Thread: cramped driver

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Originally Posted by GMR

I'm interested in a '32 5 window. Drove my first one today and sure seemed uncomfortable spacewise. It was all steel and unchopped with a 4" channel. I'm 5'11" 180 lbs. Does it just take some getting used to? Any build tips that would yield a bit more room. Thanks.

Just re-read your above post and noticed the "4" channel" part. So a few things that immediately came to mind:

1- Is the car sitting on a 32 frame? Usually people will not channel bodies over 32 (model B) frames (I said "usually"). Do you know how to tell the difference between the two?

2- If the car is a model A sitting on a model A (say for exemple a 1931) frame, then channelling is usually done to hide the frame - cause it's fugly . The 32 frame is very pretty and does not need to be hidden -unless it is an owner preference to lower the overall profile of the car.

3- Note that, to make matters more confusing, people oftentimes use 1932 model B frames and model B noses with Model A bodies. And that can make it harder to tell them apart from a model B on a 32 frame. If coupes are anything like roadsters, the cowl would be narrower on a Model A than a Model B. No? That's how I usually can always tell, even if the model A is sitting on Model B frame and wearing a 32 Model B nose (grill shell)

4- Last but not least, if you are a taller man, your best bet is to find an unchannelled body. Because once people channel a body over a frame, they sacrifice space inside the car. In your exemple you lost at least 4 inches of leg space height wise, so the steering colum may be a lot closer to your thighs, your seat lower on the floor etc etc... All in all not a good thing if you are looking for more space/comfort rather than LESS. Of course if this a real henry Ford coupe and you can afford it, then maybe it is worth doing some body work on it - then I'll let the experienced guys on this forum let you know if you could unchannel the body - cause I have no idea so I can't help you there...

Let us know what transpires.