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Old 06-14-2020, 07:37 AM   #1
Steve_Mack_CT
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Default Tips for shorter drivers

This weekend my wife took her first Model A driving lesson. She did great but at 5" 1" reaching pedals has been a challenge. We are looking at options, anyone got any tricks to share here? Thanks!
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Old 06-14-2020, 09:54 AM   #2
Ray in La Mesa
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

A quick & easy solution is to put a pillow behind her back till you figure out a more permanent way.
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Old 06-14-2020, 10:12 AM   #3
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My 5' 3" wife has to use a pillow too.
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Old 06-14-2020, 12:38 PM   #4
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

I think the term is not short but vertically challenged
Gerry Birch Bay WA
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Old 06-14-2020, 01:56 PM   #5
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

Most want more room, move the seat forward, modify the mounts.
Paul in CT
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Old 06-14-2020, 02:14 PM   #6
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

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Good time to buy a roadster pickup. They're tight. You can say it is for her.
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Old 06-14-2020, 02:49 PM   #7
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

That’s a great idea! [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]


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Old 06-14-2020, 06:05 PM   #8
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

My trouble and strife (wife) is just under 5' tall in the old talk and drives my Phaeton well. Her only challenge is reaching the starter button. She uses no cushion on the seat but I have adjusted the clutch and brake to work near the top.
It a cushion is not enough, I suggest attaching a block to the pedals.
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Old 06-14-2020, 07:24 PM   #9
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

The nice thing about some of the body styles is that they cater very nicely to short folks because the average height back then was shorter. Works better in an open car rather than a tudor or a fordor but as stated, modifications can be made to the seat brackets.
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Old 06-14-2020, 07:50 PM   #10
Steve_Mack_CT
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

Thanks all, roadster, so I am not sure we have too many options movong the seat. Blocking is an option, we'll see. I think we are going to do the following: replace seat springs as they are really soft. Look at pillows or cushions, and buy pedal pads (very minor, but every bit helps..) & go from there.
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Old 06-14-2020, 08:09 PM   #11
Don Cape Cod
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

I've lost over 4 1/2 " in height over the last 10 years. Biggest annoyance was the starter. Reworked starter to a stud with a solenoid start button. Lowered rearview mirror, raised the seat, in my '30 daily driver coupe. Biggest problem is just clambering aboard with two knee replacements some 35 yeas ago.
Uncle Don now of Franklin NH
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Old 06-15-2020, 10:19 AM   #12
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

check out the pedal at 2:20

https://youtu.be/McA6bWhuZ8o
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Old 06-16-2020, 12:48 AM   #13
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Cape Cod View Post
I've lost over 4 1/2 " in height over the last 10 years. Biggest annoyance was the starter. Reworked starter to a stud with a solenoid start button. Lowered rearview mirror, raised the seat, in my '30 daily driver coupe. Biggest problem is just clambering aboard with two knee replacements some 35 yeas ago.
Uncle Don now of Franklin NH
I just had a knee replacement this past January. The other one gets done in July. Not looking forward to getting back into my '31 CCPU.
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Old 06-16-2020, 04:31 AM   #14
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlG View Post
I just had a knee replacement this past January. The other one gets done in July. Not looking forward to getting back into my '31 CCPU.
A close friend had both Knees done 10 months ago. He still is not close to getting into his CCPU. Unfortunately I think it will soon be for sale.
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Old 06-16-2020, 07:59 AM   #15
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

Quote:
I just had a knee replacement this past January. The other one gets done in July. Not looking forward to getting back into my '31 CCPU.

I'll volunteer to bring your truck to GA and keep it exercised for you...


TOB
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Old 06-19-2020, 09:24 PM   #16
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Default Re: Tips for shorter drivers

My wife also just uses a seat cushion in our '31 roadster. Keep things simple.

Glen
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