Passenger legroom...

[Bassfiend]

Looking for a Chimp at the moment down at Fernhurst (will be there later today all being well) but my problem is I'm 6'3" tall and a bit over 17 stone ... in the drivers side that's not *MUCH* of a problem but if the wife is going to be driving it then I get the passenger side and there's not enough legroom.

I'm hoping that tomorrow I'll find out that there is some way to move the passenger seats further back of maybe even move the battery to the boot?

Anyone any suggestions as to whether there is some way to get back a bit of legroom in the nearside well on a chimp?

Phil

[Leadfoot]

I have 2 suggestions:

> only passenger if you're sheded & hence won't give a stuff about legroom!

> get a Griff, they've more room for the passengers pins.

[Bassfiend]

LOL - I met up with a guy on Thursday who I think goes under the name of TVRBliss and went for a lil' run in his Griff500 and I couldn't get my legs under the dash in the passenger side of that!!!

Phil

[beano500]

Yup - don't think that there's more room in the Griff. I've been passenger in mine twice and there ain't no way you you're going to go over a bump without opening the glove box! So it's back to plan A.

Or - you could move the battery (or get one that has already been moved). It's not impossible, as several people have done it.

Frankly, plan A (only drive unless ) will be the only cure for

[jigs]

The limited passenger legroom is the ideal excuse for not letting other half drive it,
Unless of course you've had some alcoholic beveridges and then you'll be legless so limited legroom ain't a problem!

[chim450]

I know of people who have moved the battery to the boot to give more leg room. Don't know how easy this is though.

[Bassfiend]

Had to go check this one out so pootled over to Fernhurst this afternoon with SWMBO and Demon Spawn ... they were crackingly helpfull and friendly as usual (Demon Spawn running about with Daddy's digital camera taking photos of everything)...

Anyway, the long and the short of it is:

1) I fit in the passenger side of a Chimp just fine ... my ample ass makes sure that I don't risk being thrown about and my feet press against the footwell - I 'aint going nowhere!

2) I don't fit in the passenger side of a Griff - just doesn't work - I need a second opposite-action knee joint or something.

3) Although I fit *INTO* a Cerbera my head presses against the roof in such a way that I can't actually get out again without rather ignominiously hauling my arse out first, pushing myself backwards and hoping I can get a foot out and onto the floor before gravity gets my arse there first.

Phil

[GreenV8S]

Of course, the V8S has stacks of leg room on both sides and more width than Griffith/Chimaeras. You sure you've chosen the right model? :P

[Bassfiend]

Funny you should say that ... I was actually looking at a V8S yesterday afternoon thinking the same thing. However they just don't look as nice (IMO) as the Chimera and I'm just too old and past it not to worry about what the handling is like on the limit ... I just want something that both the wife and I like the look of, something that has that glorious V8 note and something that can get a shifty on on the few occasions that you get chance to go barrelling past stuff nowadays.

Phil

[jigs]

Oh dear Bassfiend - you ain't exactly enthusiastic about TVR's usual attributes, are you?
Buy a Chimaera, the 'old folks home' of the TVR line-up - tons of room for a commode, resussitation unit and a pair of zimmer frames in the boot as well!

[Bassfiend]

LOL - Thanks Jigs (ya bugger)!

I fell for that burbling V8 note back in '90-91 in a 350i ... since then I've wanted one but also since then my tastes have changed - first I wanted a wedgie, then a SEAC, then a Griff and now I like the Chimp.

The one thing that has remained the same though is that V8 note ... that's what I love.

Phil

[jigs]

As we age our eyesight deteriorates - have you been to an optician recently. Some of the things you've been posting here and on other threads regarding the Griffith's looks may indicate an eyesight problem - you don't hang upside down at night and make high pitched squeaks - do you?

[Bassfiend]

Apparently not ... eyesight still excellent, even if I am an old fart (33).

Maybe I just don't like to follow the crowd?

;-)

Phil

[maxwray]

I bought a Chim 2 months ago and had the battery moved to the boot as part of the purchase deal. It takes up negligible space, but may be a problem if you already have an autochanger fitted. Extra mats had to be fitted in the footwell as there was a gap of 2" between the end of the carpet and the end of the footwell. Well worth doing if my height (6'2") or taller.
Max

[N17 TVR]

Max, where in the boot did they put the battery, was it dead centre or one of the corners ?

If so, is the weight enough to alter the balance of the car ?

[maxwray]

It's centrally mounted, near the top. With matching carpet trim, it's hardly noticable.

Handling-wise, I don't know. I had it moved prior to purchase, and can't remember the test drives other than having a big grin! I'd be surprised if the difference was noticable, but others may know better.

If you want a pic, let me know. I can either e-mail one or, if anyone can point out how, I can post it here.

Max

[CraigAlsop]

Also, post 2000 cars had a bit more passenger legroom (both Chimaeras & Griffs I think)
I'd always be a little worried about the proximity of the battery to the fuel tank if it was in the boot - especially with all of that carpet, which can act as a wick in the event of a rear end shunt.