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TR4/4A 6' 3" in a TR-4?

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gerg

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6' 3" in a TR-4?

Hello,

I have been working on a possible trade for a TR-4 and have been having a bit of trouble determining if I will fit.

I sat in one at a recent car show but was unable to get my legs straightened out mainly because the steering wheel was too big to allow my right leg to pass under it. I saw a TR-4 with a smaller diameter steering wheel and that had the wheel pulled away from the dash with the available adjustment. I thought that might solve the issue. Perhaps it is possible to move the seat track rearward another few inches?

As noted above I am 6' 3" tall, why you may ask would I want to jam myself in a TR-4? Why not? I say.

Anyway, any tall TR-4 owners out there care to offer their input?

Thanks,

Craig
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

I used to be 6' 5" in my youth with a 1966 TR4A and the original steering wheel which I drove from 1979 to around 1989 (minus a 2-3 year hiatus for restoration).

I don't remember any problems but that was a long time ago and I was a little younger and probably a lot more limber. :smile: I can run over and visit it in storage this weekend and refresh my memory if you want.

Scott
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

I'm "just" 6', but I don't put the seat all the way back. I do have a smaller than stock steering wheel, depending on a) how padded the seats are, b) where the wheel is in relation to the dash (there is some adjustment, and c) how big your thigh is you may need to look at a smaller wheel. I've had now problems turning a 14" wheel, even when I went to a "quick rack".

Head room with the top us will be close, and you will probably need to take some care getting in and out (again, somewhat depends on how padded the seats are). The other things you will probably find is that the top of the windscreen will often block you view of traffic signals when you are near them (or even the top). Another reason to keep it down :smile:.
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

Craig,
From a tall TR3 owner..
I've found that a thinner seat pad makes a difference. Both for looking through the windscreen and clearance under the wheel. The dash brace (console) might be adding to your fitting problems with the TR4. I'm always running into those center consoles in small cars.
John
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

I did not find too much trouble with forward visibility. I just had trouble getting my right leg under the wheel, thick thigh I guess. Obviously everyone is a little different, longer legs or longer torso etc. I think I need to find another one to try before making any commitments.

Thank you for the input.

Craig
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

I'm 6'2" and fitment isn't a big issue in my TR6. It came with a smaller than stock steering wheel so I can't speak to how I'd fit with a stock wheel but I could see how it might be an issue. If legroom is a problem (it isn't for me), the seat in it's furthest rearward position does not go all the way to the "step" and I've heard of people moving the seat tracks back a bit to buy an additional inch or so. If anything sizewise is an issue it would be width as I'm rather broad across the shoulders. My left elbow is always on top of the door and anytime I drive with top and window up, it's noticable in the way that 1 more fat person squeezed into the elevator at the last minute and now you notice your personal space has shrunk. People have commented on someone my size fitting in such a small car. From the outside, I can only imagine that I look like an adult sitting in one of those 25cent rocket rides outside the grocery store. Surprisingly I fit quite well in a Spit but I couldn't stand the way I fit in the TR8 and that's one of the reasons why it's gone.
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

Thanks for the insight. SOmeone told me that TR-6 cockpit is identical to that of a TR-4. Is that true?

I did try another TR-4 but it had a roll bar and prevented the seat from moving back at least 3 inches, those 3 inches would be critical for me.

I think I can make it all work I just want to make sure before I commit.

Craig
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

Yes, the interior measurments and layout of the TR6 should be the same as a 4A, many times the seat slides get stiff with age, make sure you are getting it all the way back, I am 6'0" but when I had a 4A years ago I did not set the seats anywhere near the farthest extension, they have a goodly amount of legroom, and headroom is better than most Healeys or MGBs, I did notice with two big guys in the car our shoulders were pretty close together though.

As state the first and easiet fixes if it iis sitll too toght would be seat pading and or smaller steering wheel.
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

You would fit like a glove into a TR7 or TR8......not a sermon but only a suggestion!
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

WedgeWorks said:
You would fit like a glove into a TR7 or TR8......not a sermon but only a suggestion!
Click to expand...

Go ahead - PREACH IT, Michael! :jester:
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

And on the 7th day he created the TR7 more than enough room but a wee bit under powered......then came the best of all on the 8th day, 8 cylinders and called a TR8! Still More room than a corvette!
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

Hey! I am a tall guy that drives a TR4. I am 6'5"... I can even squeeze in with the top up, although it is a little confining. I had to remove the roll bar that came with the car, so I could move the seat all the way back. I also disconnected the rubber "bladder" that serves as seat springs. Basically my seat foam sits on the floor. I suppose you could accomplish the same thing by shaving the seat foam down. The only problem is that my 5' 6" wife looks like a midget when she drives the car... :laugh:
 
Re: 6' 3" in a TR-4?

Craig,

Well went over and sat in my TR4A which was a blast from the past since it's probably been close to 15 years. It did bring back memories of sliding the right leg under the steering wheel which for me is not a problem as I was always rather scrawny. :smile:

I've got pretty long legs (36" inseam) so the driving position does have your right leg angled around the steering wheel typically leaning against the center console. The left leg gets a much straighter shot either resting on the high beam switch or almost straight out engaging the clutch (which I was amazed still works after 25 years. Definitely a plus for silicone brake fluid!).

No problem at all with headroom on a TR4A at least. Your mileage may vary if you have shorter legs and a longer torso.

Scott
 
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