Thread: Rumble seat

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I am seeking a rumble seat to fit the back of a 1930 or 1931 Model A.

I had mine done by Tea's.

I made the wood for the cushions per their instructions, sent those in and they did the rest .........

Kitz

Kitz, I guess I got lucky for a change. I located a complete rumble seat out of a 1930 Model A coupe which was done by LeBaron Bonney on ebay. It looks like brand new with only one slight scuff. So I am assuming that this 1930 Model A rumble seat will or should be the same size as the rumble seat in a 1930 Model A roadster. Hopefully my assumption is correct. Shipping for CA to Oregon will not be that much or make getting it cost prohibitive. So this is one less thing I need to hunt down.

More than likely it will fit.

Coupes and roadsters use the same fenders as well as the same trunk lids.

Internal braces are the same as are rumble hinges.


The key question is, if you haven't sprung for the rumble seat yet, are you sure you really want one?

A lot of folks build these cars with the view they're gonna cruise - fairgrounds or rod run or on the street - with passengers in the rumble seat.
For the great majority, it seldom happens.

Plus, rumble trunk lids are a pain in the backside.
Pack your stuff wrong, things shift a bit and in effect you'll be locked out of the trunk.

I have a rumble lid in my 32 roadster.
Never again.
Trunk access is just too darned difficult.

The present project, a 31 on 32 rails roadster has a trunk lid and I'm really liking it.
Lots more room than the rumble, plus you don't have to remove the trunk lid to install or access wiring and the like.

C9x, my wife is 4' 8" tall and weighs 105 lbs and we have a 19 month old boy. So if we are all to ride at the same time I absolutely have to have a rumble seat. If we had no children I would never give up the trunk because room is so limited. I am going to have a hidden trailer hitch built into my vehicle so I can tow a small tear drop trailer when we travel to hotrod shows. I am going to purchase a 40 to 50's style of trailer. Believe me, I have run into all kinds of fitment issues in converting my trunk into a rumble seat. The hinge kits do not fit right & the Brookville tech said just to take a crowbar and pry the braces closer together. Needless to say I am not taking that advice.

Sounds like you are on your way.

C9x is right though, it is a pain. But I have 6 kids (youngest 9 and 13) and 2 Grand kids and I have promised lots of rides I will endeavor to persevere.

Good luck to you as well!

Kitz

Originally Posted by stylingZ

C9x, my wife is 4' 8" tall and weighs 105 lbs and we have a 19 month old boy. So if we are all to ride at the same time I absolutely have to have a rumble seat. If we had no children I would never give up the trunk because room is so limited. I am going to have a hidden trailer hitch built into my vehicle so I can tow a small tear drop trailer when we travel to hotrod shows. I am going to purchase a 40 to 50's style of trailer. Believe me, I have run into all kinds of fitment issues in converting my trunk into a rumble seat. The hinge kits do not fit right & the Brookville tech said just to take a crowbar and pry the braces closer together. Needless to say I am not taking that advice.

The hidden trailer hitch is a good idea and I'm leaning toward one on my 31 on 32 rails roadster project.

Fwiw, I'm 6' and 195#.
A couple of years back 18 year old grandson, his best friend and myself ran down to Famoso (Bakersfield Dragstrip) for a day at the March Meet.
Sixty miles one way, no problems, a little more crowded than usual, but it wasn't bad.

By the same token, when my 6' little brother and 5'11" 240# friend and myself got in the roadster to run down to the top end of the dragstrip, we fit ok, but the middle guy was the designated shifter.
Three big guys were ok for a short trip.

The 31 cockpit measures just about the same as the 32 cockpit except the 31's cockpit depth is 2" shallower.

I have three sets of seat belts plus a roll bar in the 32 so that helps.
The middle belt gets tucked behind the seat when not in use.

Looking from here, considering your Sweetie's stature and how fast your boy will grow, I'd say you had at least ten years before you really needed a rumble seat.
And maybe not even then.

Not trying to talk you out of it, just tossing out some options and experience....