I'm short and I want an Elise!

[Mrs Trackside]

I'm 5 foot tall and I want a sports car!! [pic]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/PenelopePitstop/Smileys/furious.gif[/pic]

I've tried a VX220,[pic]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/PenelopePitstop/Smileys/E-/embarrassed.gif[/pic] and I can reach the pedals, but because of the seat fixed in a reclined position, I can't see over the steering wheel!

So. Is an Elise the same as the Vauxhall and if so, how feasible is it to fit replacement seats with adjustable backrests?

We're considering an Elan M100 because it's the only thing so far that fits, but I want something with more balls!! [pic]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/PenelopePitstop/Smileys/flirtysmile4.gif[/pic]

[Mutant Rat]

The seat runners are pretty simple, and are mounted on a flat floor, so the bottom line is that if you can find a seat that physically fits, fabricating a subframe for it isn't a big problem. Try looking through the catalogues of people like Europa Spares or Demon Tweeks (or better still, visit the showrooms and try the seat for comfort), and the chances are you'll find something with a 'universal' subframe which will do the job, anyway.

If you can't find a suitable subframe off the shelf and haven't got a boyfriend with a MIG welder, then any company which manufactures or assembles kit cars should be able to knock something up, perfectly easily. Ask around on the kit cars forum, if it comes to that.

Adjustable backrest should be easy enough, if you just want an upright seating position, but finding a low profile, height adjustable subframe might be difficult if you want a taller b/f or husband to be able to drive the car, but want to be able to raise the seat for yourself.

[mustard]

First things first, an M100 has a lot more grunt than a 120bhp 'regular' Elise past 60mph

but if you really want an Elise one of these products may help you

www.grouplotus.com/car/car_aftsales_trimlist.php?pageID=2

[gooby]

Wooo hooo, beat you to it Davey!!

[ajk]

My Mrs is 5ft and manages just fine with a bolster seat.
Details in my post here:
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=197315&f=15&h=0

[Davey S1]

gooby said:

Wooo hooo, beat you to it Davey!!

B@stard!!!!

[tonyhetherington]

I think it's mentioned in another thread too, but if you take out the seat, and swop the seat runners around (i.e. make the back the front), it buys you a couple of inches of travel further forward.

Or, go for those shoes above which Davey likes to wear on Saturday nights. And people have to call him Davina.

[rfoster]

The Elan is a great fund car too, easier to get in & out of but not as focused as the Elise. Hope you find something you like (As long as it's a Lotus!)
Good luck,
Richard

[Lawrence5]

Original owner of my car had the factory knock up a full length booster seat in the same trim as the car complete with embossed Lotus sign. Helped her to reach the pedals and see where she was going. If you post an email I'll take a pic for you.....

[Mrs Trackside]

Those shoes could come in handy for everyday wear, do they do them in black?