Spritely
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| posted on 10/1/03 at 04:27 PM |
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Chassis length.
This is my first request for info and sure it won't be the last.
Any suggestions on how much the chassis length should be increased to suit taller drivers. I am 6'2" and think the standard build will be too
short.
Is there anyone local to me ( Preston area ) who has a completed car I could look at.
Thanks
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Alan B
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| posted on 10/1/03 at 04:49 PM |
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Yeah there's a guy in the Clifton area....another from Oswaldtwistle.
I'm from Preston originally that's how I know
Good luck.
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Simon
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| posted on 10/1/03 at 04:56 PM |
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Les,
I'm 5' 11 3/4" and have built my chassis same as book (+4" width).
Whilst it's unfinished, I don't think you'll have any trouble fitting. I think there a few on here who've built book chassis and 6 and a half feet
tall!!
ATB
Simon
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interestedparty
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| posted on 10/1/03 at 05:45 PM |
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Les
I'm 6'4". It's difficult to know for sure until you try a mock-up with a seat and a pedal assembly, but I work on the basis of if it fits most
drivers, then it's too short for me (I now this from driving production cars, none of their seats go back far enough for my taste)
In a more upright car then taller drivers can bend their legs to get in, but this is not possible with a car with a low dashboard. What you really
need to do is to try getting in someone else's built car (as long as they don't mind!)
John
As some day it may happen that a victim must be found,
I've got a little list-- I've got a little list
Of society offenders who might well be underground,
And who never would be missed-- who never would be missed!
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 10/1/03 at 08:42 PM |
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dont forget (if the dash is high enough) that you could angle the seat a bit, and 'shorten' your legs this way.
Making the car a few inches longer in the cabin section shouldnt impact too much - its making it wider that affects things like rear axles, steering
racks and nose cones.
atb
steve
[Edited on 10/1/03 by stephen_gusterson]
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robinbastd
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| posted on 10/1/03 at 09:37 PM |
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There is no substitute to sitting (or trying to) in a car. A drivers height is not as relevant as the length of their legs. Many times I have been
assured that I'd fit into a car,only to find that I do,apart from the fact that my feet disappear behind the pedals or cover all pedals
simultaneously.I started measuring up for my chassis yesterday,so the public humiliation of sitting in a car seat on the floor at work whilst a mate
drew around me is still fresh in my mind.
Good luck shorty! (6'6" and most of it leg)
Ian
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Mark H
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| posted on 13/1/03 at 01:07 PM |
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Ian,
I am 6'5" and my legs go almost straight down the tunnel. As mentioned by Ian (robinbastd), the bigger problem may be the pedals, and hip width.
I am near Leeds and have a finished locost if you fancy the trip over to right side on Pennines. Sadly we can't drive anywhere as it still needs
SVA!!
I also have a rolling chassis (blatant advert as it's for sale!) that shows the space you have without pedals/seats.
Tricks like removable steering wheel (or the legs of a heron) makes it much easier to get in.
Mark Harrison and
Q986 KCP back from the dead...
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Big Stu
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| posted on 19/1/03 at 09:25 PM |
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Speaking as a 6 footer, and driving a locost that was built 15 cm longer than the book suggests.
I can say that it may not be necessary to extend it by the same amount as I have. I have still got around 10cm behind the seats which are quite
chunky. (only advantage is that you can fit two sets of golf clubs in the motor.)
I have also sat in a Locost built standard, with fibre glass seats and thought it would be very uncomfortable for any distance).
Main advantages of going longer, much more comfortable.
Disadvantages, looks odd, getting weather gear etc... and not sure if handling will be affected.
As was suggested above there is always the option of moving the seats or even playing with the footwells, although there is not much space down
there...
I can send you pics of mine to show what a bigger one looks like if you want...
Cheers
Stu
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Spritely
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| posted on 20/1/03 at 08:21 AM |
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Thanks for your replies.
I am still yet to sit in a standard 'book'chassis but provisionally am planning to extend the chassis by 2 or 3 inches.
I will achieve this by lengthening from the scuttle forwards. This will put a slightly different taper on the sides and will require some adjustment
to wishbone positions but seems straight forward enough.
What I don't want to do is lengthen cockpit as this will effect the look of the car.
Thanks again
Les
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interestedparty
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| posted on 20/1/03 at 08:33 AM |
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Adding 50mm to A1/A2 is only about 6% increase, barely discernible visually and will be a lot more straightforward that altering the tapered section.
It will also mean you can use ready made scuttle such as the lolocost one should you choose. Naturally N1/N2 will need the same increase
John
As some day it may happen that a victim must be found,
I've got a little list-- I've got a little list
Of society offenders who might well be underground,
And who never would be missed-- who never would be missed!
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Spritely
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| posted on 20/1/03 at 09:21 AM |
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Havn't got book with me and not that familiar with all chassis parts yet, but are you saying add length to cockpit ?
Must admit I think the standard cockpit is too long or at least the steering wheel stand off is too much and am worried about increasing it.
From my calculation. increasing engine bay length 2 inches results in such a small change in the side taper and width that a standard scuttle can be
fitted as it will have a degree of flexability that will allow it to be aligned.
End of the day I will need to try standard car and look at extended chassis before making a decision.
Big Stu - I would be interested in your photo's.
Will be going to Stafford show so hopefully will see a variety of Locosts there.
Are there any Locosters in the NW that have completed cars that I could possibly look at ?
Thanks
Les
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Jasper
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| posted on 20/1/03 at 12:22 PM |
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I'm 6'2" (33" leg) and have sat in a couple of standard locosts which did seem a little cramped. Because I'm fitting a bike engine I've
lenghtened the footwell into the engine bay by about 4" at the top sloping down to the bottom to give me a bit more legroom. It works a treat and no
messing with the overall dimensions.
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