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Hello everyone. Still looking for a BN1 or 2 to purchase, however I had a question about legroom. I am just 6' tall. In the only 100 I ever test drove, I had a heck of a time fitting in the car. There was no adjustment in the seat, the original steering wheel seemed right against my chest. Also I had to take off my shoes because I kept catching the brake when I hit the accelerator. Is this normal ? I don't consider myself huge (maybe a few ponds over weight). Can one move the seat back by changing the how its bolted down ? Do you have to straddle the wheel when you sit down ? I couldn't swing my legs under when entering like a modern car. I know these cars are small, but it seems I have much more room on my series 1 E type coupe. I'm still going to buy a hundred even if I need a shoe horn to get in, I'd like to keep it as original as possible, but still be somewhat comfortable. Thanks, Rob G.
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100 4 leg room
- Thread starter retroRob
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Cottontop
Jedi Warrior
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retroRob said:
Hey Rob,
"Keeping a Healey original" and "be somewhat comfortable" CANNOT be used in the same sentance.
Since I have a 100-6 with MGB seats,
I cannot speak to a 100-4, but I'm 5'11" and 230# and I fit in this one just fine,
but the wheel IS too close for straight arm steering.
Good luck with your hunt.
Tim
oslo100
Freshman Member
Offline
Hi Rob, I guess the close to chest steering wheel is a healey feature everyone notices first time they enter one. The leg space between the seat and steering wheel however is quite different from my car with low seat padding and mota-lita style s.wheel and a car with original, larger s.wheel and for instance new bulging upholstery. I am 6 feet tall too. I pulled the spare-tire i bit back from the cockpit-pocket, which leaves more room for the soft-top frame and thus the seat-back.
I struggled a bit in the begining too with the narrow space between the pedals and also the pedals' off-set to the right compared to my everyday car, but got used to it fairly quickly.
Good luck - Georg
I struggled a bit in the begining too with the narrow space between the pedals and also the pedals' off-set to the right compared to my everyday car, but got used to it fairly quickly.
Good luck - Georg
Rob: I am 6'3" and 205#. I went to a smaller wood steering wheel to get my fat thighs under it but, with a little contorsionists moves I get in fine and am comfortable even with the wheel close. At my age getting out is the problem.
Don't worry about it though, driving makes it all worthwhile.
Bob
'54-100/4
Don't worry about it though, driving makes it all worthwhile.
Bob
'54-100/4
AUSMHLY
Yoda
Offline
Hello Bob,
I own a 3000, so I'm not sure how far back the seat can go in a 100, before the back of the seat will be stopped by the rear side panel. In the 3000, there's the limit of travel.
Like others have said, you can change out the steering wheel to a smaller period correct wheel, like a Mota-Lita, which is 15". Or modify your banjo to any size you want. Have some work done on the seat cushion so that it is as low as you can go and still be comfortable in it. Those two things will help you get in and out and have more distance between the top of your leg and the steering wheel.
You can adjust all three pedals, side to side and bring them closer to the front of the car for longer legs. But it will require some creative modifying and some time spent on the project.
As an example, here's what I did to move my break pedal to the left, for it was too close to my gas pedal. The actual metal break pedal pad is held in place by two bolts on the back of the pad. Remove those bolts and the pad will come off. You'll notice that the back of the pad has two metal pieces extending out, that make the slot for the break arm to fit in. I filled that slot with a piece of aluminum. I put the pad back on with the right side of the brake pad now lined up to the left side of the break arm. The two bolts will go through the holes and keep it in place and the aluminum spacer in the pad keeps the bolts solid through the pad. The pad will still overhangs the pedal arm a little on the right, but not as much as it used too. So it still looks stock, unless you're looking to see if it has been moved. Makes sence? Same can be done to the clutch.
The brake pedal arm is adjustable for in and out travel, at the cylinder. The other pedals will require some mods to the arm.
All things can be modified with some time and effort.
I always strive to make my mods, not noticeable. Or as close to not-noticeable as possible.
I'm sure others will chime in with there ideas. Greg, Lin, we're waiting...
Cheers,
Roger
I own a 3000, so I'm not sure how far back the seat can go in a 100, before the back of the seat will be stopped by the rear side panel. In the 3000, there's the limit of travel.
Like others have said, you can change out the steering wheel to a smaller period correct wheel, like a Mota-Lita, which is 15". Or modify your banjo to any size you want. Have some work done on the seat cushion so that it is as low as you can go and still be comfortable in it. Those two things will help you get in and out and have more distance between the top of your leg and the steering wheel.
You can adjust all three pedals, side to side and bring them closer to the front of the car for longer legs. But it will require some creative modifying and some time spent on the project.
As an example, here's what I did to move my break pedal to the left, for it was too close to my gas pedal. The actual metal break pedal pad is held in place by two bolts on the back of the pad. Remove those bolts and the pad will come off. You'll notice that the back of the pad has two metal pieces extending out, that make the slot for the break arm to fit in. I filled that slot with a piece of aluminum. I put the pad back on with the right side of the brake pad now lined up to the left side of the break arm. The two bolts will go through the holes and keep it in place and the aluminum spacer in the pad keeps the bolts solid through the pad. The pad will still overhangs the pedal arm a little on the right, but not as much as it used too. So it still looks stock, unless you're looking to see if it has been moved. Makes sence? Same can be done to the clutch.
The brake pedal arm is adjustable for in and out travel, at the cylinder. The other pedals will require some mods to the arm.
All things can be modified with some time and effort.
I always strive to make my mods, not noticeable. Or as close to not-noticeable as possible.
I'm sure others will chime in with there ideas. Greg, Lin, we're waiting...
Cheers,
Roger
ModifiedBJ7
Senior Member
Offline
Rob-
I'm 6' 195 pounds and experienced the same problems. My first British car was a '70 TR-6. Extremely awkward getting in & out, the brake pedal was too close to the accelerator and the steering wheel hit the top of my thighs. I replaced the stock wheel with a smaller sized Mota-Lita. It didn't take long before I adapted to the car. My second British car was a '53 100. It felt just as awkward as the TR-6, but I soon got used to the feel of that car too. I kept the original banjo wheel, but the straight ahead leg room on long drives made my knees ache. If you can figure a way to move the seat back a little further it would be worth the effort.
Happy Healeying!
Charlie
I'm 6' 195 pounds and experienced the same problems. My first British car was a '70 TR-6. Extremely awkward getting in & out, the brake pedal was too close to the accelerator and the steering wheel hit the top of my thighs. I replaced the stock wheel with a smaller sized Mota-Lita. It didn't take long before I adapted to the car. My second British car was a '53 100. It felt just as awkward as the TR-6, but I soon got used to the feel of that car too. I kept the original banjo wheel, but the straight ahead leg room on long drives made my knees ache. If you can figure a way to move the seat back a little further it would be worth the effort.
Happy Healeying!
Charlie
GregW
Yoda
Offline
Hi Rob,
Looking at the Moss catalog , it appears the early BN1s has non-adjustable seats. Later BN1s, BN2s and BN4 had adjustable driver seat, but not passenger. I'm pretty sure some kind of an offset could be fabricated to move the seat back a tad on the early cars. Not having seen the seating arrangement, this sketch is just an idea. Using a piece of flat stock, drill 6 holes. Three bolts down for attaching to the floor, three up for the seat. The BN1s have the pedals coming up from the floor, opposite of the later cars where the pedals hang down. I'm not sure how they might be adjusted.
Looking at the Moss catalog , it appears the early BN1s has non-adjustable seats. Later BN1s, BN2s and BN4 had adjustable driver seat, but not passenger. I'm pretty sure some kind of an offset could be fabricated to move the seat back a tad on the early cars. Not having seen the seating arrangement, this sketch is just an idea. Using a piece of flat stock, drill 6 holes. Three bolts down for attaching to the floor, three up for the seat. The BN1s have the pedals coming up from the floor, opposite of the later cars where the pedals hang down. I'm not sure how they might be adjusted.
TimCornish
Freshman Member
Offline
Hi Rob,
I'm right down the road in Baltimore, and since I'm looking for good destinations for local cruising, would be happy to bring by my newly acquired '54 BN1 around your place if you'd like to check out the fit. It's essentially stock and in good driving condition.
Shoot me an e-mail if you're interested:
tcornish413@yahoo.com
Tim Cornish
Balt., MD
'54 BN1
'62 TR3B
'02 R1150R BMW
I'm right down the road in Baltimore, and since I'm looking for good destinations for local cruising, would be happy to bring by my newly acquired '54 BN1 around your place if you'd like to check out the fit. It's essentially stock and in good driving condition.
Shoot me an e-mail if you're interested:
tcornish413@yahoo.com
Tim Cornish
Balt., MD
'54 BN1
'62 TR3B
'02 R1150R BMW
Offline
Rob--
The entry/exit for a 100 takes some getting used to, esp. if the convertible top is up. With top down I favor the one-legged entry method, inserting my right leg and plunging into the seat all in one motion, then swinging my left leg in.
An aftermarket 15" steering wheel makes everything a lot easier and to my mind improves the steering feel immeasurably but if you are coming from a car that allows for extending arms straight you do need to get used to the close-up wheel.
I am 5-10 and over 200 pounds and find the 100 more comfortable than my wife's 3000--I feel like I am sitting IN the 100 and ON the 3000, thought this probably has a lot to do with the fact that the cushions on my car are better broken in. I have size 12 feet and do not feel the pedals to be too close together but all of this takes a bit of getting used to.
My 100 is a December 1954 car and has an adjustable driver's seat. I was able to gain about 1-1/2" additional legroom on the passenger side by remounting the seat slightly to the rear.
I've put a lot of miles on and think the 100 is an extremely comfortable car, esp. on the road when fitted with a 3.5 diff--but that's a whole 'nother story.
The entry/exit for a 100 takes some getting used to, esp. if the convertible top is up. With top down I favor the one-legged entry method, inserting my right leg and plunging into the seat all in one motion, then swinging my left leg in.
An aftermarket 15" steering wheel makes everything a lot easier and to my mind improves the steering feel immeasurably but if you are coming from a car that allows for extending arms straight you do need to get used to the close-up wheel.
I am 5-10 and over 200 pounds and find the 100 more comfortable than my wife's 3000--I feel like I am sitting IN the 100 and ON the 3000, thought this probably has a lot to do with the fact that the cushions on my car are better broken in. I have size 12 feet and do not feel the pedals to be too close together but all of this takes a bit of getting used to.
My 100 is a December 1954 car and has an adjustable driver's seat. I was able to gain about 1-1/2" additional legroom on the passenger side by remounting the seat slightly to the rear.
I've put a lot of miles on and think the 100 is an extremely comfortable car, esp. on the road when fitted with a 3.5 diff--but that's a whole 'nother story.
Thanks everyone for the great responses and Ideas. I think with a little creative tinkering I can get things set up well. Now I know why they had those Le Mans starts with everyone jumping into the car like the Lone Ranger on his horse, They couldn't get their legs under the wheel. Tim I'd love to see your car, perhaps when the weather gets better you could head up to Gettysburg. Send me a photo. Hopefully by then I will have found my dream car. Greg, I love your idea with the offset bolts, something I'll keep in mind is I get an early car. Michael, I think I may have seen your car a few years back at a show near Frederick, Md., Beautiful. I was thinking about one of these wheels if I do change from stock:
https://www.lempertgroup.com/pennell.html
the quality looks great, would it be correct for a Healey Hundred ?
https://www.lempertgroup.com/pennell.html
the quality looks great, would it be correct for a Healey Hundred ?
glemon
Yoda
Offline
I know people are built differently even if the more or less the same size statistically speaking, but I think a lot of it is what you are used to, and the adjustable seat may make a difference too.
I started my LBC life in an MG Midget, so everything else seems pretty roomy.
I am 6 feet, 210, and had no problem with leg room, stearing wheel clearance or pedal clearance (in regular sneakers) in my Hundred. Getting in and out was a little work with the very short doors, but worth the effort in my opinion.
They are tight with the top up, I bumped my head on the top very easily, and getting in and out with the top up is a chore as well, but these days these are mostly fair weather cars so at least for me the top up part was not much of an issue.
I also stated I started driving on a Sprite, I tend to drive with my legs splayed a little bit instead of straight out and maybe that makes for a better fit.
Lastly, seat stuffing level can make quite a difference, many re-upholstered seats can get overstuffed which eats into your room. I had some taken out of my driver seat for headroom purposes.
But don't I think 6' too big for a hundred, may take a little getting used to, but not too big at all.
I started my LBC life in an MG Midget, so everything else seems pretty roomy.
I am 6 feet, 210, and had no problem with leg room, stearing wheel clearance or pedal clearance (in regular sneakers) in my Hundred. Getting in and out was a little work with the very short doors, but worth the effort in my opinion.
They are tight with the top up, I bumped my head on the top very easily, and getting in and out with the top up is a chore as well, but these days these are mostly fair weather cars so at least for me the top up part was not much of an issue.
I also stated I started driving on a Sprite, I tend to drive with my legs splayed a little bit instead of straight out and maybe that makes for a better fit.
Lastly, seat stuffing level can make quite a difference, many re-upholstered seats can get overstuffed which eats into your room. I had some taken out of my driver seat for headroom purposes.
But don't I think 6' too big for a hundred, may take a little getting used to, but not too big at all.
Healeysince59
Jedi Warrior
Offline
I'm over 6,' overweight, and really old. I'm stiff and have big feet. I have no trouble with my BN1. The first few times getting in and out may be awkward but after that it will be natural. If you want to condition yourself, come drive my TD. After that, the 100 will feel like a Hummer. The seats in an early BN1 can be unbolted and moved back some. A smaller steering wheel will make a difference (I don't have one) and you can't do better than one of Mike Lemperts.
I find a Healey fits me better than the E-Type but I'm in the minority there. I've had a Healey off and on for almost 50 years and they all feel like an old glove.
Marv J
I find a Healey fits me better than the E-Type but I'm in the minority there. I've had a Healey off and on for almost 50 years and they all feel like an old glove.
Marv J
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Rob--
Mike can probably fix you up with a wheel that would be a replica of "period correct" which is acceptable in Concours judging if that is what you mean.
As you can see from reading posts on this forum some folks like to keep cars as close to original as is possible whereas others make radical changes. As far as I'm concerned if you get the car it is yours to do with as you like--in one sense we are but custodians of our cars but they are not time capsules and we also get to use and do with them as we see fit.
Mike can probably fix you up with a wheel that would be a replica of "period correct" which is acceptable in Concours judging if that is what you mean.
As you can see from reading posts on this forum some folks like to keep cars as close to original as is possible whereas others make radical changes. As far as I'm concerned if you get the car it is yours to do with as you like--in one sense we are but custodians of our cars but they are not time capsules and we also get to use and do with them as we see fit.
When I originally got my BN1 someone had previously removed the spacers/slides and had the bucket frames fixed directly to the floor pan in an effort to get more headroom, and fixed as far back as could be had, as well as the seat foam being well compressed, mine also has the adjustable steering column, from memory I think it was easier to drive in than as it is now after being refurbished, and the finsbury flop is about the only way to get in, and I'm about 6'1" and 175
judow
Darth Vader - R.I.P
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:thumbsup: Mike Lempert did Agatha's steering wheel. Agatha is happy as am I.
Geez Guys, sometimes being 5" and 110#'s is a good thing. I don't have any problems getting in or out of Agatha. Have to admit my mechanic, Dave Porter out of Albuquerque, built up the pedals and moved the track on the driver's seat forward so 'no pillows needed' driving is allowed. Hubby, 6'2" and an admitted 240 isn't happy driving Agatha - I really feel terrible about that, NOT. :lol:
Geez Guys, sometimes being 5" and 110#'s is a good thing. I don't have any problems getting in or out of Agatha. Have to admit my mechanic, Dave Porter out of Albuquerque, built up the pedals and moved the track on the driver's seat forward so 'no pillows needed' driving is allowed. Hubby, 6'2" and an admitted 240 isn't happy driving Agatha - I really feel terrible about that, NOT. :lol:
AUSMHLY
Yoda
Offline
Healeysince59 said:
Sounds like what one might read in a personal ad. I see you cleverly mentioned that you have big feet.
Somehow, Budweiser got away with a commercial, showing a guy at a bowling ally, wearing Hugh shoes because they were the only size left. The girls at the bowling ally all smiled when he propped his feet up and they saw how big they were.