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Old 10-12-2017, 01:31 PM   #1
Bill Cal.
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Default leg room

Any way of getting more leg room in a 29 roadster? Thanks
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Old 10-12-2017, 03:02 PM   #2
roundvalley
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Default Re: leg room

Thin padded rear back rest.
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Old 10-12-2017, 03:05 PM   #3
fredski53
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Default Re: leg room

Some say to trim/ remove package shelve.
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Old 10-12-2017, 03:21 PM   #4
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Default Re: leg room

I ad one and the way to do it to have the seat backrest thinned out and that will gain you 3 to 5 inches.
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Old 10-12-2017, 06:10 PM   #5
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Smile Re: leg room

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I ad one and the way to do it to have the seat backrest thinned out and that will gain you 3 to 5 inches.
Ditto.
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Old 10-12-2017, 08:15 PM   #6
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Default Re: leg room

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Don't know if the '31 package shelf is the same as the '29, but the '31 shelf has adjustable holes which allow the shelf and seat to be pushed back an inch or two. If you need more, suggest you look into doing away with the shelf all together and moving the seat back even further. Along with making the seat back thinner, that should do the trick for you. With such limited space for your size, might I suggest you install seat/shoulder belts so your first bump into something doesn't impale you or losing your teeth on the steering wheel?

Glen
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Old 10-13-2017, 05:59 PM   #7
1931 flamingo
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Default Re: leg room

I don't think there's a "shelf" in a roadster??
Paul in CT
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Old 10-13-2017, 06:24 PM   #8
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Default Re: leg room

1931 flamingo
You are correct, roadsters don't have package shelves like coupe's do. A thinner backrest is about the only reasonable way to increase leg room and that wont help a lot.
Rusty Nelson
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Old 10-13-2017, 08:37 PM   #9
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Default Re: leg room

If the problem is just more leg room then the above suggestions cover it. However there is another pretty common problem to look for. If your knee gets trapped under the steering wheel when going from the clutch to the brake while in first gear (like at every complete stop) then the issue is with the shift lever. They bend pretty easily, and can wind up leaning a little toward the driver's side leaving no room for your knee to get by the steering wheel. A little force will cause it to lean a little toward the passenger side completely elimination the problem.
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Old 10-15-2017, 10:16 AM   #10
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Default Re: leg room

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Originally Posted by pgerhardt View Post
If the problem is just more leg room then the above suggestions cover it. However there is another pretty common problem to look for. If your knee gets trapped under the steering wheel when going from the clutch to the brake while in first gear (like at every complete stop) then the issue is with the shift lever. They bend pretty easily, and can wind up leaning a little toward the driver's side leaving no room for your knee to get by the steering wheel. A little force will cause it to lean a little toward the passenger side completely elimination the problem.
I bent mine cold using a hydraulic press. Made a huge difference. Figure out exactly where and how far you want it to go before doing it. You'll have to remove the shift tower from the trans to use the press, but it's worth the trouble.
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Old 10-15-2017, 01:05 PM   #11
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Default Re: leg room

Quote:
Originally Posted by pgerhardt View Post
If the problem is just more leg room then the above suggestions cover it. However there is another pretty common problem to look for. If your knee gets trapped under the steering wheel when going from the clutch to the brake while in first gear (like at every complete stop) then the issue is with the shift lever. They bend pretty easily, and can wind up leaning a little toward the driver's side leaving no room for your knee to get by the steering wheel. A little force will cause it to lean a little toward the passenger side completely elimination the problem.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JBill View Post
I bent mine cold using a hydraulic press. Made a huge difference. Figure out exactly where and how far you want it to go before doing it. You'll have to remove the shift tower from the trans to use the press, but it's worth the trouble.
I had the problem described by pgerhardt above. I made this tool from parts laying around a while back to bend my shifter ~1.5" to the right. No need to remove shifter from car.




Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 10-15-2017 at 01:12 PM. Reason: Oops, Forgot pictures
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Old 10-15-2017, 01:09 PM   #12
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Default Re: leg room

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I made this tool from parts laying around a while back to bend my shifter ~1.5" to the right. No need to remove shifter from car.

I just used my hands. Like I said they bend pretty easily.
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Old 10-15-2017, 01:15 PM   #13
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Default Re: leg room

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I just used my hands. Like I said they bend pretty easily.
Yes, it does bend easily. Just wanted to ensure it didn't bend internally and cause more problems.
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Old 10-14-2017, 08:51 AM   #14
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Default Re: leg room

I called it a package shelf but it's not a wide one like the coupe. Just a few inches behind the seat back. However, it does have a metal base with adjustment holes which lets you move the seat back a little and for a big guy, every inch counts.

Glen
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Old 10-14-2017, 11:16 AM   #15
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Default Re: leg room

Maybe lose a few pounds?
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Old 10-14-2017, 02:01 PM   #16
Bill Cal.
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Default Re: leg room

not a problem between the seat and steering wheel
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Old 10-15-2017, 12:20 AM   #17
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Default Re: leg room

After several years of double clutching I can relate
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