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NEWB - intro & question
J1MMY - 20/1/07 at 01:39 PM

Hi folks

found you lot thanks to the modern wonder that is google

I've been well and trully bitten by the bug after my cousin bought an old locost back to the workshop one day proudly claiming it to be his own. After seeing the way this thing goes I WANT ONE (like I haven't got enough to do already what with having 3 other toy cars, what the hell) but the problem is I'm 6'2 and a bit too wide for most of the cars I've (tried to, sometimes) gotten in.

can anyone tell me what cars to specifically look out for as being widebodied? I'm desperate to get my hands on something I can get into and enjoy.


James - 20/1/07 at 01:43 PM

How fat are you?

Basically, you'll now get loads of people saying they're 7ft tall and weigh 25stone and fit fine...

So you should be ok!

If you're desperate for a bigger car then Luego do a car called the Viento. And GTS do the W7DE.

Or if you're bulding your own then goto http://www.mcsorley.net and download the large car plans there.


Welcome to the mad house!

Hope that helps,
James

[Edited on 20/1/07 by James]


stevec - 20/1/07 at 01:46 PM

Welcome,
I am 6'2 and 16 stone and I fit in a MK Indy ok.
Most of the other Seven's are similar.
The widest cars are Probably the Robin Hoods but I wont go there
Can I be first to say "Have you considerd a bike engine"
Steve.

[Edited on 20/1/07 by stevec]


BenB - 20/1/07 at 01:49 PM

Length isn't so much the problem if you build your own because you can account for it by positioning the pedals further back etc etc (I'm 6ft4 and most of my length is in my legs)....

Width controls which seats you use. I've got freakily wide hips even considering my height so had to be a bit careful. If all else fails you can make some L shape seats (ie no or very thin side pieces)... that would give you the max width. Can't remember what the full width of the driver compartment in but it's not small...


wilkingj - 20/1/07 at 01:56 PM

Luego Viento is the boy.... If you are BIG like me!.
Bags of room, and handles nicely.
it just depends on your budget.

Or if you are building your own chassis,
http://www.mcsorley.net and build the +442.
I think GTS do nosecones etc for that one.

I like the MK.. nice car, with a good and loyal following. (Luego good cars too)


[Edited on 20/1/2007 by wilkingj]


Guinness - 20/1/07 at 02:00 PM

Welcome to the site Jimmy

I have an Indy and a load of mates with Caterhams. I have found the Indy is wider and longer than a Caterham. It seems to me that the scuttle on a Caterham comes further back so the bonnet appears longer and the cockpit shorter.

The Indy is also wider than a book based car as it uses standard width Sierra back end, rather than the narrower track of an Escort axle.

I'm (only) 5'11" and have my seats about 2" forward of the rear bulkhead. I have fibreglass bucket seats which are a good fit for me. However I have a few mates who can't get in the bucket seats, so a bench style seat is more suited to the larger framed gent.

Best bet would be to come along to the next show, talk to people there and ask if you can have a sit in one!

Specifically there are the McSorley Plans for a +442 (which (if I'm right) is 4" longer, 4" wider and 2" higher). This accomodates larger engines and larger bodies. I believe a number of companies can supply bodywork to suit this chassis.

Or there is the Viento from Luego, which is much bigger than it's Escort based book dimensioned brother:-


mahoosive
mahoosive


HTH

Mike


zxrlocost - 20/1/07 at 02:09 PM

mk indy with a bike engine should be suitable


graememk - 20/1/07 at 02:49 PM

i'm a bit over 6' and i'm fat, its not getting in thats the prob its getting out i struggle with

again i have an indy but also look at, (in no order at all)
mac 1
mnr
indy
gts
luego

or go mad and build your own like a real man

[Edited on 20/1/07 by graememk]


Hellfire - 20/1/07 at 03:27 PM

The MK Indy is quite accommodating as are most other manufacturers. Like Steve C says, you really do need to consider a bike engined seven.

Have a look in the 'For Sale' section if you want to buy a seven or alternatively have a read of our build diary if you fancy building your own. It will give you some idea of what you'd be letting yourself in for.

There's also a few videos on our website.

Phil


J1MMY - 21/1/07 at 07:30 PM

Thanks for the replies fellas - very helpful

Am not a fatty but pretty wide built - even x - wide buckets are a squeeze.....gonna have a good look about. Bike powered ones are a little out of the price range and I just want one to get in and drive at least for a while as I have too many other projects