mini seating position
Discussion
can anybody tell me if fitting the steering column lowering bracket hampers the driving position i'm about 5"11 and i've already fitted the seat extension brackets but it feels like i'm driving a go-cart from the back seat but i'm worried that if i grind off the old bracket and fit the new one the steering wheel is going to be sitting on me plums any suggestions
Firstly, you don't need to grind off the existing bracket - the steering drop brackets are attached to the existing mounting point and allow for some adjustability once fitted.
As far as the driving position goes, I much prefer the position with a drop bracket than without - the car feels like a much more modern car. There is probably an argument that it will lose some of its "mini-ness" by doing so, but as I said, I prefer it.
If you are struggling for legroom generally, I would consider some aftermarket seats. I run a set of Cobra Clubman 2's and they are fitted to the standard mounting points (i.e. I don't use a seat extension bracket). I'm 6'1" and I can tell you that with this setup, the Mini is the ONLY car I have ever driven where I don't need the seat as far back as it will physically go.
HTH
Edited to add: PS - welcome to PH - that's a nice Cooper you have there.
>> Edited by miniman on Friday 4th February 07:44
As far as the driving position goes, I much prefer the position with a drop bracket than without - the car feels like a much more modern car. There is probably an argument that it will lose some of its "mini-ness" by doing so, but as I said, I prefer it.
If you are struggling for legroom generally, I would consider some aftermarket seats. I run a set of Cobra Clubman 2's and they are fitted to the standard mounting points (i.e. I don't use a seat extension bracket). I'm 6'1" and I can tell you that with this setup, the Mini is the ONLY car I have ever driven where I don't need the seat as far back as it will physically go.
HTH
Edited to add: PS - welcome to PH - that's a nice Cooper you have there.
>> Edited by miniman on Friday 4th February 07:44
I'm 5'11 too (never quite made 6'.......), I've got a column drop bracket and had some steel seat extension brackets made (never liked the idea of 85kg worth of "me" held down by some 4mm perforated ali.......).
The car currently has the standard 14" steering wheel, the column is not dropped all the way, it's about half-way down. I can still get my legs under the wheel
It's a reasonable compromise, the seat still doesn't go back far enough for me as it hits the companion bin, but it's not half bad.
As suggested by MiniMan you could try some aftermarket seats if you've got really long legs, but you may have trouble reaching the gearshift if you haven't got really long arms to match !!
The car currently has the standard 14" steering wheel, the column is not dropped all the way, it's about half-way down. I can still get my legs under the wheel
It's a reasonable compromise, the seat still doesn't go back far enough for me as it hits the companion bin, but it's not half bad.
As suggested by MiniMan you could try some aftermarket seats if you've got really long legs, but you may have trouble reaching the gearshift if you haven't got really long arms to match !!
thanks for getting back intouch i think i'll have a go at fitting it i may also consider the after market seats but to be honest i like the originals with the chrome headrest pillers as for the point about the gear stick i might have to fit one of those gear stick extensions off the 1960 original coopers but that might be like changing gear with my knuckles scraping on the roof lining but hey thats minis for you
cheers again fatspud
cheers again fatspud
I'm 6' and I use a Corbeau on the seat sub frame they supply. I always drop the column a bit and although it can be a bit of a squeeze getting in and out, once you're in the driving position is superb. On my Enduro car I use Sparco 'REV' seats on fixed brackets with side bolts and a column dropper. To adjust the seat you have to unbolt it, and then you can only adjust for height and rake, so the fore and aft position is not adjustabe easily. Fine for rallying. I find the Corbeau/Cobra (effectively identical, I think) more comfortable, but the Sparco 'Rev' is lighter at only 5.7 kg per seat. They are very slightly too narow for my wide a**e, but do really hold you in and rough tracks. For belts I use 4-point full harness with aircraft type buckles.
What's up? I'm 6'3 and there is no problem with the standard seats, admittedly, the bottom has dropped out of it and I'm sat on the floor, but it drives OK.
I thought the whole crux of owning a mini was the "racehorse" driving position.
I have fitted a drop bracket on the 66 (as that's what people do) and it feels odd. I have a spangly old skool motolita wheel which hasn't improved things, it beats the bus wheel but I reckon the mini seat/driving position with a slightly smaller wheel is the go. I have learned to hang onto my seat with my elbows (if you know what I mean). I reckon it is the hallmark of a spirited mini driver.
Mini's are great aren't they!
I thought the whole crux of owning a mini was the "racehorse" driving position.
I have fitted a drop bracket on the 66 (as that's what people do) and it feels odd. I have a spangly old skool motolita wheel which hasn't improved things, it beats the bus wheel but I reckon the mini seat/driving position with a slightly smaller wheel is the go. I have learned to hang onto my seat with my elbows (if you know what I mean). I reckon it is the hallmark of a spirited mini driver. Mini's are great aren't they!
Yes go for it, much nicer with the drop bracket.
By coincidence i'm also 5'11" and in my old min I had that same setup. Slightly different now though, i've got my seats (cobra suzuka's) rigidly mounted on the floor behind the crossmember, and I welded in another peice of rollcage behind the dash which the steering collumn now hangs off, its much lower and feels much better.
By coincidence i'm also 5'11" and in my old min I had that same setup. Slightly different now though, i've got my seats (cobra suzuka's) rigidly mounted on the floor behind the crossmember, and I welded in another peice of rollcage behind the dash which the steering collumn now hangs off, its much lower and feels much better.
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