Help - Chim backache

[ed400]

Someone out there must have a solution to back pain derived from driving a Chim. I have only had mine six weeks and its already killing my back.

There must be a solution out there somewhere????

[tvrbob]

I'm amazed you have this problem. There are many cars out there that are known to cause back pain on long runs but this is the first time I've known anyone claim back pain from a Chim. SLK and MGF are both pains in the back.

[wolosp]

Sorry to hear of your discomfort, but I can only say I don't have this problem. Recently drove back from Blackpool (approx 200 miles with a meal break half-way) and no issues at all.
I'm average height, but with short legs maybe the seat or pedals have been adjusted away from standard in your car?

[deeen]

The seats from other models (Cerbera, Tuscan) fit and are more sculpted.

Also, next time it is on a ramp, check the rear mountings of the seats, mine broke through the fibreglass so the seat was at the wrong angle.

[ropey]

ed400 - how tall are you?

I too am surprised to hear you say this - I would say that the Chim is the most comfortable car I have ever driven! The GF and I just got back from a week driving in France - 1500 miles and not a ache anywhere to be seen.

Is any of your padding a bit knackered?

Ropey

[deeen]

no-ones said the obvious sooo...

ajust the seat! Move it forward so with the clutch to the floor your knee is still slighttly bent, and raise the backrest so you can reach first gear with your back straight and your shoulder blades still flat against the seat back.

Lots of ppl have their seats too far back / reclined too far, in back support terms.

Sorry if you have already tried this!

[ed400]

Thanks for the replies guys, i'm 6 foot and have, unfortunately, suffered a few back mishaps in the past. Have tried adjusting the seat but will double check the mountings...funily enough its at Gatwick TVR today so may get them to have a quick look.

Any ideas if any other seats fit straight in?

[rosso rebel]

I must admit that I sometimes get a back ache from the passenger seat, as it seems to have the back support in the wrong place. Funny how I don't get any issue's from the drivers seat though !......

[deeen]

ed400 said:

Any ideas if any other seats fit straight in?

Cerbera seats fit straight in, same mountings. I have also seen Tuscan seats in a Chim, odnt know about the mountings.

[edward1]

Interesting, I am around 6' and also suffer back problems. The Chim is the only car I can drive when my back is causing pain. But I have to make sure the seating position is right. Some positions that for a short journey feel OK can start to cause problems. By playing around with a combination of back rest angle and seat position I generally find it possible to get very comfortable.

I will admit though that the seats could do with a little more lumbar support along with a lot more lateral support.

[mean'n'roofless]

Usually I have a very bad back and driving makes it much worse (usually a 406 driving sales rep) yet have just completed over 2000 miles in Scotland including driving from Lochinver to High Wycombe in one stretch with only one real break (a couple to fill up obviously).

My back has given me no pain all during the trip. Did a trip in France last year including a solid 11 hour run and had no problems with the back. All in all I would say that it's the comfiest I have been in for a long distance tour.

[mean'n'roofless]

However, who finds that resting your elbows on the door box edge gives you a dead arm from the edge of the door box pressing on your funny bone?

[tahiti450]

Have your seats got the inflatable lumbar cushions in them ( with the hose and pump bladder fron the inboard side). These are quite useful for getting the amount of lumbar support just right. As was said earlier you need to make sure the pedals are in the right place for YOU, and likewise the steering coulmn rake. Like everyone else it seems I have been very impressed with the levels of comfort.

Mean'n'roofless: Absolutely right , gets you just in the ulnar groove where the ulnar nerve sits and not pleasant. Some on e needs to come up with either: a trimmed padded cushion that sits in the door pocket there ; or even a padded hinged lid if, like me, you find that pocket very useful...

>> Edited by tahiti450 on Monday 26th July 13:47

[mean'n'roofless]

[quote=tahiti450
the ulnar groove where the ulnar nerve sits

>> Edited by tahiti450 on Monday 26th July 13:47[/quote]

Oh that's what it's called, at least I can say 'Oooh my ulnar groove is killing me

[tahiti450]

Oh, how I love jargon, makes life worth livin'(see, told you I was a real smart-arse...).

[WooHoo]

Pins and needles?

Oh! You must mean paraesthesiae... Now I understand!


Yep, you can never have too much jargon...

[UpTheIron]

Does you car have the improved seat squabs - from about 94/95 onwards IIRC?

I found my 93 Chim caused me back pain, but my 2000 Chim did not.

[tahiti450]

[quote=WooHoo]Pins and needles?

Oh! You must mean paraesthesiae... Now I understand!


But surely you mean paraesthesiA,... don't think you can have a plural of an adjective; like "my skull is numb" and "my fingers are numbs"