• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!

    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

another car?

Maybe ... if I decide to make the switch, I'd start looking for a chrome bumper MGB.

I really do enjoy the TR3 - great 1950s body style. But having your right leg "go dead" while driving can be a tiny bit problematic. Doesn't happen in the Nissan - or in the ol' Mercedes.

:eeek:

Thanks.
Tom
 
I do have to say that I love the TR3. What a good looking car with a very strong motor. I've sat in enough of them to know that I just don't fit. Had the same issue with my Bugeye, in the end no matter how much I loved it I could barely walk when I got out after driving it. So I feel your pain here...
 
I think big people can fit in the TR3 but you need to get different seats. IE: sit on the floor and have a higher back to the seat and it is more comfortable and you will not be looking over the windshield.

Jerry
BN4, BJ8, TR3A
 
My Spitfire is pretty roomy. My father has few problems getting in and out of it. Unless the top is up. Then he cusses the car out.
 
Jerry said:
I think big people can fit in the TR3 but you need to get different seats. IE: sit on the floor

One of the problems I have seen is that "rebuilt" seats sit a lot higher than the originals ever did. It's also worth noting that the "occasional" seat will limit how far back you can slide the front seats if it is installed.

I'm only 5'10" but I can easily get the drivers seat back so far that I can't reach the pedals. Even after I've deliberately made the clutch & brake as high as possible (I prefer a more straight-arm driving style). The previous owner evidently had the same problem, I found wooden blocks screwed to both brake and clutch pedals, to bring them another inch or two higher.
 
TR3driver said:
I found wooden blocks screwed to both brake and clutch pedals, to bring them another inch or two higher.

Hah! The previous woman owner of my '3 had a wooden block on the clutch pedal as well. After driving it that way for a few years, I took it off, only to put it back on; guess I just got used to it. BTW, I'm 6 foot, and have plenty of leg room in the '3. Its the getting in and out that gives me trouble...
 
Tom, from the other feedback, it may not be the car but the condition of the seat. It may well be worth checking the condition of the seat cushioning and having it rebuilt / modified. Much cheaper and easier to accomplish than buying another car. Nothing wrong with adding another car to the fleet of course!
grin.gif
 
Peter - thanks for the suggestion.

The thing about the seat is, that it puts my thighs right under the wheel. Even sliding the seat back doesn't solve that problem. My knees are still on the firewall side of the wheel, so distance between wheel and seat is the issue.

Wouldn't rebuilding the seat make the seat *higher*? and thus make the problem worse?

By the way, the driver seat and passenger seat are both the same height and "cushion" feel.

Thanks.
Tom
 
TR3 Seats are spring based, which could be replaced with foam of a density chosen by you and cut and upholstered to suit you. Likewise the angle of the back rest can be changed and padding altered to support your back and avoid discomfort on longer journeys. All you need to do is find a helpful local trimmer.

Ash
 
Back
Top