Rumble seat

[Chris @ Forma]

Hey, we are new to the HR lane at FFR and we were recently approached by a potential client that asked if we could build a 33HR with a rumble seat instead of the trunk. Of course the answer is yes we are pretty sure we can. That being said this represents a substantial engineering investment and I can't recoup this investment if I can't amortize it over a number of builds or create a kit for others. We did this on our Coupe windows and we ended up with over $100k invested and a year in development and are just now configuring our first kits for others to install. Anyway, does anyone but me think a rumble seat is a cool idea. Let me know what you think. Our best guess is that it would probably be a $3500-$4500 kit as it involves a lot more than putting reverse hinges on the trunk lid and building a cushion. Fuel tank redesign and fabrication, all new trunk structure. Fender step, seat belts and structure for attachment, etc., etc.

[progmgr1]

Interesting idea, but I think that the trunk is too shallow (front to back), so you would have little room for the passengers' feet - especially with the gas tank in the stock FFR position. Perhaps you should consider reversing the seat so the passengers face the rear. (I used to have a Volvo station wagon with a rear facing third seat and the kids loved sitting back there.) Then you would have ready access to structure to anchor the seat belts and you would only have to make a rear footrest and maybe a strong bumper to protect the rear end. Also, I moved the gas tank(s) below the trunk floor, which would give you a few more inches to work with - although my approach may only work with the IRS. In any case, I'm very glad to see vendors coming up with new ideas for cool modifications. Keith HR #894

[RoadRacer]

I'm not sure how many people would want to cut their chassis, and surely you'd have to, to get a forward facing one in. I immediately thought the same way as progmgr1 - it's almost perfect for rear facing already - there's a seat built-in to the shape! Bolt on a foot/step/bumper support.

[Svtfreak]

Chris, I actually looked at doing exactly that. With 5 kids, 3 still at home, I considered it heavily. The problem is the trunk is very shallow. Especially in the front there the feet would be hanging down. I was working on a way to make it happen where the kids could sit cross legged when I really got to looking at what would protect them from a rear impact. Not much.... so I mixed the rumble seat idea. If you toss out leg room going down, it’s really not too big of an endeavor for someone who don’t mind the chassis mods.

[Chris @ Forma]

Well, I bit the bullet and purchased a hot rod kit. Was delivered on Sunday. Problem is we have 10 cars in our shop right now and I have to get a couple cleared out before I can consider starting on the HR. Current plan is that we will have the rumble seat prototyped in January when we exhibit at Barrett Jackson Scottdale. Hopefully, Covid won't keep us away.

[JimLev]

How did you get it delivered so fast! You must have some good connections.
Keep us updated.