How well do you fit in a Spider?

[captain_canuck]

Hi folks, I'm a newb to this forum, and have yet to actually seat myself behind the wheel of a Spider of any vintage. I'm trying to learn as much as possible, and ultimately, I'd like to get some insight into how well a 6'5" Canadian male might fit into a 91 Spider. I haven't been able to find any interior dimensions anywhere.

One person I've spoken to (who is 6'2", and slightly built) finds that his knee is pressed between the steering wheel and the door handle. Another person, (who is 5'11" and powerfully built) finds the cockpit cramped widthwise, but fine for legroom.

I'd like your opinions on how well you fit into any Spider 3 or 4 (is that basically early 80's until 94?). Thoughts on legroom, seat comfort, windshield visibility (e.g. on a Miata, the top of the windshield is right at my eye level, making it difficult to drive. How do you find it for the Spider?)

thanks in advance..

..Cameron

[sprintgtc]

Hi Cameron,
I think you will have a better chance with an older Spider. Over time, the seats, console, and particularly the dash all grew in size leaving less room for you. Try an '82-'84 if you are looking for a Bosch injected car. The throttle pedal can be modified for tall drivers too.

[Marcus Pfeiffer]

Hey there. I'm only 5'8" (No, I'm not Italian actually) and I put the seat in my 1989 Spider all the way back. I can still steer with my knee when it's back all the way.

The biggest question you gotta ask yourself is; How WIDE are your feet?

The pedals are so damn close together that I have to wear certain shoes while I drive.

[tlg1]

I am on the other side of the scale I am very short (5'2") Is the car well suited for shorter drivers also? ie trouble with clutch and shifting etc..

[GTV4EVR]

Cameron,
Where are you located? If you're in the Toronto area, come out to the BBQ on Sunday at the Boyd Conservation Area. There will be Spiders of various vintages you can sit in.

[Bill]

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain_canuck How well do you fit in a Spider? I'd like your opinions on how well you fit into any Spider 3 or 4 (is that basically early 80's until 94?). Thoughts on legroom, seat comfort, windshield visibility (e.g. on a Miata, the top of the windshield is right at my eye level, making it difficult to drive. How do you find it for the Spider?) thanks in advance.. ..Cameron

[captain_canuck]

We're in Rockwood, Ken, not too far from you. And not long after I started this thread, we picked up a beautiful 91 Spider Veloce in the US, with only 34000 miles on it. I made it from Baltimore to the Lewiston Bridge in 7 hours (so as to make it before US customs closed), and I'm sorry to say, it took me awhile to unfold from the car.

However, for what it's worth, I can tell you that a 6'5" Canadian male hockey player can not only fit in a 91 Spider, but can actually drive it comfortably for reasonable periods of time. I have to be careful to ensure that my shoes do not have thick tread, otherwise I can't fully release the clutch (kneed gets jammed under the steering wheel). However, in bare feet, it's a joy (I know, I know, not supposed to drive in bare feet). Surprisingly, I do look through the windshield, not over it, and if I slouch, my hair doesn't even blow in the wind.

So now, as the colder seasons approach, we're going to be putting it away for the winter. I'll be asking for suggestions on how to properly store it for the winter, but that's another thread.

Thanks to all for your input!

[mort5029]

Just a note.. I am 6'3" and I fit well in my 88 spider. I was worried but was suprised how comfortable I am.

[yvesmontreal]

Hello

I am 6'3"", 200 lb, and I can't drive any 105 Spider from Duetto to 1994 S4.

I'm not very long in the legs (34 pant leg) but I still have to sit with my legs bent around the steering wheel. I also miss 3 inches of head clearance to clear the top bows. Beyond what can be adapted.

I've been driving GTV's for 30 years; as I get older I'm also pickier and have gradually felt the need to adapt the car more and more. I've played with the seat height, travel and pedal positions.

I had a Giulietta 101 Spider, it would be a perfect fit if the windshield was a bit higher.

I've also owned Lotus Elans, amazingly they weren't as small inside as they are outside. The roomiest open sports car I've seen so far is the Sunbeam Alpine.

[aralfa8589]

I drive an 89 Spider, an 89 Milano, an 85 GTV6, and a 91 164S, alternating through the whole armada so as to keep the batteries charged. They all have a wierd seat fit. My son had an Alfetta, and at 6'6" made a grease spot on the headliner. He was terrified to even ride in the Spider, as he could see that he'd hit the top of the windshield with the bridge of his snorkel. I can get comfortable in all of them, up to a point.

[captain_canuck]

Sigh. Since we redid the seats (Upholsterer in Toronto area?), it's a MUCH tighter fit for me. Unless I slouch, I'm now looking just a hair below the top of the windshield, and it's easier to see stoplights over the top. Knee is a tighter jam between the door handle and steering wheel now, but I can still drive comfortably in bare feet..... with shoes? not so much. :-(

And, when the top is up, I now bump my head against the metal bar in the roof. On the bright side, it just means I have to do more top-down driving (like I ever drove it with the top UP before...)

[yvesmontreal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain_canuck Sigh. Since we redid the seats (Upholsterer in Toronto area?), it's a MUCH tighter fit for me....

[mort5029]

I bought a spider this year from a nice guy in North Carolina. It is red, 27000 original miles and in great shape. Paid $7000 US for it and here is my story. I went and met him in OHIO where he moved to. I live in Windsor, Ont so the drive was about 45 minutes. Bought it without seeing it on the terms that if it was not what I wanted I would turn around with cheque in hand. Well it was everything he said it was and more. I went back through customs, with his plates on the vehicle. Paid only GST or PST I forget which one and that was it. No extra tax for A/C or built outside of US. Drove the vehicle to my garage, got it e-tested (only problem was new O2 sensor), then got the saftey(passed with original brakes and all) then that was it. Since then I have enjoyed weekend drives with my wife and at times young son. I am 6'4 and had great concerns about fitting in the car. I am not long legged and am only 200lbs, but for those tall guys considering an alfa, go for it. I mean it is not the best for long trips but I bought this bar for weekend cruises. I hope my story helps others.

[HeavyMetalAlfa]

I am 6'3" and I have been driving an 87 Spider that I sold, to work out any bugs before I deliver it. It is a lot more comfortable than I thought it would be, my only problem is the pedals and the size of my feet. I have size 13 & 1/2 feet, and the problem I have is I have to lay my right foot on the floor sideways, just touching the gas pedal with the edge of my foot. It can be a bit hairy when I go to brake, as my foot covers all three pedals unless I am very careful. I could see where driving shoes would help[ I wear steel toed loggers boots] or bare feet[ though this IS Maine as well as it being illegal]. I think I will look into re-arranging the pedal set-up in the Spider I want to build for myself.

[Zunige]

Taller drivers may find that changing the steering wheel to a smaller size could make a significant difference in comfort, since it will really provide a lot more space for your legs. For example, my '87 Spider is fitted with a 320 mm MOMO steering wheel, and it has a lot more room than one with a stock steering wheel. (I'm only 5' 10", so I have no issues, but other friends who are much taller have opted for the same set-up, after sitting in mine.)

Best regards,