Newer SPF with raised cowl: Change in steering wheel location?

Flygirl · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2011, 09:08 PM

I drove a very early (Chassis #091), SPF without the lowered foot boxes, and noticed that the clearance between the bottom of the Moto-Lita steering wheel and the seat was very, very tight.

The car appeared to be stock as far as the interior was concerned.

Does anyone know if the raised cowl on the new cars has also caused the dash to be relocated, and with that the angle of the steering wheel, increasing the clearance?

That was the one bummer with the SPF, I'm not particularly large or heavy and my leg wouldn't fit under the steering wheel when I was getting in or out.

Getting in, I sort of stepped over the wheel and slid down the back of the seat. But getting out was kind of a pain.

And I like the look of the wooden steering wheel, so don't really want the smaller diameter leather wrapped one instead.

Got the Bug · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2011, 10:23 PM

have you sat in a newer SPF?

WildBill1965 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2011, 10:31 PM

Set in one of the newer ones, mine is close to Dougs 2689 wooden Wheel I'm 6'2" and about 215# no problems!

Bill

Flygirl · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2011, 11:30 PM

No, I have not, only the one car I've driven so far. That should change this weekend. Thanks guys.

LMH · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2011, 11:34 PM

It may have had a 16" wheel. I don't know what size steering wheels SPF's come with but both 15" and 16" wheels are made.
Larry

Uncle Sam · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2011, 12:27 AM

I sat in a real 289 Cobra when I was a skinny 150 lb. 17 year old and I could barely fit under the wheel. The early SPF's must have been exact copies.

WildBill1965 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 08:01 PM

Lets face it these cars are not your typical car that you just fall into, remember British 1960's technology. I woulden't change a thing, haven't been snake bitten yet but still giveing it plenty of chances! Oh and by the way just do the opposite to get out!

Bill

WildBill1965 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2011, 08:06 PM

WildBill1965 Lets face it these cars are not your typical car that you just fall into, remember British 1960's technology. I woulden't change a thing, haven't been snake bitten yet but still giveing it plenty of chances! Oh and by the way just do the opposite to get out!

Bill