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

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by RoadFarmer, Oct 27, 2025 at 9:24 PM.

  1. 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!
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  2. Royalshifter
    Joined: May 29, 2005
    Posts: 15,916

    Royalshifter
    Moderator
    from California

    Kleet Norris photographer is 6 foot 6 inch and he runs a chopped model A coupe if that helps.
     
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  3. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 34,015

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    just don't expect to stretch your legs on long drives unless you stop by the side of the road to do it
     
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  4. Joe Blow
    Joined: Oct 29, 2016
    Posts: 1,779

    Joe Blow
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Pat (RIP) was 6'6" and drove a 32. The right seat would be key.
    Great pic of him.
    Screenshot 2025-10-27 8.47.39 PM.png
     
  5. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 15,708

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
    toys.jpeg
     
  6. Marty Strode
    Joined: Apr 28, 2011
    Posts: 9,676

    Marty Strode
    Member

    He was 6’8” in his prime!
     
    alanp561, lothiandon1940, Tim and 2 others like this.
  7. Primered Forever
    Joined: Jul 7, 2008
    Posts: 1,001

    Primered Forever
    Member
    from Joplin,MO

    I’m 6’7” and had a 32 roadster no problem. Seat is the key.
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2025 at 8:14 AM
  8. Ziggster
    Joined: Aug 27, 2018
    Posts: 2,849

    Ziggster
    Member

    Good to know as I’m 6’-6”, but to be comfortable for a long trip is paramount for me.
     
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  9. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 10,714

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska
    1. Central Nebraska H.A.M.B.

    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.
     
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  10. 05snopro440
    Joined: Mar 15, 2011
    Posts: 2,957

    05snopro440
    Member

    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.
     
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  11. mrspeedyt
    Joined: Sep 26, 2009
    Posts: 1,063

    mrspeedyt
    Member

    I guess I'm a shorty at 6'3. But yeah the seat makes all the difference.
     
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  12. ekimneirbo
    Joined: Apr 29, 2017
    Posts: 5,280

    ekimneirbo
    Member
    from Brooks Ky

    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.
     
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  13. ekimneirbo
    Joined: Apr 29, 2017
    Posts: 5,280

    ekimneirbo
    Member
    from Brooks Ky

    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.
     
    Bandit Billy likes this.
  14. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 10,714

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska
    1. Central Nebraska H.A.M.B.

    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.
     
  15. RockyMtnWay
    Joined: Jan 6, 2015
    Posts: 593

    RockyMtnWay
    Member

    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.
     
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  16. 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

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2025 at 12:36 PM
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  17. 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

    [​IMG]
     
  18. Another phot of Pat Ganahl & his roadster, 6'6" and a chopped windshield. HRP

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 15,708

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     
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  20. I'm a midget at 5'10" compared to you lanky lads but, as mentioned, it's all about seat placement and configuration.:D...Don't think Caddy, think Hot Rod. Westminster bound (1) (1).JPG 378334339_851905992972833_3021948720990430898_n.jpg
     
  21. alanp561
    Joined: Oct 1, 2017
    Posts: 5,500

    alanp561
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Hey, is them your legs or are you riding a chicken?;)
     
  22. ....You're killin' me Alan.:):D:p:D:p
     
    Bandit Billy, alanp561 and Joe Blow like this.
  23. I have a Dearborn Deuce highboy that I'd like to sell. Does that interest any of the tall guys?
     
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  24. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 10,714

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska
    1. Central Nebraska H.A.M.B.

    Phil: Better keep it till next year for a final run to the 60th LARS.
     
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  25. Still proudly displaying the 50th sticker on my DD.
    1698210085309_20210429_155510_HDR.jpg
     
  26. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 10,714

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska
    1. Central Nebraska H.A.M.B.

    Me to, mine is sill on the roadster
     
  27. alanp561
    Joined: Oct 1, 2017
    Posts: 5,500

    alanp561
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I can only wish:(
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  28. Thanks for all of the recommendations! Hope is not lost!
     
    lothiandon1940, Bandit Billy and Tim like this.
  29. 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....
     
    Bandit Billy likes this.

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