[jedelbrock]

Hey all,

I own a 1991 Spider Veloce, but I also happen to be 6'3" - all legs. I really enjoy driving the Alfa, but it is uncomfortable at best, and nigh on impossible at worst (2nd gear happens to occupy the same space as my knee).

I've been trying to come up with some scheme to create more leg room in general, but mainly to remedy the issue with 2nd gear I mentioned above. Something I came up with was to shorten the shifter. Please don't confuse this with shortening the shifter throw. I don't think that will fix the issue.

Do you guys have any other suggestions to for how I could create more leg room? Or can you offer any help with regards to my idea of shortening the shifter?

Jack

 

[conedriver]

Jack,

The shift lever is attached to a "stub" on the transmission, and has some play. You can loosen the retaining bolt and move the shift lever from side to side before re-tightening (this is actually rotating the lever on the stub, but the effect is the same). Moving to the right may provide the extra room you want, but you need to be sure not to move it so far that the shift pattern is obstructed or the gear lever boot is pinched.

Shortening the shift lever should help, but may affect the "feel"...

And, some racers have fabricated a remote shift linkage; ending with a short, upright lever quite a bit rearward of the original - maybe 15 or 20 inches. This scheme may be extreme for a street car, but may be an ultimate solution to your problem.

Hey all,

I own a 1991 Spider Veloce, but I also happen to be 6'3" - all legs. I really enjoy driving the Alfa, but it is uncomfortable at best, and nigh on impossible at worst (2nd gear happens to occupy the same space as my knee).

I've been trying to come up with some scheme to create more leg room in general, but mainly to remedy the issue with 2nd gear I mentioned above. Something I came up with was to shorten the shifter. Please don't confuse this with shortening the shifter throw. I don't think that will fix the issue.

Do you guys have any other suggestions to for how I could create more leg room? Or can you offer any help with regards to my idea of shortening the shifter?

Jack

 

[Vintre]

Hello Jack,

Welcome to the BB!

This thread has lots of good, proven ideas to improve leg room.

BTW, we like pictures!

Vin

 

[jedelbrock]

Conedriver,
Thanks for the ideas, I think that given the schedule I'm on, (planning to drive from Chicago to Cleveland this weekend) I'll probably just go with the shortening the shifter. (hopefully my methods for doing so will prove adequate...)

Vintre,
That thread is great, it details the exact problem I'm having. I think doing something with the steering wheel would be the best long term solution!

Thanks guys!

 

[Tifosi]

Something I came up with was to shorten the shifter. Please don't confuse this with shortening the shifter throw. I don't think that will fix the issue.

Shortening the shifter will shorten the throw whether that is your intent or not.
It's an arc radius at the end of an arm vs distance to fulcrum geometry thing.

Even going to a remote shifter will have an effect on throw unless you build everything 1:1, which would just result in the same length shift post with the same radius of travel, but relocated elsewhere in the ****pit.

 

[RWM]

I solved this problem by installing a smaller diameter steering wheel:

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/spider-1966-up/162957-86-steering-wheel-replacement.html