Can't drive my Cobra because of my health, any advice??

[YerDugliness]

Luke, I've read and re-read this thread numerous times, and I'm still not quite sure which part of the experience it is that causes you so much discomfort.

Is it the driving position?

Is it the physical exertion involved with steering the car without power steering?

Is it the uncomfortable nature of the seats while driving?

Is the damage done upon entry?

I ask because I was watching on the Velocity Channel a video of how to get into a GT40. It's 4 moves, open the door as wide as possible, step up onto the seat with both feet (still standing), slowly extend your feet into the footboxes as you lower yourself down onto the seat, and then close the door. Since you wondered if a GT40 would perhaps allow you to enjoy a replica other than the Cobra, it seems to me that if you can manage the sequence I mentioned a 40 MIGHT be an option, contrary to the opinions of others, particularly if you could find a good upholstery shop to pad out your drivers' seat to ensure you are comfortable as you sit. If you're like most of us, the proximity issue with the passenger won't be a problem as most of us Cobra drivers are use to rubbing elbows with our passenger.

OK...so as a younger man I fell 32' onto hard packed clay and injured myself...as you can imagine, my back was involved and I had to lay flat on my back in that hospital bed for 9 weeks. Unlike you, I'm not headed for fusions, but I want you to know that I understand from personal experience the discomfort that back problems produce in a Cobra. At that time I would have given my eye-teeth for a car, all I had was a motorcycle and I had to commute 60miles one-way every day...what helped me with the pain was a "corset" style back brace (OK....I'm sure you've been battling your back issues long enough that I don't have to run down the list...). The issue with your back being jarred into pain as you drive may be helped by the combination of a back-brace, extra seat padding, and perhaps softer shocks, as another suggested?

I CAN see why a Daytona may be the least desirable...you'd have to bend over to get in and I remember how much that hurt.

I feel for you...have loved the Cobra since I was in high school and I'm 67 now...bought my replica when I was 57. It takes a while for some of us to get all the impediments to Cobra ownership out of the way....family, career, etc...just hoping you can avoid having to give up an activity which you so obviously enjoy very much.

Don't give up on "adaptive" devices...perhaps the combination of a great seat, a 5 or 6 point harness to help you stay in driving position without exertion (maybe even have a HANS type device installed?), a back brace, extra padding, power steering, softer shocks and....well, you get the idea, there are plenty of sources out there for "adaptive seating", you might check out some of the local places where vans are outfitted for wheelchair-bound drivers.

There just has to be a better way than getting rid of a ride you so obviously relish!

Cheers!

Doug

[Arvin]

Sorry to hear about your health condition. I too suffer from spinal issues. I've had C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6 fused. Within the next year I am looking at C1-C2, and C2-C3. I've also had knee replacement and looking at some fusions in my back and both my feet. I get bad enough some times that I've had to call my wife to come and get the car because it's been too hard to drive (no power steering or brakes). However, I'm going to keep it as long as possible because I love it so much - I just put up with the pain afterwards. I am also looking for some high back seats that will help.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by YerDugliness

... open the door as wide as possible, step up onto the seat with both feet (still standing), slowly extend your feet into the footboxes as you lower yourself down onto the seat, and then close the door.

That is exactly the process I used to get in to my Cobra and exactly the same sequence I use to get into my Ford GT.

But don't forget that for every in there has to be an out. Getting out of the very low cars with a bad back isn't that easy either. I honestly don't believe a GT40 will be acceptable, and if you expect your wife to be able to drive and she can't handle the Cobra, I doubt she would be able to handle a GT40.

How about a Miata? They are actually pretty spicey little cars. If you want a more modern fast but handleable car (because it is modern with nannies) consider a Lotus Elise.

[cscott672]

As several have mentioned a gt40 is not going to be easier to get in and out of than a cobra. I have to open the door, sit on the sill with one leg in and do a partial crunch to get the other leg in, lift myself down into the seat with my upper body, and then crouch down so my head clears the door!! Getting out is not pretty…….

Anyway, I replaced my regular seat in the cobra with a kirkey and it is a lot more comfortable than the standard cobra seats with no lateral support. If you get one and add some padding here and there so it fits you snug that should help a lot. You can also air down the tires a little if you are running 15s, and change out the shocks if its still too rough.

Hope you find a way to keep the cobra, S

[Dwight]

About seven years ago a guy bought his new purchased B&B Cobra to me for maintenance check up. He had a list of about 25 items and one was fit the seat so he could drive long distance with his bad back.
I have a local guy that does upholstery.
I had the seat cushion reworked. More lumbar support. 1" hard foam with 1/2" soft foam. More soft foam under your legs. Tilted the seat back a lot. Moved the seat as far back as I could with seat adjusters. Then Mike sat in it and suggested changes. Back to the upholstery shop for changes. The fourth time we hit the jack pot.

Mike drove the car every day it did not rain for five years.

I think you can place with the positing and padding to get what you need.

Dwight