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More Pedal / Leg Room ??

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George Zeck

George Zeck

Jedi Warrior
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Hi All -

I got my car running after some winter upgrades. The leg room (or lack of) is just killing me. I have aspirations of driving from OH to the MG2012 show and just don't know if my legs can handle being bent like a pretzel for 12+ hrs.

My seat is off the rack and directly bolted to the floor (absolutely all the way back). I've measured the room on each side (driver's & pass) -- approx 25 in each side.

I've very comfortable as a passenger but the driver is giving up 7 inches for the pedal assy. Has anyone done anything on this to make up for some valuable real estate?

Please help, I've been working on this car for 10 years and have replaced essentially everything (I'd dare call it reliable). I'm just not comfortable.

I'm 6' 1" with a 34 in inseam (leggy). Tall but not in the NBA.

It's a MKII (64) and I believe Bugeye style seats.

I realize some of you have no problem, but this is a real problem for me. I drove 3 hours to PA last year and limped for 3 days afterwards.

Tx-

George
 
George,
The only thing I've done is go from the organ pedal on my bugeye to a 1500 hanging style. It lets me stretch out my right leg just a little more. I'm 6'1" and 206 and feel your pain.
Rut
 
I know some folks have installed cruise control in their Spridgets. I don't know if it will help, but at least you wouldn't have your foot on the pedal all the time
Phil
 
I've seen several floor pans cut and lowered to allow you legs (feet) to bend slightly downward for a more natural sitting position.
 
Cruise control is great for long drives. Not only does it allow you to rest you leg, it also allows you to get it away from the heat.

I'm thinking that putting the seat rails back will help. Try sitting on a few pillow to see if you still have head room while changing the angle of your legs.
 
heh I'm 6'1" and happy in the BE... hear's the take.. take the gas pedel off (Don't need it) get a couple of pieces of 1"X2"'s.. then remove the seat support bolts and cut the wood lengthwise at an angle to create a rake back effect on the seat back... This allows your butt to be all the way back against the seat cushion and the seat back.. Bingo plenty of room for a over 6'footer
 
Oh, the process on the wood is to cut the wood pieces to the length of the support sliding rails drill two holes in the wood for the new longer bolts to go into floor board.. bingo you will have to experiment abit on the right combo of angles etc.
 
oops the wood is 1/2" by 1" I think well anyway you can figure what the rail will need for support... I guess one could go crazy and use Alum extrusion..
 
I'm the same size and drive cars fitted with the Mk2 midget seats on the correct seat rails. Newer seats don't work for me and the BE seats are too hard IMHO.
I wedge my left foot under the clutch pedal for a bit more comfort and am planning on getting rid of the foot operated dimmer switch. I did move the dimmer switch on my BE and that helped. I never seem to be too uncomfortable though because the small gas tank on spridgets forces me to stop and stretch regularly!

Kurt.
 
I find it VITAL to use a lumbar support (which makes driving much easier on your lower back). I now use one in my regular car too. Huge difference.
 
George, I'm betting your seat position is the main problem. I had a car without the stock wooden slats under the seat adjustment rails and as I remember the difference in driving comfort was like night and day. Just assembleing them with the wood slats made a big difference.

Kurt.
 
This webpage discusses various changes for more legroom, including those mentioned above.
_________________________

That is exactly what I was thinking of...thanks 58custom...
 
Hi Bug Sixty _

I guess I don't understand. Are you saying build a seat back or build up rails?

Tx

Geo
 
Sounds to me as if Bug Sixty is replacing the wood slats under the seat rails with some that are tapered to tilt the seat farther back. At any rate raising the seat position will help, I think.


Kurt.
 
Im six two the seat is all the way back and the pading is collapsed I find that helps a bit but realy a full days drive is not an issue.

I also have rasied the mirror in all three of my spridegets

yes come to think of it the gas peddle has come off this one too. that helps a bit and you dont miss it.

cheery
 
Ok, you are replacing the OEM wood slats with ones that are tapered.. This allows the top of the seat back to be further to the rear and places more of your upper torso weight on your upper legs not your sternum... Also, your shoulders are further back for a better driving position (our long arms!)...The seat adjuster will be a notch or so forward too.. keep in mind I'm talking BE seats which have a limited padding and offer the longest seat back to pedel distance... The comfort issue is a personal one.. leave that out of this forum...haha
 
Oh! the reason for the OEM wood slats in the first place was to raise the seat frame on the drivers side (adjusting seat) above the frame form in the middle of the seating area...
 
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