Help for the tall?

[Hazard]

Hello, all.

I'm new to the forum. In fact, I just bought my first 914. I saw a deal I just couldn't pass up. So now I am the proud owner of a 1972 914-4.

Which brings me to my question.....

I'm 6'5". I like the cars, and had driven one before I bought this one. Just not with the top on. I can't even fit in the passenger seat comfortably with the top on.

Why would I buy a car I can't fit into, you might ask? Because the car is cool, and I'm not that bright. But that's another story. Did anyone see that episode of the Simpsons with the really tall guy in the Beetle? That's me. Oh yeah.

I've heard that the seat rails can be cut down to give some extra headroom. Has anyone done this? It seems like it should be a relatively simple proceedure. Are there any hidden problems associated? The car won't be for racing, or anything, just something to drive around in on sunny Texas afternoons.

Currenty, without the top.

Ooooohhh, it's gonna be a cold winter if I can't get this done.

But it'll just have to be cold.............



Thanks, all.


-Glen

[Paul_Heery]

Welcome Glen.

Check out this thread that I posted a while ago about my 914. You will see how getting a little extra interior height was accomplished by lowering the seat.

BTW, I'm 6'2" and I can drive my car with the top on and a helmet on.

Just noticed something...

[kellzey]

They have surgery that can help the vertically challenged (aka "little people") get taller by stretching their bones.

Maybe you can inquire about the reverse surgery...

Just kidding.

There's a guy here locally, that is 6'5" and fits in his 914. I'll see if he made any mods.

Good luck!

Regards,

[M. Hendrix]

You may not have much success, but.. pull the seat forward, then try reclining the seat completely, then slide it back all the way.

I think it adds a couple inches, hope your knees are skinny.



I forgot, it also makes you look like you are driving a real Porsche.

(917 ref)



M

[Conrad W Peden]

I got my 72 from my brother 6'7". If memory serves me right he had his seat reclined one notch and all the way back. Drove it this way for 8 or so years.

I'm 5'10 (i dunno genetics or somethin happened to me, shortest of 5 kids) the hard part was movin the seat forward after being in one spot for so long. ie. rusted hinges and rails.

[Biggy72]

when I got mine my step brother rode with me and he's 6'8". He didn't seem to have too many problems, but h'es got longer legs and a shorter body so....

[M. Hendrix]

Mutants, every-single-one-of-us... except for me, I look like the Quaker Oats guy, without a hat.

<----

Noone in chat, guess the weather is good somewhere... earlier.


M

[sean_V8_914]

A 914 I was born to drive. aren't ya'll jelous I'm only 5-5

[mike95125]

la la lala la la smurf you Sean :P From the 6'2" bald goon.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

There isn't a lot of material on the seat rails to cut out. You may be SOL on that front. And just about any aftermarket seat you can find will raise the seating position upward, and many do not fit into the recess in the back pad.

I suggest removing the bottom seat cushion. Put a folded towel or a thin foam pad down instead. That will gain you about 2" of headroom (which is just enough for me to fit with my helmet on). It also gives you a bit more lateral support.

--DD

[Potter]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned POSTURE...........I am 6'3" and I fit just fine......but I have to make sure I've got my "backyard" pretty well embedded in the crease between the seat and the back.

If that doesn't work, I recommend earmuffs and a scarf.

[Biggy72]

ya I'm 6'2" and I fit fine too. I think I could probably even wear a helmet in there, but it hasn't been that far together in awhile for me to exactly remember for sure.

[sean_V8_914]

there are several kit cars with limited head room. They use a dropped floor pan to create additional head room to accomodate taller drivers. LA exotics builds Cobras with a drop floor. Maybe there is a vw magazine with something like this but stamped out of metal.

[Hawktel]

Smaller steering wheel helped. Also pull the back pad for more Elbow room.

Cut a U shape in the Pan, and bend it down 1-3 inches, and get some other material to close the gap. You'd want to run some bracing with that trick.

And then also go with the thinnest seat you can find. Pull the stock seat and bolt the aftermarket seat directly to the Floor boards. I'd think that would put a kink in any theft attempts.

And take a page from Dan Gurney, and put a Gurney bubble like he had on the GT40. I'm planing to do that when I get 914. Get a Spare lid for that mod to take to the track.

And remove the Center Console.

And the Door pockets. Get some RS style doors interior panels.

And then your set.

Yes. I'm 6'10. No I don't have a 914 yet. Cause all the ones in Utah rusted away!

[sean_V8_914]

you forgot to mention the thin soled shoes...and thin socks

[bludden]

Oh the woes of you poor tall people...you're breaking my heart!

I'm only 5'4" and have to stretch my toe to get the clutch all the way to the floor.

AND a majority of girls would never date me simply beacuse I was too short. And now that I have a Porsche I'm too old and married!

Not that I'm bitter about that or anything...

[Hazard]

Thanks for all the ideas, everyone! It's nice to know there are people outh there that can help with my upcoming resto/custom job.

Time to start spending some cash!

[Potter]

[M. Hendrix]

lmao, kneeboard.



M

[sean_V8_914]

shave this guys head and it could be Mike's twin. Is that a drain plug up his nose?