted by tagroff

I ahve a heck of a time getting in and out of my 28 roadster p/u I am 6:1 and go 230# I guess I need to get on a diet and have some of my legs removed

That's too extreme! Naw, those Model A's are best suited for a 30 year old guy that's about 5'5" and 135#. I knew a fellow that had a '28 Rdstr. Pickup, beautiful truck,,,,, he was a WWII vet but even at 85 years old was still pretty nimble and hopped in and out of the vehicle no problems. Of course he was of a small stature! Rest in peace, he died about 10 years ago his son has the A now and loving it!

Moral of story, get a Tudor or Fordor for most of your driving but keep that Roadster pickup because they are too neat to even think about selling!

[barkleydave]

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It is huge compared to my 57 MGA which is about 8 inches off the ground. Once in it does have very deep foot wells.

My PU.. Spare tire = narrow door but once in it is fine. Compress or remove some of the seat back foam and you can lean back a little farther which is an improvement.

[Lona]

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

I have quit trying to get in the drivers side of the 1929 Roadster / open cab pickup. I get in the passenger side and slide over. Less trips to the chiropractor that way ( lol ) !
Wayne

Wayne,
Just curious. Why would it be any easier getting into the passenger side? Both doors are the same size. Seems the hardest thing is to get your foot in because of the small space between the seat and door opening in the roadster. I'm only 5'7" (used to be 5"8") so it may be easier for me to squeeze by the steering wheel on the driver's side since I'm not as big anymore.

Glen

[45GPW]

Originally Posted by Lona

Why would it be any easier getting into the passenger side? Both doors are the same size. Seems the hardest thing is to get your foot in because of the small space between the seat and door opening in the roadster. I'm only 5'7" (used to be 5"8") so it may be easier for me to squeeze by the steering wheel on the driver's side since I'm not as big anymore.

Fender mounted spare tires on pickups interfere with full door opening. Most pickups have a spare on the driver's side and a shorter door check on the driver's door to prevent the door from hitting the spare tire.

IMO, it's not the door swing causing a problem on early style pickups; it's the lack of space between the seat and the front of the door opening for those of us whose legs don't bend as easily as they used to. I have more trouble getting out of my 29 CCPU than getting in, because my left leg doesn't want to twist enough to fit through that narrow space.

And it probably doesn't help that I'm 50 years older and 50 lbs. heavier than I was the first time I tried it.

[Lona]

Originally Posted by 45GPW

Fender mounted spare tires on pickups interfere with full door opening. Most pickups have a spare on the driver's side and a shorter door check on the driver's door to prevent the door from hitting the spare tire.

IMO, it's not the door swing causing a problem on early style pickups; it's the lack of space between the seat and the front of the door opening for those of us whose legs don't bend as easily as they used to. I have more trouble getting out of my 29 CCPU than getting in, because my left leg doesn't want to twist enough to fit through that narrow space.

And it probably doesn't help that I'm 50 years older and 50 lbs. heavier than I was the first time I tried it.

Thanks. I did not know the pickups had this problem but agree the space between the seat and the door opening is too tight even on the roadster.

Glen

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by Lona

Thanks. I did not know the pickups had this problem but agree the space between the seat and the door opening is too tight even on the roadster.

Glen

It's a known fact that these things just flat out shrink over time. My first Model A was an AA 280A, pretty much the same cab as my '31 CCPU. I mean, we use to ride 3 of us in the cab and still had room. Shrinkage has gotten so bad that now with just the 2 of us, it's a tight squeeze.

[Chris Haynes]

Originally Posted by 31a

The Roadster pickup is a challenge to get in and out of unless you change the top to fold down, being 6'2 made it difficult

Lebarron & Boney make fold down bows for RPU's.

[Chris Haynes]

Brookville makes an extended RPU cab.

[Gold Digger]

Thinking back, I remember in the late 60's an old couple and their old maid daughter that drove a 31 AA 1 1/2 ton. They all rode up front with the old man weighing in at about 350 lbs but the other two were about normal size. I just don't know how they done it.

[4118truck]

I have a 31 CCPU that I noticed had "shrunk" over the years. Took the seat back out and replaced with plywood covered in egg crate foam and burlap. Looks great and gave me the space I needed.

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by Gold Digger

Thinking back, I remember in the late 60's an old couple and their old maid daughter that drove a 31 AA 1 1/2 ton. They all rode up front with the old man weighing in at about 350 lbs but the other two were about normal size. I just don't know how they done it.

Probably by picking up the shifter lever and swinging it out of the way.

Joe K

[Gold Digger]

Originally Posted by Joe K

Probably by picking up the shifter lever and swinging it out of the way.

Joe K

I'll have to check my 30 AA but don't think you can swing the shift lever on a 4 speed.

[Chris Haynes]

Lebaron & Bonney also make different seat sorings which sit you 2" higher.

[JBill]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

There is adjustability of the seat back on STD roadsters ? Hmm, I'll look but never noticed anything on mine.

I really don't have a problem getting in or out of them [ I'm 6'1" and swelling a little more around the middle each year], but, its kind of a learned experience over the years.

I wonder if there is a real problem with that, if a shorter steer column would help.

The steering column in my 29 roadster is shorter than the one in my 30 closed cab pickup. Not by much, of course, but some. I'm also 6'1" and growing.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by Gold Digger

Thinking back, I remember in the late 60's an old couple and their old maid daughter that drove a 31 AA 1 1/2 ton. They all rode up front with the old man weighing in at about 350 lbs but the other two were about normal size. I just don't know how they done it.

Maybe thats why she became/stayed an 'old maid'. Maybe they knew how to get cozy and keep it in the family.

[PO51]

At 6'3" 230 with a 36 inch inseam and a hip replacemant getting into my 28 open pick up is no easy task. Living in Southern California is a blessing as most of the time I drive it without the top.