Dropped Footbox -

[NC427]

I have got a question in regard to the dropped footbox.

Being fairly tall I felt when sitting in the Kirkham with standard footbox that my subjective impression said: This is not what would really be enjoyable to me - Though the car will? of course be......

My present Cobra is very spacious inside once compared to the Kirkham and so I am wondering how much additional room is obtained once I opted for the dropped footbox (Kirkham webinfo says several inches - this could be 2 up to ?)

Also wondering if any of you have found other ways to increase space on drivers side via:

- Installation of seat without seat tracks
- Any seats recommendable which are less space intense in the area of the
wheel house?
- Wheel house modification so that seat can be mounted further back
- Modyfication of Kirkham seats
- Anyone tried installing a steering wheel with 14`diameter? Does this help?
- Any other modifications (except shrinking)

Last but not least: Anyone got an idea how much difference in space is relevant once comparing the 289 with the 427?

I shall be very thankful for any comments / advice!

Carsten

[ng8264723]

Why don't you email Joe at Kirkham directly. He can any questions. He has been very helpful with me
chris

[lemans24]

I got the dropped foot box, no seat tracks and had the rear inner fenders relieved to push both seats back further. that was my main concern just
fitting in a cobra(getting knees under the dash) mine fits perfect.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by NC427

Being fairly tall I felt when sitting in the Kirkham with standard footbox that my subjective impression said: This is not what would really be enjoyable to me - Though the car will? of course be......

I had the same concern when designing my ERA. But remember that both ERAs and Kirkhams are esentially "hand-made" cars. When I flew up to have Doug at ERA measure me (including my Fred Flintstone-like feet), he was able to whip up some mods so that I fit perfectly in the car (and I'm 6'4"). I have no doubt that if you are 6'5" or below the Kirkhams will be able to fit you well. But do yourself a favor and fly up there and get measured while you talk with them. Everybody does not have their height in the same places, and that's important when having your car fitted to you.

[Lew Ledyard]

I did all of those mods. I think that the dropped box allows the pedals to be moved further forward as well. I removed padding from my stock seat, but eventually went with a Kirkey Vintage seat bolted to the floor. The Ken Miles seat would work for this purpose as well. I have an extra one that I'd be willing to sell.

On the steering wheel issue, clearance for legs is not an issue once the other mods are done. I actually bumped up to a 16" wheel and found that it made the cockpit "feel" more roomy since my arms could hang more naturally from the shoulders rather than squeezing in as you need to do for a 14" or 15" wheel.

I am 6'4", 245lb and have plenty of room.

[wtm442]

Tall Cobra Drivers

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by wtm442

Tall Cobra Drivers

And it is universally recognized that tall Cobra drivers are not only better looking Cobra drivers but they are smarter and funnier as well.

[NC427]

Let me thank all of you for the supportive advice! Really helpful.

Now will need to do my part of the "homework"..............#

Carsten

[Chilibit]

I swapped out the normal Superformance seats for Kirkey Drag seats. They suit my needs better. The net result is 2-3 inches of leg room gained and you sit 2-3 inches lower in the cockpit especially if you bolt directly to the car. You can sense the car's movements better in my case. If you like a bolt upright driving position (as we do) then you gain even more legroom.

If you want the original look, this is of no value to you.

I would spec a bigger foot box and keep the seat change as a back pocket option.

Ciao,

Vince

[CSX3183]

I'll probably get some heat for this, but aren't "we" getting too soft ? I'm
6'-6", when I owned CSX 3183,I weighed at least 230 at times, bought it when I weighed 210, sold it at 210.

Anyhow, I never had a problem fitting in the car, had plenty of room for my legs and size 14 feet ! All original, no modifications, I was able to find a sweet spot for my left foot, for long trips, up towards the upper corner of the foot box.

Made many trips, from Ft. Laud to Orlando, and once to Sebring. Yes I was tired, hot, dirty and sore, but it was WORTH IT ! EVERY minute was a joy.

So for me to hear guys complain that there's no room,I find it hard to believe. Now if I was racing it, more room would be nice, but hey SUCK IT UP.

You ain't driving a soft cushy Vette.