Beware Big Guys

[Anfanuts]

Hey you guys (& gals) over say 5'10". Beware. I just replaced the seatpan foam (seat bottom only) in my 69 (with new covers) and I sit about 1 1/2" higher. I'm 6'2" and am now looking at the upper crossbar. The old foam was pretty soft, you settled right down. The new is a lot firmer (maybe just new foam but seems firmer than the more open cell yellow-orange OE foam); BUT, my forehead is now getting dinged with rocks. If you need a boost, it would be ideal. Bruce

PS: when are they coming out with "sleep number" seats?

[brownie93]

Can you pop on over and fix up my Spider's seats too? I could use a boost, lol

[kunzman]

Perhaps the underside of the seats (where foam meets pan) can be shaved down some to accomodate and make it squish down further when you sit on it?

[Anfanuts]

By the time you find this out, the covers are installed and the seats are in. What have others done and did they anticipate this in advance? Clearly I did not. Hence, the heads-up. Bruce

[bianchi1]

.. i just took out my old alfa seats, and stuffed in mazda maita seats.. sit nice and low,, downside,,i had to remove the seat rails.. , seats are now nomoving.. but it works for me..

[msiert]

I had the same thing happen to me when I replaced my seat foam too.

Give it a little time and it will wear in.

[bianchi1]

...smaller 'rear end' maybe

[andytitterton]

You could try removing the windscreen and surround and welding on a replacement from a Landrover. These are about 3" higher............

[maxwedge]

Thanks for the info. Now I have a great excuse not to replace my seat foam.

[ghnl]

If anyone does decide that they need to trim the seat foam, an electric knife with a serrated blade works well to trim & shave the foam.

[ossodiseppia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anfanuts Hey you guys (& gals) over say 5'10". Beware. I just replaced the seatpan foam (seat bottom only) in my 69 (with new covers) and I sit about 1 1/2" higher. I'm 6'2" and am now looking at the upper crossbar. The old foam was pretty soft, you settled right down. The new is a lot firmer (maybe just new foam but seems firmer than the more open cell yellow-orange OE foam); BUT, my forehead is now getting dinged with rocks. If you need a boost, it would be ideal. Bruce PS: when are they coming out with "sleep number" seats?

[Anfanuts]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bianchi1 ...smaller 'rear end' maybe

[Anfanuts]

No Brian I did not. I had it done out, not as ambitious or skilled as you are. In hindsight, I should have been there to compare this critical item and do some carving if needed knowing I was already at the limit (but I was 8000 miles away). I may have to do this eventually. The fellow said I'd be sitting higher just because it was new even without any other considerations. Note also that the headrests required some extra stuffing, 1/2" foam on the sides. They were baggy initially. No such thing as "bolt-on" aftermarket stuff. Found that out with a stinger also. Bruce

PS: Some snaps just attached. It's a lot better than it was. I'll just wear a leather aviators hat and goggles.
PSS: Have new door panels and rear drape. I know the EB boot is not OE69. I have one from R-O, but preferred the leather boot look to match the shift boot. I also know it's not an OE69 EB lever. Mine was seized and I've got a project to rehab and reinstall it . . . . someday.
PSSS: the OE dash is not cracked under that DashMat. Had it on since 1976. Who knows it may be cracked, never had it off.

[20yearoldspider]

The same thing happened to me. I felt like I picked up at least an inch of vertical height. My head was brushing against the top and I felt my normal line of sight view was somewhat obstructed. It's OK now after a little seat time. It either settled in or I got used to it or, most likely, a little of both.

[Wille R.]

I'm 6 feet 5 inches, so I get the idea. Lucky to drive with the top down.