Hot Rods Will I fit?

OK So I have wanted a '33 or '34 Ford 5 window for as long as I remember and I am finally in the position where I can probably afford to buy a project like this.
The potential trouble is this. If I drop the kind of coin it takes to buy one of these, I insist on chopping it at least 4". However, I am 6'4", 240 lbs. So the first question is simply, will I fit? 2nd is If I fit, am I going to be stopping to get out and stretch every 30 miles?
I fear I already know the answer, but I thought I would ask somebody who has been there and done that.

 

Build a seat to suit and you'll have oodles of room. Just don't stand up too quick hopping out. The roof sticks out a fair bit more than floor.

 

Honestly the getting out and stretching often has more to do with suspension on the car or a poorly designed seat than space. A 33/34 is a pretty big car comparatively, If you takenyour time and explore all the ergonomics I don't see any reason you couldn't fit and be comfortable.

 

I guess I should also mention that I am a bit awkward/clumsy getting in and out of small spaces. For example, it was virtually impossible for me to get into a friend's stock Model A roadster with the top up. Didn't matter anyway though because once I was in the car it was physically impossible for me to drive it. Heck I couldn't even close the door all the way.

 

Find a car that's done like you want and sit in it and find out if you like it before you buy one.

 

I posted this in a thread a few days ago which asked a similar question.

Some people fill a space with too much furniture and kill room. Some people cannot set up pedals and steering wheels etc. and kill room.

34 coupes are roomy, yet some people have a real skill in making them cramped.

So, how good are you at setting things up? And yes, try out other cars for size, but bear in mind what I said.

 

I just traded for a 3 1/2" chopped 1934 Ford 3 window coupe. I am also 6'4" tall and I do out weigh you some, I also am just about 12 years older than dirt so getting into and out of stuff is not always easy. While this new to me car is a project and I havn't really started on it yet. I do have it setting in the shop and I am doing the pretend drive thing and making varoom noise's a lot. The interior room is absolutely no problem for me, plenty of head room and good leg room as well. Now I am used to a chopped car my Model A has a pretty severe chop and I do have to lean over to see out real well, the 34 is a much friendlier using car me thinks.

 

...suicide door cars are different getting in and out of,...it takes getting used to.
good luck with your adventure.

 

I think we need a general thread on hot rod ergonomics. I'll give it some thought.

 

The OP stated he always wanted a 5-window, but the photos all show 3-window coupes.

A 5-window and a 3-window each have their own "issues" with getting into and out of. A 5W has smaller doors that open conventionally, where a 3W has larger doors but open in reverse (suicide). The easiest form would be a phantom 3-window where the large doors opened conventionally, but then everyone could see the "change" you made.

Try a couple on for size! The fit may be just what the tailor ordered!

 

I'm 6' and 240. My buddy has an OT Corvette that is hard to get in and out of, I've gotten better with practice. I'd like a small Ford coupe one day myself so I'm following this thread.

 

Brett, all 33/34 doors are suicide doors. You must be thinking of a 32 Ford.

 

Yep, the 5 window doors are shorter, front to back, but are suicide style on 33/34 coupes. You might be thinking of a '32??

 

You're correct @timwhit ! Thanks for the memory jog!!

 

Rusty is right about the getting used to the suicide doors. But you'll catch on fast. Probably the biggest hassle (once you've got the seat/steering wheel/pedals comfortably arranged) is UPWARD vision through the windshield---as in overhead stoplights and signs. As for long range riding comfort---If it rides decent and you make it driver friendly---You can pretty much set your driving range where ever you want.

 

We need a weight watchers thread.

Me included.

 

You got me there! I just posted that pic cause it was the closest I had to what I am after as far as style. Basically make the white car a 5 window and paint it black and that is exactly what I want.

 

Getting in and out of a chopped 33/34 Ford 5 window coupe by a 6' 4" - 240 lb. Neanderthal will make for some interesting entertainment for the causal onlooker,believe me I know,you described me to a T.

You can remove the package tray and gain some valuable leg room but that will not help with the height,you will need a seat that sits on the floor.

Last thing is age,the older you are the more uncomfortable you will get when cramped up,having driven a Deuce pickup 600 miles in one day I can tell you you get out often.

I'm just making a suggestion but why not find someone with a car that has a similar look and ask them can you try it on. HRP

 

You could always go with one of these traditional aids. Mine actually hangs down from the roof radio console in my Model A with the visor, but they work pretty well.

 

Just work out. If this guy can do it...

Sent from my SM-J727T1 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

I fit better in my 61 Galaxie than I did in a '16 Impala.
There was no room in that rental and I drove 600 miles really pissed.
6.1' 240lbs. 40 too many.

 

Remember the old adage - "Just because you can doesn't mean you should". HRP

 

owning a Cool ride does not make you Cool - especially if you need someone to push you in and pull you out like on subway type trains in Japan. I had a 5 window '31 coupe with modified seat to help me fit better, 6'1"/180 lbs, and felt too cramped in it - traded it for a '34 Plymouth sedan (the roofline gives it a chopped look) and fit great, even with suicide doors - so maybe look at sedans instead of coupes

 

You guys make me glad I am 5'8"!!☺

 

I have a 29 Ford, 3 inch chop. I'm 6'5 290lbs, former college lineman. I can get in and out once I learned how, lol. I'm also in my mid 30s tho. Once I get older it will be more difficult but not impossible. Seeing a stop light isn't easy, but do able. Driving isn't bad. You have to slouch a little. I have to much fun and to big of a smile on my face when I'm driving it, it doesn't really matter how I got in it.

 

Promise you, if I had the chance to own either of those cars, I'd loose as much as necessary to fit.

 

That is exactly what I was thinking. How bad do you want the car?

You can not do much about your height but you control everything about your weight. Is that favorite car worth passing up that donut and 2nd Big Mac or maybe exercise a little more?

Neal

 

A guy can loose weight but you can't loose height. HRP

 

Not true Danny, most people will get shorter as they age, some more drastically than others.

By the way, it's lose not loose

 

I'm at least an inch shorter than I used to be. If I make it anothet decade I can chop my Bantam.