Hot Rods How tall is too tall for a ‘32-‘34 Ford Roadster?

I’ve been wanting to look for a roadster…. Preferably a ‘32…. I’m 6’5” 270….. should I move on and quit my dreaming?
Curious if any other tall guys have roadsters here and what you’ve done to make it drivable. I’ve seen some stretched ones here and there but they’re always really expensive. Thanks for the tips!

 

Kleet Norris photographer is 6 foot 6 inch and he runs a chopped model A coupe if that helps.

 

just don't expect to stretch your legs on long drives unless you stop by the side of the road to do it

 

Pat (RIP) was 6'6" and drove a 32. The right seat would be key.
Great pic of him.

 

Just don't chop the top. I'm 3" shorter than the OP but similar size, with the top up I ram my head into the crossbow when I hit a good bump at highway speed. Top down, no issue. Not a ton of leg room but for an hour or so it isn't bad. If you lived closer, you could try it on for size. The one in the back fits better.

 

He was 6’8” in his prime!

 

I’m 6’7” and had a 32 roadster no problem. Seat is the key.

 

Good to know as I’m 6’-6”, but to be comfortable for a long trip is paramount for me.

 

Thin the back down significantly. You don't sit on the back so it doesn't need to be very thick. Just a couple inches of good foam will do it. I've done a number of deuce roadsters over the years so I have to reeducate the trim shop every time. I just sold one with a bomber bench that had a thin back pushed way back, It was very comfortable. Starting another with a Brookville body that has the passenger compartment slid back 2.25 inches and the doors stretched the same. Saw that done on the Steadfast Instagram pages. It's down a ways but you can see how it's done. Doesn't change the exterior dimensions of the body.

 

Look at Mekenzie Murphy's pink 32 roadster that Johnson's Hot Rod Shop built and debuted in the 2024 America's Most Beautiful Roadster competition at GNRS. It has the back of the cockpit moved back for more interior space.

 

I guess I'm a shorty at 6'3. But yeah the seat makes all the difference.

 

You might want to look at a Dearborn Deuce as they have some cockpit mods (2 1/2" added) built into them that should help with your needs. I think someone makes a fiberglass version as well. They come up for sale on line too.

https://www.trcauto32.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=12/mode=prod/prd12.htm Here is the ad for the fiberglass version. Quite a bit cheaper. Has the hideaway top but think its stock length. Might be easier to extend.

 

You might want to look at a Dearborn Deuce as they have some cockpit mods (2 1/2" added) built into them that should help with your needs. I think someone makes a fiberglass version as well. They come up for sale on line too.

https://www.trcauto32.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=12/mode=prod/prd12.htm Here is the ad for the fiberglass version. Quite a bit cheaper. Has the hideaway top but think its stock length. Might be easier to extend.

 

I built a steel Dearborn Deuce highboy when they first came out. Lots of room, easy to get in & out. Best of both worlds. As usual someone came along with an offer I couldn't refuse and it's now in Japan.

 

Everyone is already all over having the correct seat aspect of this deal, but there’s slightly more to it. When building the rear bulkhead. Leave room for the seat to go slightly under the rear panel. I’m 5’10” and can just get comfortable (ie 3 hours behind the wheel) with the rear bulkhead right below the front of the rear panel. Being able to move the seat back (and under the rear panel) a few more inches would really help a taller dude. Picking the correct seat to keep your ass as close to the floor will be a must too.
Next bit that others haven’t mentioned yet is the size of the doors and what that means once the steering column is in. The Mekenzie being referred to above is a very young and skinny waif so her being able to wiggle in around the pulled back steering wheel isn’t an issue. Shes all legs so Johnson’s had to mount her steering wheel as far back as possible.
Being a little more chubby, like me, would make access way harder if not impossible if I mounted my wheel in that position. Reason being, when you mount the steering column/wheel far enough back so you can still reach it easily (without feeling like you have to sit up) and the roadster doors being what they are, they are competing for the same space.
FYI: The last 32 roadster I did, I used a 30” column (non-tilt) and mounted it so wheel was finger depth from dash and getting in with the top on was ‘interesting’. On my current build, I’m gonna make life easier and use a tilt column (32”). This should help me getting my chubby ass in and out, even if I don’t really like the look …. and still easily reach it when the seat is fully back/reclined a bit for comfort. I love road trippin so comfort is key.
I can round up some pics that may help you visualize if you’d like.
Hope that helps, and rest assured that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

 

I'm short at 6'4" and I fit fine in my old '32 roadster, the seat makes a big difference.

My roadster had a chopped windshield.HRP

 

You and Randy Nash are about the same hight and weight, he fit fine in his roadster, his roadster did have a stock windshield frame. HRP

 

Another phot of Pat Ganahl & his roadster, 6'6" and a chopped windshield. HRP

 

I know a buddy with one for sale at the moment still in bare steel. He sent me pics the other night and he was trying to list in here in the classifieds. Glad to pass on his contact info.

 

I'm a midget at 5'10" compared to you lanky lads but, as mentioned, it's all about seat placement and configuration....Don't think Caddy, think Hot Rod.

 

Hey, is them your legs or are you riding a chicken?

 

....You're killin' me Alan.

 

I have a Dearborn Deuce highboy that I'd like to sell. Does that interest any of the tall guys?

 

Phil: Better keep it till next year for a final run to the 60th LARS.

 

Still proudly displaying the 50th sticker on my DD.

 

Me to, mine is sill on the roadster

 

I can only wish

 

Thanks for all of the recommendations! Hope is not lost!

 

Hey RoadFarmer, I have a 32 Dearborn Deuce rolling body for sale that I posted here on the H.A.M.B. and it was removed for not being traditional enough for this site. If your interested please DM me and I'll shoot you pictures and info...... your hope is not lost just misguided come let me show you the way! Hahaha....