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Does Size Matter?
Gyro - 27/4/06 at 01:00 AM

Bleatings
Am looking at purchasing a L7/Locost or derivative, in NZ. Could be a L7, Westfield, Chevron, Lynx, Caterham clone or Locost. Depends on availability. I am 6'2" tall and keep hearing rumours that some cars will only fit up to 5'10". Tried a locost and it was a little short (legs jammed against steering wheel) but looked to be fairly easy to relocate the pedals for about 30 - 50mm more legroom.
Is the height limitation rumour true? If so what are the best ways to get round it, and on what brands?
Cheers Gyro


omega0684 - 27/4/06 at 01:19 AM

i do believe that there are guys on this forum that are over 6'2", why dont you get a long wheel base chassis, this should be long enough for your size, 5'10" is the average length for the fit of a standard chassis.


Gyro - 27/4/06 at 04:14 AM

Omega, I expect you are right about tall forum members, thats why I asked. Some of the taller guys should know if it is a real problem, or one that can be overcome without painful leg surgery.
My chances of locating a LWB chassis are slim, and I may not even need one.
Cheers


Hellfire - 27/4/06 at 07:21 AM

The only variation to the build is a higher roll bar which is to protect the taller person. Mr G is (apparently ) 6' 4" and has a higher roll bar to accomodate. His is an ZX12R MNR...

Steve


David Jenkins - 27/4/06 at 07:24 AM

Thin seats (e.g. GRP shells) are another way of gaining an inch. I'm 6', and fitting this sort of seat left me a bit far from the pedal!

Also, a small diameter wheel (10" ) helps - these cars are so light that it's fine to drive.

David


JoelP - 27/4/06 at 07:38 AM

very much what david says, the seat and wheel are all you will have to change. I took my seat out and couldnt reach the wheel! With everything back in my knees bang the wheel.


MikeR - 27/4/06 at 08:05 AM

I'm 6'2" and without seats i can reach the pedals in theory. My plan is to make a foam seat as teh race drivers do. Then i'll fit perfectly.
(standard locost chassis dimensions)


Agriv8 - 27/4/06 at 08:17 AM

I am 6'6" and an inside leg of 38".

Fit in an MNR vortex with the padded seats no problem dont even need to take my detacahble wheel off. loads of room for feet if your going BEC there is even more foot room.

Dax do a LWB rush which I could squeze into but no room for my size 13 feet.


Regards

Agriv8


Johnmor - 27/4/06 at 10:09 AM

I would suggest the Luego Viento, allows heaps of room and wider seats plus a big engine option to haul the excess (fat) about but, as most now know the company folded last week.
May be some unfinished kits out there that could be an option.

( I'm only 5'10 and 12 stone , but like big engines)


DarrenW - 27/4/06 at 10:23 AM

My Dads car is based on the Mk locost chassis. Im only 5'11" and find my knees are hard up underneath the steering wheel. Im told low steering wheel height was a feature of some of the locosts. My car on the other hand had a slight issue at SVA with the wheel being a touch high. Now corrected i find it very comfortable to drive. Seat can also go back at least 3 or 4" for a taller driver.

Ive sat in a narrow bodied Westfield (or should that be Robin Westhoodfield now!!!) and found that to be a touch tight.

Best bet is to go to the shows, find one that feels comfortable and try and get some measurements.


smart51 - 27/4/06 at 10:29 AM

My 6' 2" brother-in-law fits in my NMR vortx LENGTHwise. Gravity also helped him to fit WIDTHwise but getting out was tricky.


jos - 27/4/06 at 10:51 AM

I'm 6'2" and fit very nicely in my MAC#1 Type ZR.

The only chassis I felt comfortable in were the MAC#1's and the Quantum Xtreme.

I had the luxury of being able to try sitting in MK's Westfields, Dax, Birkin, Caterham (not at the show), Tiger, Raw's, Luego's, MNR, & Shawspeed at some shows to decide which one to go for before talking to the guys in greater depth.

If your not comfortable in the car then your probably not going to buy it.

Make sure you try before you buy or at least sit in the model you would like to buy before you buy.