Sprint door mirrors v tall people

STEVE5M · Post by **STEVE5M** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 8:57 pm

Having got the sprint on the road and the L-plates attached I took Junior out this afternoon. He is about 6ft 3" and in getting him settled in the car I was unable to find any position in which he can use both door mirrors. This is not a major problem because he can dip his head and his main lessons will be in a school car but I am interested to know if any of our taller sprint drivers have the same issue?

When he gets his ticket he is using this car as his daily driver so I will need to find a solution.

We had all the usual *problems* people have when driving a sud for the first time.
1. hitting the throttle instead of the brake

2. 4th to 3rd instead of 5th

3. Had the threat of 5th to reverse as well

4. Best of all. When emerging from the car he reminded me of alien1 when the alien has stowed on baord the escape module?

Overall he enjoyed it and did ok. I'd best not take him out in the dark!

Anyway, anyone tackled this problem?

Steve

Johnboy · Post by **Johnboy** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 9:45 pm

great report on the lesson

Veesix75 · Post by **Veesix75** » Sun Jan 11, 2015 7:15 pm

I'm (or was before old age shrank me) 6 foot.....I drove the sud almost laid down so shoulders level with the top of the door skin, knees wrapped around the sterring wheel. Not sure there is any other way for tall people.

Remind him not to drive it with massive shoes/boots on while learning.

Alfa_Japan · Post by **Alfa_Japan** » Sun Jan 11, 2015 8:43 pm

This is potentially a silly and meaningless suggestion, but couldn't you try with "clip on" mirrors which are used by people towing a caravan?

Your son has a great car to start his car life with, but be aware that once he'll be infected with the Sud virus there's no cure!!!!

STEVE5M · Post by **STEVE5M** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 12:37 am

V6-75. First thing I did was tell him to wear the slimmest shoes he has! Not easy for a size 12

Alfa_Japan. That is a bloody good suggestion! Thanks.

Alfasud1978 · Post by **Alfasud1978** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 8:10 am

I'm a 6ft 2" and solved the legroom problem by reversing (turning 180 degrees) the seat rail rear bolt stopping plates. As per attached photos.
BTW mine is a 1300 Super 1978 4dr but I believe seat arrangement is about the same.

Alfasud1978 · Post by **Alfasud1978** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 8:59 am

Following the above seat modifications and with the seat further back outside door mirrors are easier used. I have both originally fitted mirrors.

Hope above tips help your son's driving set-up.

STEVE5M · Post by **STEVE5M** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:05 am

Alfasus1978. - that is another great idea! I will try it. How easy / hard was it to flip the runners?

Alfasud1978 · Post by **Alfasud1978** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:23 am

Very simple. Just push fully forward the seat to give you easy access to the bolts and unscrew them enough to enable you lift the plates and turn them by 180 degrees.

STEVE5M · Post by **STEVE5M** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:36 am

Thanks! I have already removed the seats once before so I will have a go.

Alfasud1978 · Post by **Alfasud1978** » Mon Jan 12, 2015 10:49 am

You don't have to remove the seats or even unscrew the front rail bolts. Just the rear ones.

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