Paul_cavanna
New Member
- Posts
- 57
- Location
- Torquay
i have had a defender in the past, a 200tdi 110CSW that was a a total lemon sold to me by a very dodgy garage however i did fall in love with them and i am looking at getting a defender90 this time around as the LWB was more car than i really needed and it was a bit of a swine to take green laning what with its turning radii slightly less than that of the moon so im after something smaller like a 90 hardtop van. i got into and then out of a truck cab as there was no way i would fit comfortably ever.
now the issue i have, as many others have encountered is the lack of space behind the wheel for the larger amongst us and i am not sure what will be the most suitable option for me modification wise to make it practical for me at 5"6 with a very large build and a keg for a belly but i also have extremely short legs (27 inch) so the usual moving the seat up or back will, to me, seriously affect the comfortable driving position.
so far i am aware my options include:
1) part removal of the rear bulkhead replaced with a mudstuff removal bar possibly with the seat raisers as well.
Question. how much extra does this give me in real terms?
2) total removal of the bulkhead, i was shown such a modification at a localish garage on a clients vehicle and there appeared to be no support at all
questions
a) is this safe, legal and advisable?
b) will it get me much extra legroom considering the rear wheel boxes in comparison to the mudbar??
c) would a tubular support bar at tub level work instead of a bulkhead??
d) how does it affect carrying of stuff like scuba gear would a dog guard be advisable to prevent it joining me in the cab in the event of an accident
3) a smaller steering wheel. along the lines of 13-14 inch over the stock that i believe is 17 inches so simply making more space for belly to fit in
questions
a) does it affect the control of the vehicle much in any way? i never had any trouble in the 110 other than typical defender turn rad's
b) would either block the view of the console in a meaningful manner
i am also considering moving the handbrake from its present position to along side the cubby box with a RR classic handbrake for more leg room.
questions
a) again is this legal and safe
b) is it effective or just a faff for no real extra comfort
Many thanks for any replies
now the issue i have, as many others have encountered is the lack of space behind the wheel for the larger amongst us and i am not sure what will be the most suitable option for me modification wise to make it practical for me at 5"6 with a very large build and a keg for a belly but i also have extremely short legs (27 inch) so the usual moving the seat up or back will, to me, seriously affect the comfortable driving position.
so far i am aware my options include:
1) part removal of the rear bulkhead replaced with a mudstuff removal bar possibly with the seat raisers as well.
Question. how much extra does this give me in real terms?
2) total removal of the bulkhead, i was shown such a modification at a localish garage on a clients vehicle and there appeared to be no support at all
questions
a) is this safe, legal and advisable?
b) will it get me much extra legroom considering the rear wheel boxes in comparison to the mudbar??
c) would a tubular support bar at tub level work instead of a bulkhead??
d) how does it affect carrying of stuff like scuba gear would a dog guard be advisable to prevent it joining me in the cab in the event of an accident
3) a smaller steering wheel. along the lines of 13-14 inch over the stock that i believe is 17 inches so simply making more space for belly to fit in
questions
a) does it affect the control of the vehicle much in any way? i never had any trouble in the 110 other than typical defender turn rad's
b) would either block the view of the console in a meaningful manner
i am also considering moving the handbrake from its present position to along side the cubby box with a RR classic handbrake for more leg room.
questions
a) again is this legal and safe
b) is it effective or just a faff for no real extra comfort
Many thanks for any replies