Room to drive?

[jvr]

Hi,


I am new to this forum and I am investigating the idea of buying a kit to build a seven. I pretty well sold on the idea of how great a seven would be to build and drive. My last concern is how well I will be able to fit into a seven. I am 6'1" and not skinny. I have no problem getting in and out of my Z06.

Is there any one in the San Diego area that would let me sit in their car?

Please contact me via e-mail or this post.

Thanks

[Elv15]

welcome!

Hi JVR,

Your height should not be a problem...I'm 6'4"! Width wise you probably want to try on the SV, which is 4" wider in the cockpit. There are quite a few SoCal members, I'm sure someone will contact you soon.

Cheers,

Tom

[moosetestbestanden]

Remember, *everyone* has trouble getting into and out of a 7:D

[Rich H]

At 6' 1", you should order the lowered floor, at least on the driver's side. It will make you feel more connected to the car and reduce wind buffeting. For seating width, compare the wider bench seat, vs. bucket, in the narrow chassis, compared to the SV. Fitting into a Z06 is no indicator of Caterham fit.

[jvr]

Thank you all for the information. All this will help in purchasing the right options.

This all sounds like I will not have a significant problem with being able to sit in and drive a seven. Also, I do not care if it is tough to get in and out of. I only car about being able have be fit well enough so I can drive for a couple hours at a time. There is no expectation on my part that this car will be any where close to luxury car.

I definately will consider the lowered floor and the bench seats.

[scottspiess]

size and fitting

Hi there, I am 6'2" @ 225. I just bought a Birkin S3 from Woody Harris and I did the following (or I watched Woody do this). First remove the seat and then remove the rails. After removing the rails I took the car around the block and still had issues, so I had Woody remove the sub frame. Woody fab-ed a piece for the seat and drilled some new bolt holes. After that happened I got about a 1" less in height. Now for my ever expanding ass, well its a perfect fit as we speak. I am working on slimming that down a bit, but I believe that with some removal of some foam I think I can get another half inch.

The rear view mirror needed to be turned upside down and I will probaly need to remount lower on the wind screen.

As for foot room, this is an issue and driving shoes are a must. I have a small issue with down shifting, but this is a small issue as I can haul ass and still have some confidence in my foot work. Don't even think about doing heal toe if you have big feet.

All and all...just buy one...you will not regret it.

Scott Spiess

[Roll a 7]

I am 6' 2", 200 and fit in a regular 7, although it ain't "roomy."

On Sept 10 there will be an AutoX @ the Q in San Diego. There should be 3-4 7s competing. Just find us in the west parking lot and we'll let you try them on. Do it!!

[Rich H]

As for foot room, this is an issue and driving shoes are a must. I have a small issue with down shifting, but this is a small issue as I can haul ass and still have some confidence in my foot work. Don't even think about doing heal toe if you have big feet.
Scott Spiess

jvr,

Regarding pedal operation, you might look into Caterham's optional race pedals and/or uprated brake master cylinder. These affect pedal travel, pressure, and feel, and consequently the heel & toe action.

[jvr]

I am 6' 2", 200 and fit in a regular 7, although it ain't "roomy."

On Sept 10 there will be an AutoX @ the Q in San Diego. There should be 3-4 7s competing. Just find us in the west parking lot and we'll let you try them on. Do it!!

The Q on sunday sounds good to me. What time of day is the best to come by and check out the sevens?


All the information everyone has provided makes this sound very feasable. Thank you for the information.

[Roll a 7]

Morning. Come over around 9:30 AM and check out the cars for size & speed. If a 7 is what you want you will figure it out pretty fast.

[Elv15]

race pedals

Hi Rich,

Ohh! What are these race pedals? How are they different from the stock ones? More info please!!

Thanks,

Tom

[jvr]

Great I will be at the Q sunday morning about 9:30.

:cool:

[Rich H]

Hi Rich,

Ohh! What are these race pedals? How are they different from the stock ones? More info please!!

Thanks,

Tom

Tom,

Compared to standard pedals, the race pedals reduce pedal travel and the foot pads sit higher above the floor. At least those were the differences in 2003 when they were supplied with my car.

Rich