6' 2'' and long in the leg

[GavT]

It's been almost 15 years since I sat in an Elan and I can't remember if I fit comfortably or not. Chances of sitting in one are 0, as the nearest one is most likely 400 miles away. So here's my question: being 6'2'' and medium build but long in the leg, 501 jean size is 33W 36L, would I fit ? or would my knees be up around the steering wheel. Thanks for your help.

[Candles]

I'm 6'2" but not quite as long legs. I fit in just fine, I even have the seat 1 click forward! I'm doing the fairly normal removal of the spacers under the seats for this season so I sit slightly lower and I think I'll be removing the sun visors as I haven't got around to this yet.

With these minor 'mods' you should be OK.

Candles.

[MattDon]

same here im 6'3" and 34" leg, its not the leg room thats the problem, i find there is plenty and the same with headroom, but i do find the top of the windscreen infringes slightly into my line of sight, so ive removed the sun visors and i will soon be removing the spacers. i also found with the top down it pays to scootch down into the seat its not uncomfortable and it stops bugs squishing on my forehead.

[max and andy]

is there a how to on removing the spacers to lower the seats ?or is it to simple to explain? cheers andy and max. l

[Gordon]

Same here - I'm 6'2, 34" leg - Seat 1 click forward. Love the driving position, except the visors had to go... Sunglasses esential!!
Spacers are still in on my car (didnt know they were there or easy to remove?!)

Gordon

[max and andy]

but are they?

[MattDon]

if your asking about the spacers, in theory its simple, all you do is unbolt the seats remove the spacers and bolt the seats back in, there are a couple points to mention, be aware of the seat belt wiring, buy some bolts shorter than origonal (shorter by the same length as the spacers), you'll need a spanner under the car to lock some of the nuts, but if you need to do this job youve proberly got arms long enough to screw and unscrew at both ends, you may also need to reposition the metal plate on the back of the seat which protects it from rubbing on the softtop as it goes up and down, although i didnt have this problem for some reason.

It has also been suggested that removing just one pair of spacers should do the trick and you shouldnt need to worry about the metal seat protector, but i cant remember if its the front or rear spacers, id guess front but that is just a guess.

[max and andy]

have you any idea what size bolts i might need so i can pre purchase them. max and andy. how does the seat catch the soft top?

[MattDon]

not off hand, i'll see what i can find tonight

[max and andy]

what size bolts do i need so i can pre purchase them ?any idea? cheers max & andy

[dapinky]

You can get away with just removing the rear spacers....

...the inboard bolts are captive, and will need to be replaced with shorter ones (otherwise there isn't enough space to tighten them up )

The outboard bolts have a nut on them, which will need a spanner under the car to hold it still.

It is possible to do the job by sliding the seat fully forward, tilting it forward, then undoing the securing bolts from inside the car with a ratchet socket - there is no need to actually take the seat out fully - undoing the bolts will allow the spacers to be slid out of the way.

[dapinky]

As for the bolts, i think they are M12, but I can't remember the length required - i just bought a box of fully threaded bolts and cut them down to the length required!

[Doug]

obvious, but be sure to get bolts of the proper strength! (such as grade 8 or whatever they are)

[max and andy]

if you just take them out from the back is that not going to lower the back only? max and andy how does that make the seat comfort wise?

[dapinky]

It makes it okay (as far as I'm concerned!)

I took out all 4 on the red car, but just the rear 2 on the blue one - much nicer angle to sit!