This may have been diskussed here before but I missed it.
I’m 6’8" (2,03m) tall and looking for a roadster.
Last week I tried a BMW Z3. I have really long legs and
my main problem is the legroom. The Z3 simply is too small.
The same with the Fiat Barchetta I tried a couple of years
ago. I haven’t been in a MGF yet but I doupt it will be better
than the BMW.
So the only affordable roadster left is the Miata, and I like
its styling very much. I have been in a miata several years
ago and don’t really remember how much room was in there.
Has anybody with my body length experience with driving
a miata?
Are there any changes in the car possible to get more legroom,
for example another driver seat?
Is there more or less room in the new miata compared to the
"old" model (I would like to go for a 93 or 94)?
Thanks in advance
Bernhard
Bernhard Hesselt <bernhard_hess…@yahoo.com> wrote:
>This may have been diskussed here before but I missed it.
>I’m 6’8" (2,03m) tall and looking for a roadster.
YIPES! Okay, I’m 6’1 and I fit comfortably in the M1 (90-97) Miata’s
but the M2 (’99+) are to short on legroom for me to be comfortable.
>Last week I tried a BMW Z3. I have really long legs and
>my main problem is the legroom. The Z3 simply is too small.
>The same with the Fiat Barchetta I tried a couple of years
>ago. I haven’t been in a MGF yet but I doupt it will be better
>than the BMW.
You must be hiding in Europe where they have the fun cars (but the
horrible gas prices!). The Z3 has less legroom than the M1 but about
the same as the M2. It also has far to long a clutch travel which
further antagonizes the issue. We don’t get the Fiat nor the MGF. Do
they still sell Alfa Romeo’s over there??
>Has anybody with my body length experience with driving
>a miata?
>Are there any changes in the car possible to get more legroom,
>for example another driver seat?
You can let out a certain amount of foam in the seats (details I think
are on http://www.miata.net) and I can’t see a reason that you might not be
able to do a little tinkering with the seat-tracks but not much..
Aftermarket seats might work but I’m not sure who carries them in
Europe.
>Is there more or less room in the new miata compared to the
>"old" model (I would like to go for a 93 or 94)?
’93-94 has the same amount of legroom but could be a bit narrow on
elbow room if you are broad shouldered. The ’99 killed the legroom
(not by much) in favor of more elbowroom. The only real way to know
is to find one and drive it. Good luck in your search!
Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
Rexven wrote in message <6hg9sb$r0…@camel18.mindspring.com>…
>You must be hiding in Europe where they have the fun cars (but the
>horrible gas prices!). The Z3 has less legroom than the M1 but about
>the same as the M2. It also has far to long a clutch travel which
>further antagonizes the issue. We don’t get the Fiat nor the MGF. Do
>they still sell Alfa Romeo’s over there??
I think that there is a new Alfa Spider in Europe that looks really good but
is FWD. (I did not have any chance of driving one – but I doubt I would have
gone for one if I was able to buy one – a FWD and a roadster just does not
make sense in my opinion).
Ron.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> >You must be hiding in Europe where they have the fun cars (but the
> >horrible gas prices!). The Z3 has less legroom than the M1 but about
> >the same as the M2. It also has far to long a clutch travel which
> >further antagonizes the issue. We don’t get the Fiat nor the MGF. Do
> >they still sell Alfa Romeo’s over there??
> I think that there is a new Alfa Spider in Europe that looks really good
but
> is FWD. (I did not have any chance of driving one – but I doubt I would
have
> gone for one if I was able to buy one – a FWD and a roadster just does
not
> make sense in my opinion).
> Ron.
There is indeed. the Alfa Spider is essentially an Alfa Romeo GTV with the
roof taken off. It looks amazing, but yes, it’s front wheel drive and
therefore is perhaps not such a great option for many people despite having
one of the best engines around on board. One of the big car magazines here
(BBC Top Gear, I think) recently ran a road test with the MX5 (99 model)
against the MGF, Fiat Barchetta and Alfa Spider. The MX5 won… There are
many more roadsters available including Lotus’ Elise (fast as hell, corners
like nothing on earth, but very very minimal inside) and Caterham’s 21
(much the same…). It’s just a pity we don’t have the weather to go with
it…!?
Alex McLean
’98 MX5 Berkeley
Rexven schrieb:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> Bernhard Hesselt <bernhard_hess…@yahoo.com> wrote:
> >This may have been diskussed here before but I missed it.
> >I’m 6’8" (2,03m) tall and looking for a roadster.
> YIPES! Okay, I’m 6’1 and I fit comfortably in the M1 (90-97) Miata’s
> but the M2 (’99+) are to short on legroom for me to be comfortable.
> >Last week I tried a BMW Z3. I have really long legs and
> >my main problem is the legroom. The Z3 simply is too small.
> >The same with the Fiat Barchetta I tried a couple of years
> >ago. I haven’t been in a MGF yet but I doupt it will be better
> >than the BMW.
> You must be hiding in Europe where they have the fun cars (but the
> horrible gas prices!). The Z3 has less legroom than the M1 but about
> the same as the M2. It also has far to long a clutch travel which
> further antagonizes the issue. We don’t get the Fiat nor the MGF. Do
> they still sell Alfa Romeo’s over there??
The "new" Spider is available, but no longer the "classic" model.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> >Has anybody with my body length experience with driving
> >a miata?
> >Are there any changes in the car possible to get more legroom,
> >for example another driver seat?
> You can let out a certain amount of foam in the seats (details I think
> are on http://www.miata.net) and I can’t see a reason that you might not be
> able to do a little tinkering with the seat-tracks but not much..
> Aftermarket seats might work but I’m not sure who carries them in
> Europe.
> >Is there more or less room in the new miata compared to the
> >"old" model (I would like to go for a 93 or 94)?
> ’93-94 has the same amount of legroom but could be a bit narrow on
> elbow room if you are broad shouldered. The ’99 killed the legroom
> (not by much) in favor of more elbowroom. The only real way to know
> is to find one and drive it. Good luck in your search!
> Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
> http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
> Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
>There is indeed. the Alfa Spider is essentially an Alfa Romeo GTV with the
>roof taken off. It looks amazing, but yes, it’s front wheel drive and
>therefore is perhaps not such a great option for many people despite having
>one of the best engines around on board. One of the big car magazines here
>(BBC Top Gear, I think) recently ran a road test with the MX5 (99 model)
>against the MGF, Fiat Barchetta and Alfa Spider. The MX5 won… There are
>many more roadsters available including Lotus’ Elise (fast as hell, corners
>like nothing on earth, but very very minimal inside) and Caterham’s 21
>(much the same…). It’s just a pity we don’t have the weather to go with
>it…!?
>Alex McLean
>’98 MX5 Berkeley
Thanks for confirming it. When I lived in Israel I had an older Spider (88)
that was a lot of fun. I have seen pictures of the new spider – but because
Alfa is not being sold here in the US anymore I did not have the chance to
drive one. I do not think I would have bought one anyway – being FWD.
The only Lotus we get here is the Esprit – but there are rumors of the Elise
making it here at some point. It seems to me that by the time they make up
their mind about getting it here I will get a Westfield or a Caterham 7.
(Probably a Westi as I do not fit in the regular size Caterham – I am
6’1”).
Ron.
(93′ Red Miata)
http://www.transport.com/~rloewy/Stable.html
Best improvement for leg room is to remove the armrest. I’m 6’5". This
. Hope this
does wonders for me, allows my left leg to relax to the side. Other tricks
include removing visors for visibility, raising steering wheel (dealer can
raise slightly), removing foam from drivers seat (never tried, but I hear
it works) and of course, always drive with the top down
helps.
I sat in the new Miata. It has less leg room and the drivers side door
handle intrudes further (I cannot drive the car stock).
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> Has anybody with my body length experience with driving
> a miata?
> Are there any changes in the car possible to get more legroom,
> for example another driver seat?
> Is there more or less room in the new miata compared to the
> "old" model (I would like to go for a 93 or 94)?
> Thanks in advance
> Bernhard
Rexven <nolamersvdra…@mindspring.com> wrote:
> Bernhard Hesselt <bernhard_hess…@yahoo.com> wrote:
[snip]
> >Has anybody with my body length experience with driving
> >a miata?
> >Are there any changes in the car possible to get more legroom,
> >for example another driver seat?
> You can let out a certain amount of foam in the seats (details I think
> are on http://www.miata.net) and I can’t see a reason that you might not be
> able to do a little tinkering with the seat-tracks but not much..
> Aftermarket seats might work but I’m not sure who carries them in
> Europe.
Either Sparco Rev or Pro2000 will fit M1 although you’ll need the
special seat rail as the stock one won’t work with these aftermarket
seats. FWIW I have a pair of Sparco Rev in my car with the driver seat
lowered around 70mm. Check out demon tweeks catalogue for seat
information. For the seat rail the only source will be from Japan I’m
afraid.
dj
—
"… In all matters of opinion,
our adversaries are insane." – Mark Twain
I am 6’4", I can barely sit in the 99 with the top down, top up my hair
(and I have a short hair cut) constantly touches the roof. In short
words – no – I decided this is unbearable for me unless it is for a
short spin around the corner. Mazda has done nothing to accomodate
taller drivers in the 99. Pre-99 models were slightly better for me.
More head and legroom, but still legroom very cramped and steering wheel
ugly and too big. The least thing they could have done is introduce an
adjustable steering column, but they are too cheap to even put a decent
horn on the car (beep-beep).
All that is available to you for $25.000.
good luck!
Dietmar
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Bernhard Hesselt wrote:
> This may have been diskussed here before but I missed it.
> I’m 6’8" (2,03m) tall and looking for a roadster.
> Last week I tried a BMW Z3. I have really long legs and
> my main problem is the legroom. The Z3 simply is too small.
> The same with the Fiat Barchetta I tried a couple of years
> ago. I haven’t been in a MGF yet but I doupt it will be better
> than the BMW.
> So the only affordable roadster left is the Miata, and I like
> its styling very much. I have been in a miata several years
> ago and don’t really remember how much room was in there.
> Has anybody with my body length experience with driving
> a miata?
> Are there any changes in the car possible to get more legroom,
> for example another driver seat?
> Is there more or less room in the new miata compared to the
> "old" model (I would like to go for a 93 or 94)?
> Thanks in advance
> Bernhard
–
Dietmar Kennel
ken…@uthscsa.edu
PediatricDent…@USA.NET
Pediat…@Pulp-Fiction.com
URL:http://www.flash.net/~dkennel
In article <35408D31.612E2…@uthscsa.edu>, pediatricdent…@usa.net wrote:
> I am 6’4", I can barely sit in the 99 with the top down, top up my hair
> (and I have a short hair cut) constantly touches the roof. In short
> words – no – I decided this is unbearable for me unless it is for a
> short spin around the corner. Mazda has done nothing to accomodate
> taller drivers in the 99. Pre-99 models were slightly better for me.
> More head and legroom, but still legroom very cramped and steering wheel
> ugly and too big. The least thing they could have done is introduce an
> adjustable steering column, but they are too cheap to even put a decent
> horn on the car (beep-beep).
> All that is available to you for $25.000.
I’ve been staying out of the "they ruined it" debate, but you hit on a
sore point with me. I’m tallish – 6’2," much of it legs – and I’m fairly
comfortable in my ’95, though it took a little getting used to. But last
weekend I finally got a close look at a ’99. Style-wise, they certainly
succeeded in making it duller, blander, more anonymous, and this despite a
marginally more menacing-looking front end. It looks kinda like a stunted
RX-7, and from a distance, I mistook one on the highway the other day for
a Del Sol (gasp!). Up close, it’s got some of the slightly prissy look
of the Z3 – not a good thing in my book. Anyway, the clincher was when I
got in. The damn thing’s cockpit is actually smaller and more cramped
than my ’95. The salesman: "Oh, no. They made it larger." Sure, pal.
But hey – now I can fit a golf bag in the trunk. I don’t golf. If you’re
under 6′ and do play, maybe you’ll find something to like in the ’99.
Just one tall, non-golfing man’s opinion, of course.
–
remove "X" from before "@" in address to reply.
Dietmar Kennel <ken…@uthscsa.edu> wrote:
>I am 6’4", I can barely sit in the 99 with the top down, top up my hair
>(and I have a short hair cut) constantly touches the roof. In short
>words – no – I decided this is unbearable for me unless it is for a
>short spin around the corner. Mazda has done nothing to accomodate
>taller drivers in the 99. Pre-99 models were slightly better for me.
>More head and legroom, but still legroom very cramped and steering wheel
>ugly and too big. The least thing they could have done is introduce an
>adjustable steering column, but they are too cheap to even put a decent
>horn on the car (beep-beep).
>All that is available to you for $25.000.
Sadly a great many car companies have forgone anyone over 5’10" of
height. It seems these might even be some interesting cars, however
they have ensured that tall people have no business being in their
cars. Examples (in no particular order):
Saturn SC’s, especially with the sunroof.
Preludes
Eclipse/Talons
Mustangs (Got legs? Get another car)
’99 Miata (what legs? What knees?)
Integra’s with sunroofs
Del Sol (Got knee’s?)
Porsche 996 (Yes, they are in and I have already flopped in one. Appt
to drive it this coming week).. (Telescopic steering wheel or not,
this thing amputates the knees in ways the fixed 993 never did. Bring
out a tilt version! Otherwise the car is very comfortable).
BMW Z3 (Less legroom than a ’99 Miata!! What’s with 9" travel on the
cluch that puts it up under the steering wheel?)
Ferrari 348 (egads! This car is a pain in the ass to drive from any
angle.. doesn’t help that your feet are a foot and a half off to the
right as is the steering wheel but the seats are pointed straight
ahead!) Thankfully the F355 is very comfortable.
Those are just a few that come to mind that require you to either
amputate your legs or turn your seat into a barcolounger… on the
other hand you can grab the ’99 VW Bug, be 6’10" and wear a ten gallon
hat and still have an inch to spare! All that BEFORE you put the seat
down!! Come to think of it, everything from the VW line tends to
invite taller drivers, even the Corrado’s were roomy. I can’t think
of any Chevy’s offhand that are cramped, (and it would be the dominant
reason for me to buy a Camaro over a Mustang. I can’t fit even
remotely comfortabale in the Mustang.. not to mention another $6,500
to come in 2nd place? Not for me).
I know I’m missing a few cars out there.
Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
Rexven wrote:
> Dietmar Kennel <ken…@uthscsa.edu> wrote:
> >I am 6’4", I can barely sit in the 99 with the top down, top up my hair
> >(and I have a short hair cut) constantly touches the roof. In short
> >words – no – I decided this is unbearable for me unless it is for a
> >short spin around the corner. Mazda has done nothing to accomodate
> >taller drivers in the 99. Pre-99 models were slightly better for me.
> >More head and legroom, but still legroom very cramped and steering wheel
> >ugly and too big. The least thing they could have done is introduce an
> >adjustable steering column, but they are too cheap to even put a decent
> >horn on the car (beep-beep).
> >All that is available to you for $25.000.
> Sadly a great many car companies have forgone anyone over 5’10" of
> height. It seems these might even be some interesting cars, however
> they have ensured that tall people have no business being in their
> cars. Examples (in no particular order):
> Saturn SC’s, especially with the sunroof.
> Preludes
> Eclipse/Talons
I fit fine in late model Eclipse/Talon
> Mustangs (Got legs? Get another car)
didn’t notice too much of a problem in a 96 convertible GT
> ’99 Miata (what legs? What knees?)
bad-bad-bad
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> Integra’s with sunroofs
> Del Sol (Got knee’s?)
> Porsche 996 (Yes, they are in and I have already flopped in one. Appt
> to drive it this coming week).. (Telescopic steering wheel or not,
> this thing amputates the knees in ways the fixed 993 never did. Bring
> out a tilt version! Otherwise the car is very comfortable).
> BMW Z3 (Less legroom than a ’99 Miata!! What’s with 9" travel on the
> cluch that puts it up under the steering wheel?)
> Ferrari 348 (egads! This car is a pain in the ass to drive from any
> angle.. doesn’t help that your feet are a foot and a half off to the
> right as is the steering wheel but the seats are pointed straight
> ahead!) Thankfully the F355 is very comfortable.
> Those are just a few that come to mind that require you to either
> amputate your legs or turn your seat into a barcolounger… on the
> other hand you can grab the ’99 VW Bug, be 6’10" and wear a ten gallon
> hat and still have an inch to spare! All that BEFORE you put the seat
> down!! Come to think of it, everything from the VW line tends to
> invite taller drivers, even the Corrado’s were roomy.
True, used to own three Golfs 87, 91, 93. Good fit especially the last one with a 360mm
Momo steering wheel. It was a lot easier prior to airbags.
> I can’t think
> of any Chevy’s offhand that are cramped, (and it would be the dominant
> reason for me to buy a Camaro over a Mustang. I can’t fit even
> remotely comfortabale in the Mustang.. not to mention another $6,500
> to come in 2nd place? Not for me).
Actually I have to admit I did order a Camaro convertible. Suspension like a John
Deere, but it is just simply a convertible that I can sit in. Headrests are way too
low. Whiplash for sure with any collision.
> I know I’m missing a few cars out there.
> Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
> http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
> Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
–
Dietmar Kennel
ken…@uthscsa.edu
PediatricDent…@USA.NET
Pediat…@Pulp-Fiction.com
URL:http://www.flash.net/~dkennel
Dietmar Kennel <ken…@uthscsa.edu> wrote:
>> Sadly a great many car companies have forgone anyone over 5’10" of
>> height. It seems these might even be some interesting cars, however
>> they have ensured that tall people have no business being in their
>> cars. Examples (in no particular order):
>> Saturn SC’s, especially with the sunroof.
>> Preludes
>> Eclipse/Talons
>I fit fine in late model Eclipse/Talon
How far do you recline the seats? Do you spend more time looking at
the ceiling than you do the road ahead of you?? Do you have no torso?
Especially if you happen to have driven one with a sunroof in it!! The
earlier cars had more room in them (’90-92ish)
>> Mustangs (Got legs? Get another car)
>didn’t notice too much of a problem in a 96 convertible GT
It’s bad enough that we dumped a friends car to go back and get the
Jeep. Ford has some nice cars but they have the words worst seats
this side of a Geo (got burlap?) The Cobra’s have got to have the
mushiest seats of them all. They’d be fine in convertible trim if they
added about 2" more of seat travel, then real people could fit in them
without looking like they went horseback riding afterwards.
>> ’99 Miata (what legs? What knees?)
>bad-bad-bad
>> I can’t think
>> of any Chevy’s offhand that are cramped, (and it would be the dominant
>> reason for me to buy a Camaro over a Mustang. I can’t fit even
>> remotely comfortabale in the Mustang.. not to mention another $6,500
>> to come in 2nd place? Not for me).
>Actually I have to admit I did order a Camaro convertible. Suspension like a John
>Deere, but it is just simply a convertible that I can sit in. Headrests are way too
>low. Whiplash for sure with any collision.
I almost bought a ’95 Z28 6-speed Convertible. Car had only about 20k
miles on it, dark metallic blue over black, excellent condition.
Again, it’s more a matter that I can fit in it, it’s a convertible, it
had power and could (given some time and cashes) be made to handle
reasonably (but never to the point that a Miata comes in stock trim).
Alas, the guy that was selling it decided at the last minute to
refinance the beast and keep it. I hadn’t looked to buy another Miata
at first (I know, shoot me now) but upon driving another one out of
curiosity I was again sold. I’ve not looked back yet! 1/3rd the
insurance, 3x the gas milage, 4x the fun factor (in order to have fun
with the Z you better be doing somewhere over 100mph or be sitting at
a stoplight waiting to embarras your local Mustang drivers, but for
general day to day bit it’s too big and powerful to really enjoy,
personal opinion). Not to mention I could have nearly bought a second
Miata for the same price as the Z.. instead I have a car that will
last a long time and is easy and cheap to tinker with.
Good luck with your new Camaro! (and make sure it doesn’t have any
rust underneath the rear)
Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
I’m 6′, but very long waisted. The M1 is just right for me. My other car
is a LeBaron turbo coupe that fits me great. Chrysler’s top management
is mostly 6’2" to 6’4" (the project manager on the Prowler is 6’7"), so
their cars naturally fit taller people better. Unfortunately, the only
RWD roadster they make is the Viper (which costs too much for me, plus
is probably not very liveable), and the Prowler (same notes, but less
so). Most GM, Ford, and Japanese cars are too short in headroom for me,
but like you mentioned, the front seat of the New Beetle is ALMOST as
much as in my Miata (with the top down)!
Alan
92 Mariner ‘A’ Package
m&m
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> I know I’m missing a few cars out there.
> Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
> http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
> Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
Rexven schrieb:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> Dietmar Kennel <ken…@uthscsa.edu> wrote:
> >I am 6’4", I can barely sit in the 99 with the top down, top up my hair
> >(and I have a short hair cut) constantly touches the roof. In short
> >words – no – I decided this is unbearable for me unless it is for a
> >short spin around the corner. Mazda has done nothing to accomodate
> >taller drivers in the 99. Pre-99 models were slightly better for me.
> >More head and legroom, but still legroom very cramped and steering wheel
> >ugly and too big. The least thing they could have done is introduce an
> >adjustable steering column, but they are too cheap to even put a decent
> >horn on the car (beep-beep).
> >All that is available to you for $25.000.
> Sadly a great many car companies have forgone anyone over 5’10" of
> height. It seems these might even be some interesting cars, however
> they have ensured that tall people have no business being in their
> cars. Examples (in no particular order):
> Saturn SC’s, especially with the sunroof.
> Preludes
> Eclipse/Talons
> Mustangs (Got legs? Get another car)
> ’99 Miata (what legs? What knees?)
> Integra’s with sunroofs
> Del Sol (Got knee’s?)
> Porsche 996 (Yes, they are in and I have already flopped in one. Appt
> to drive it this coming week).. (Telescopic steering wheel or not,
> this thing amputates the knees in ways the fixed 993 never did. Bring
> out a tilt version! Otherwise the car is very comfortable).
> BMW Z3 (Less legroom than a ’99 Miata!! What’s with 9" travel on the
> cluch that puts it up under the steering wheel?)
> Ferrari 348 (egads! This car is a pain in the ass to drive from any
> angle.. doesn’t help that your feet are a foot and a half off to the
> right as is the steering wheel but the seats are pointed straight
> ahead!) Thankfully the F355 is very comfortable.
Also very small:BMW 5 Series (old), I couldn’t find a place for my legs on the right
seat, don’t know how the driver seat is
Ford Escort, Ford Sierra/Mondeo
One of the most impressing cars I ever have seen regarding space
was a 1988 Honda Civic.
The car with the most space for the legs I ever drove was a
1967 MGB!
Today I tried the new BMW 3 Series.
Enough space for me (2,03m / 6’8"), better than the current model.
I drive a 1985 Mercedes 200 D and it’s quite good to sit in although
I still have the steering wheel between my knees.
I will go for an older miata, work on the driver seat and change the
steering wheel and will probably be happy with it.
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> Those are just a few that come to mind that require you to either
> amputate your legs or turn your seat into a barcolounger… on the
> other hand you can grab the ’99 VW Bug, be 6’10" and wear a ten gallon
> hat and still have an inch to spare! All that BEFORE you put the seat
> down!! Come to think of it, everything from the VW line tends to
> invite taller drivers, even the Corrado’s were roomy. I can’t think
> of any Chevy’s offhand that are cramped, (and it would be the dominant
> reason for me to buy a Camaro over a Mustang. I can’t fit even
> remotely comfortabale in the Mustang.. not to mention another $6,500
> to come in 2nd place? Not for me).
> I know I’m missing a few cars out there.
> Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
> http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
> Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
In article <3542011C.D7663…@yahoo.com>, Bernhard Hesselt
<bernhard_hess…@yahoo.com> wrote:
> One of the most impressing cars I ever have seen regarding space
> was a 1988 Honda Civic.
> The car with the most space for the legs I ever drove was a
> 1967 MGB!
Weird, isn’t it? The most leg room I’ve had in _any_ car I’ve owned was
in my ’63 MGB. I was able to stretch my legs out completely.
–
remove "X" from before "@" in address to reply.
Lee Moore wrote:
> Weird, isn’t it? The most leg room I’ve had in _any_ car I’ve owned was
> in my ’63 MGB. I was able to stretch my legs out completely.
I’ve owned two minis (one was my first car), and both of them are among
the roomiest cars I’ve driven. I’m 6’2" and own an ’85 Prelude and a ’91
Miata. The Prelude is cramped in the driving position – as well as being
fiendishly heavy to drive – no power steering. However the Miata (or to
be more correct the Eunos Roadster) is a joy to drive. This is a car
that you truly ‘wear’.
Simon Bennett
’91 BRG Limited
This is all very strange. I’m 6’4", and in late ’95 early ’96 I
visited the local Mazda dealer, specifically to look at a Miata. In the
showroom where the car had the top down, I distinctly remember that my
relaxed view with the seat all the way back, etc…. was directly at the
windscreen header. So I had my choice of slouching to look through the
glass or stretching to look over the whole thing. I didn’t think
trying it with the top up was worthwhile. The legroom was also very
marginal, although I find that certain cars with limited legroom become
acceptable with a little built up thigh support.
I’ve been lurking here waiting to see _anyone_ discuss
aftermarket seats that might help. Removing the foam from the seats seems
an unlikely option, since the already faint thigh support for long legs
would surely disappear completely. Riding 50 miles on just your butt gets
pretty tiresome.
In article <6i5hsl$…@topgun.es.dupont.com>, Tim Costello
<coste…@prf12.dmpc.com> wrote:
> This is all very strange. I’m 6’4", and in late ’95 early ’96 I
> visited the local Mazda dealer, specifically to look at a Miata. In the
> showroom where the car had the top down, I distinctly remember that my
> relaxed view with the seat all the way back, etc…. was directly at the
> windscreen header. So I had my choice of slouching to look through the
> glass or stretching to look over the whole thing. I didn’t think
> trying it with the top up was worthwhile. The legroom was also very
> marginal, although I find that certain cars with limited legroom become
> acceptable with a little built up thigh support.
> I’ve been lurking here waiting to see _anyone_ discuss
> aftermarket seats that might help. Removing the foam from the seats seems
> an unlikely option, since the already faint thigh support for long legs
> would surely disappear completely. Riding 50 miles on just your butt gets
> pretty tiresome.
Remove the armrest, absolute best option for more legroom.
David Heronemus (djh1…@NOSPAMhotmail.com) wrote:
: Best improvement for leg room is to remove the armrest. I’m 6’5". This
. Hope this
: does wonders for me, allows my left leg to relax to the side. Other tricks
: include removing visors for visibility, raising steering wheel (dealer can
: raise slightly), removing foam from drivers seat (never tried, but I hear
: it works) and of course, always drive with the top down
: helps.
: I sat in the new Miata. It has less leg room and the drivers side door
: handle intrudes further (I cannot drive the car stock).
: >
: > Has anybody with my body length experience with driving
: > a miata?
: > Are there any changes in the car possible to get more legroom,
: > for example another driver seat?
: > Is there more or less room in the new miata compared to the
: > "old" model (I would like to go for a 93 or 94)?
: >
: > Thanks in advance
: > Bernhard
Might I suggest the (if avaiable in your area) Sparco Road model of seat.
I am only 6’2" but found these to be a better option than the Rev or
Pro 2000 for everday use. Also the original runners can be modified by way of
the drilling of one additional hole .
Try running a 300mm steering wheel, as this will also help.
Previously voiced opinions
in regard to driving constantly without roof are parallel with my own
opininon. Over 100km/h the rain only hits the folded down roof!
Good Luck!
Nathan ’90 model (and still the BEST!)
> Bernhard Hesselt wrote:
> > This may have been diskussed here before but I missed it.
> > I’m 6’8" (2,03m) tall and looking for a roadster.
> > Last week I tried a BMW Z3. I have really long legs and
> > my main problem is the legroom. The Z3 simply is too small.
> > The same with the Fiat Barchetta I tried a couple of years
> > ago. I haven’t been in a MGF yet but I doupt it will be better
> > than the BMW.
I have to correct myself about the Fiat Barchetta.
Last Sunday I did sit in one again at a local car show.
And it worked pretty good, enough room for my long legs
and enough headroom with the top up. Not really much space
but it works.
I’m thinking about buying one. It’s also a bargain.
Here in Germany it’s about 32,000 DM ($ 18,000)
as EU-Import with the 1.8 / 131hp engine. (The
official dealer price is about 39,000 DM).
Regards
Bernhard
Remove foam from seats? Can somebody give us more details?
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
David Heronemus wrote in message …
>Best improvement for leg room is to remove the armrest. I’m 6’5". This
. Hope this
>does wonders for me, allows my left leg to relax to the side. Other tricks
>include removing visors for visibility, raising steering wheel (dealer can
>raise slightly), removing foam from drivers seat (never tried, but I hear
>it works) and of course, always drive with the top down
>helps.
>I sat in the new Miata. It has less leg room and the drivers side door
>handle intrudes further (I cannot drive the car stock).
>> Has anybody with my body length experience with driving
>> a miata?
>> Are there any changes in the car possible to get more legroom,
>> for example another driver seat?
>> Is there more or less room in the new miata compared to the
>> "old" model (I would like to go for a 93 or 94)?
>> Thanks in advance
>> Bernhard
Eric Fawcett <efawc…@nospam.nortel.ca> wrote:
ACK! I just got a chance to see what these things look like.. not at
all what I was expecting.. Uhmm. Yuck? I might be able to do better
than that on my own!
>I also emailed Tom who has ordered and installed these lamps to see what
>the installation was like, he responded:
> The deal is you need to remove the vertical weatherstripping from
> front of the windshield/vent pillar, then gently pry the plastic
> pillar cover away from the steel to run the wires. You really can’t
> fish it. I routed each set of wires down the pillars, and then under
> the dash to a single aftermarket switch I installed next to the hood
> release.
> I hooked the lights together and tapped some unswitched power going
> to an unused power fitting that was directly below the cigarette
> lighter. Frankly it was a PITA, but still worth it now that it’s done.
Is he implying that he needed to practically remove the windshield in
order to install the lights?? If so count me out. To many potential
problems for new leaks and squeaks. One thing I have never tried to
do was to replace a windshield and I understand it can be a nightmare!
>4/20/98 – One Map Lamp: 3000 yen = $22.76
> Shipping: 4500 yen = $34.14/6 participants = $5.69
> Priority 2-3 Day Mail to you = $3.00
> 1 Map Lamp = $31.45
> 2 Map Lamps = $54.21
Your idea seems fair and sound however $31.45 for $3 in wiring and
light and an $.89 bulb just doesn’t sit well with me somehow. Perhaps
an afternoon at Radio Shack and Home Depot will yield something more
cost effective and aesthetically pleasing.. and that can be wired into
the current interior light switch!
Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
Rexven wrote:
> ACK! I just got a chance to see what these things look like.. not at
> all what I was expecting.. Uhmm. Yuck? I might be able to do better
> than that on my own!
I didn’t think they looked THAT bad… Did they?
> Is he implying that he needed to practically remove the windshield in
> order to install the lights?? If so count me out. To many potential
> problems for new leaks and squeaks. One thing I have never tried to
> do was to replace a windshield and I understand it can be a nightmare!
I hope not! I read it as he had to remove the rubber weather stripping
that goes vertical up the windshield and gently pry the plastic pillar
cover enough to slip the wires in, at least I hope that’s what he
meant!
> Your idea seems fair and sound however $31.45 for $3 in wiring and
> light and an $.89 bulb just doesn’t sit well with me somehow. Perhaps
> an afternoon at Radio Shack and Home Depot will yield something more
> cost effective and aesthetically pleasing.. and that can be wired into
> the current interior light switch!
Of course I agree that it’s not a GREAT bargin… But, I’m not that
handy
at manufacturing my own stuff, especially if it has to look half way
decent.
I could really use (and want) the extra light, so I’ll splurge this
time.
I plan on wiring mine into my existing map lights (or feet lights,
they’re
pretty low), I can’t think of any reason why I wouldn’t be able to?
Eric Fawcett
efawc…@pagesz.net
http://www.pagesz.net/~efawcett
Rexven wrote in message <6hfsmi$cs…@camel20.mindspring.com>…
>Eric Fawcett <efawc…@nospam.nortel.ca> wrote:
>ACK! I just got a chance to see what these things look like.. not at
>all what I was expecting.. Uhmm. Yuck? I might be able to do better
>than that on my own!
Looking at the photo carefully I noiticed that the plastic is raised off the
level of the liner. That is, it does not sit flush the way the current
plastice from the visor does. I cannot see spending that much sight unseen.
Instead I’m exploring miniature light fixtures that can be used with the
current peice of plastic sans the visor. On the otherhand if K.G. had a
supplier here in the US I’d take the chance on one.
Eric Fawcett <efawc…@nospam.nortel.ca> wrote:
>Rexven wrote:
>> ACK! I just got a chance to see what these things look like.. not at
>> all what I was expecting.. Uhmm. Yuck? I might be able to do better
>> than that on my own!
> I didn’t think they looked THAT bad… Did they?
Perhaps not, but Ginsu said something about "Neon Acne" and I’m loathe
to tick him off. I’m pretty sure I could draw up something better and
make a prototype.
>> Is he implying that he needed to practically remove the windshield in
>> order to install the lights?? If so count me out. To many potential
>> problems for new leaks and squeaks. One thing I have never tried to
>> do was to replace a windshield and I understand it can be a nightmare!
> I hope not! I read it as he had to remove the rubber weather stripping
> that goes vertical up the windshield and gently pry the plastic pillar
> cover enough to slip the wires in, at least I hope that’s what he
>meant!
When he mentions weather striping I figure it’s the outside front..
that’s what got me! I can’t imagine any particular need to remove the
windshield but then again I haven’t seen their kit. Might have tinker
about with it this eve.. (sigh) If only I had a garage to work in!
>> Your idea seems fair and sound however $31.45 for $3 in wiring and
>> light and an $.89 bulb just doesn’t sit well with me somehow. Perhaps
>> an afternoon at Radio Shack and Home Depot will yield something more
>> cost effective and aesthetically pleasing.. and that can be wired into
>> the current interior light switch!
> Of course I agree that it’s not a GREAT bargin… But, I’m not that
>handy at manufacturing my own stuff, especially if it has to look half way
>decent. I could really use (and want) the extra light, so I’ll splurge this
>time. I plan on wiring mine into my existing map lights (or feet lights,
>they’re pretty low), I can’t think of any reason why I wouldn’t be able to?
Question, if I can manage to draft up and produce a better looking kit
that’s easy to use and has comprehensive instructions would you be
interested in buying it? I’ve had a lot of small idea’s lately for the
car. Simple things and practical things. I’d like to know if there
might be a market out there that would be interested in taking the
time to make them??
Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
"Andy Cohen" <andr…@bsonicb.com> wrote:
>Looking at the photo carefully I noiticed that the plastic is raised off the
>level of the liner. That is, it does not sit flush the way the current
>plastice from the visor does. I cannot see spending that much sight unseen.
>Instead I’m exploring miniature light fixtures that can be used with the
>current peice of plastic sans the visor. On the otherhand if K.G. had a
>supplier here in the US I’d take the chance on one.
My sentiments.. obviously it’d be to expensive to return the item if
we weren’t satisfied. Heck, the shipping cost is more than the lamps!
Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
Just a minor point here. The visors are padded to protect your head from
hitting the windshield in an accident. I’m also considering the removal of
the things, but you ought to know the safety ramifications of removing them.
In article <353B88E9.410AC…@nospam.nortel.ca>,
Eric Fawcett <efawc…@nospam.nortel.ca> wrote:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -
> Rexven wrote:
> > ACK! I just got a chance to see what these things look like.. not at
> > all what I was expecting.. Uhmm. Yuck? I might be able to do better
> > than that on my own!
> I didn’t think they looked THAT bad… Did they?
> > Is he implying that he needed to practically remove the windshield in
> > order to install the lights?? If so count me out. To many potential
> > problems for new leaks and squeaks. One thing I have never tried to
> > do was to replace a windshield and I understand it can be a nightmare!
> I hope not! I read it as he had to remove the rubber weather stripping
> that goes vertical up the windshield and gently pry the plastic pillar
> cover enough to slip the wires in, at least I hope that’s what he
> meant!
> > Your idea seems fair and sound however $31.45 for $3 in wiring and
> > light and an $.89 bulb just doesn’t sit well with me somehow. Perhaps
> > an afternoon at Radio Shack and Home Depot will yield something more
> > cost effective and aesthetically pleasing.. and that can be wired into
> > the current interior light switch!
> Of course I agree that it’s not a GREAT bargin… But, I’m not that
> handy
> at manufacturing my own stuff, especially if it has to look half way
> decent.
> I could really use (and want) the extra light, so I’ll splurge this
> time.
> I plan on wiring mine into my existing map lights (or feet lights,
> they’re
> pretty low), I can’t think of any reason why I wouldn’t be able to?
> Eric Fawcett
> efawc…@pagesz.net
> http://www.pagesz.net/~efawcett
—–== Posted via Deja News, The Leader in Internet Discussion ==—–
http://www.dejanews.com/ Now offering spam-free web-based newsreading
o….@mailexcite.com wrote:
> Just a minor point here. The visors are padded to protect your head
> from
> hitting the windshield in an accident. I’m also considering the
> removal of
> the things, but you ought to know the safety ramifications of removing
> them.
What, those flimsy things?
I thought they were completely and utterly useless, but I apparently I
was mistaken in that assumption.
–
Eli Troychansky
taa at superlink dot net
Check out my nifty and conveniently easy to use Witty-Quote-O’Matic
™:
"<insert quote of choice here>"
-<insert obscure author here>
On Mon, 20 Apr 1998 13:42:01 -0400, Eric Fawcett
<efawc…@nospam.nortel.ca> wrote:
>Rexven wrote:
>> ACK! I just got a chance to see what these things look like.. not at
>> all what I was expecting.. Uhmm. Yuck? I might be able to do better
>> than that on my own!
> I didn’t think they looked THAT bad… Did they?
Nope
>> Is he implying that he needed to practically remove the windshield in
>> order to install the lights??
No, you don’t
> I hope not! I read it as he had to remove the rubber weather stripping
> that goes vertical up the windshield
Actually up the pillar
>and gently pry the plastic pillar
> cover enough to slip the wires in, at least I hope that’s what he
>meant!
That’s exactly it.
>> Your idea seems fair and sound however $31.45 for $3 in wiring and
>> light and an $.89 bulb just doesn’t sit well with me somehow. Perhaps
>> an afternoon at Radio Shack and Home Depot will yield something more
>> cost effective and aesthetically pleasing.. and that can be wired into
>> the current interior light switch!
If you want to wire these guys into the existing interior light,
then no big deal. Pull the weatherstripping off the header an wire ‘em
up.
However, I’m planning on removing the interior light ass’y so I
can install Eric W.’s incredibly cool adjustable mirror (which arrived
today, Thanks Eric!!) which need the spot where the factory light is.
Therefore, I ran the wires down the pillars, and connected them to
unswitched 12v power with an aftermarket switch from dah Shack. Works
OK. As I e-mailed Eric F. kind of a PITA
.
Yes, the plastic pieces (Lexan, who knows) protrude more than the
original visor sockets. Yes, they are different looking. Yes, I’d do
it again. Just like the aluminum billet climate control knobs I
installed; PITA, but when you’re done…..<g>
Please note:
Reply to: tshep1 at pipeline dot com
Tom and Ruby, neither of whom are:
webmas…@cyberpromo.com
On Mon, 20 Apr 1998 21:58:19 -0600, o….@mailexcite.com spake thusly:
>Just a minor point here. The visors are padded to protect your head from
>hitting the windshield in an accident. I’m also considering the removal of
>the things, but you ought to know the safety ramifications of removing them.
I submit that the airbag and seatbelt will do far more to protect your
head from hitting the windshield in an accident than those puny visors
(even the double-thick folding version) ever will.
Rance
Team Visorless
o….@mailexcite.com wrote:
>Just a minor point here. The visors are padded to protect your head from
>hitting the windshield in an accident. I’m also considering the removal of
>the things, but you ought to know the safety ramifications of removing them.
Better point, wear your seatbelt and you won’t hit the windshield
header. The only two cars that seemed to have drivers hit the
windshield headers even with seatbelts on were Del Sols and the first
gen Neon’s. I saw about 7 cases with the Del Sol and around 35 with
the Neon where drivers over 5’11" had hit them. This was altered in
the Neon’s mild redesign but as far as I know they left the Del Sol
alone.
Due to budget constraints the light at the end of the tunnel is being removed-mgmnt
http://www.mindspring.com/~vdragon
Remove *nolamers* to e-mail.
Rexven <nolamersvdra…@mindspring.com> wrote:
> Eric Fawcett <efawc…@nospam.nortel.ca> wrote:
> Is he implying that he needed to practically remove the windshield in
> order to install the lights?? If so count me out. To many potential
> problems for new leaks and squeaks. One thing I have never tried to
> do was to replace a windshield and I understand it can be a nightmare!
No! What he was implying was that all you have to do is lift the side
rubber seal from the A-pillar and pull out the inner plastic trims which
held by number of taps. Then you can run the wire thru the A-pillar.
BTW the instruction sheet recommended to solder the wire to the stock
interior switch circuit so the room lamp turns on when the door is
opened.
> >4/20/98 – One Map Lamp: 3000 yen = $22.76
> > Shipping: 4500 yen = $34.14/6 participants = $5.69
> > Priority 2-3 Day Mail to you = $3.00
> > 1 Map Lamp = $31.45
> > 2 Map Lamps = $54.21
Check with K.G.Works again. I think 3000 yen for the pair of two lamps.
dj
—
"… In all matters of opinion,
our adversaries are insane." – Mark Twain
Eric Fawcett <efawc…@nospam.nortel.ca> wrote:
> Hi,
> I am attempting to put together a bulk order for cool little map lights
> for the Miata, they fit where the visors are now and can be seen at:
> http://www.kgworks.co.jp/eng/4c51.htm
> Unfortunately they are only available through a Japanese company
> (KGworks) and are pricey at 3,000 yen per lamp (roughly $23) plus a very
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
FWIW I paid 3000yen for the pair. BTW their Quick Shift kit is not only
cheapest but also in high quality with the thin shaft – aka Ferrari
style!
dj
—
"… In all matters of opinion,
our adversaries are insane." – Mark Twain
Rexven wrote:
> Question, if I can manage to draft up and produce a better looking kit
> that’s easy to use and has comprehensive instructions would you be
> interested in buying it? I’ve had a lot of small idea’s lately for the
> car. Simple things and practical things. I’d like to know if there
> might be a market out there that would be interested in taking the
> time to make them??
Sure, I would buy them… Whip up a prototype, send it to me (I’d pay
you
a small fee of course) and then once the beta testing is done you can
pitch
it to BrainStorm or maybe Crazy Red!
Eric Fawcett
Just got a hardtop — now for the question: When the hardtop is on, should
the boot be installed somehow to cover the folded softtop? If the boot
won’t install (I haven’t tried it), then does the glass in the rear window
protect the inside of the softtop from UV (think August in AZ).
W. Jake
PS. Yes, I *know* it seems bizarre to have a hardtop on during the
summer…but give me a break! At 110 degrees, one dehydrates, spell that
C*O*O*K*S, quickly at freeway speed.
¥ wrote:
> No! What he was implying was that all you have to do is lift the side
> rubber seal from the A-pillar and pull out the inner plastic trims which
> held by number of taps. Then you can run the wire thru the A-pillar.
> BTW the instruction sheet recommended to solder the wire to the stock
> interior switch circuit so the room lamp turns on when the door is
> opened.
Makes sense to me, I don’t think it’s worth installing a dedicated switch
for. I’d wire all the interior lamps into the driver’s side light switch..
> Check with K.G.Works again. I think 3000 yen for the pair of two lamps.
No, Eric is correct.
–
Eli Troychansky
taa at superlink dot net
Check out my nifty and conveniently easy to use Witty-Quote-O’Matic
™:
"<insert quote of choice here>"
-<insert obscure author here>
W. Jake Jacobs wrote:
> Just got a hardtop — now for the question: When the hardtop is on, should
> the boot be installed somehow to cover the folded softtop? If the boot
> won’t install (I haven’t tried it), then does the glass in the rear window
> protect the inside of the softtop from UV (think August in AZ).
The boot was not meant to fit with the hardtop. The glass in the
hardtop will absorb some UV and help protect the inside of the soft top,
but it isn’t perfect. Car dashes do fade in sunlight; it ain’t all UV
doing the damage, and besides some UV does get through. I’ve heard you
can buy a boot specifically for use with a hardtop. Haven’t looked hard
enough to find one, however.
Eric Lucas
Eli Troychansky <t…@superlink.net> wrote:
> > Check with K.G.Works again. I think 3000 yen for the pair of two lamps.
> No, Eric is correct.
> —
> Eli Troychansky
Interesting! I bought mine last year and I paid 3000 yen. For the
shipping well, it came with other parts I ordered so it wasn’t the main
concern. I think I’ll ask Kitagawa san about the price difference.
dj
—
"… In all matters of opinion,
our adversaries are insane." – Mark Twain