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Fit for tall driver interested in racing a type 65. In or near Denver
Hi. I'm just getting started in the consideration phase. I'm 6'4". If I buy a kit, I want to track it, maybe race it. So I'd like to get a clear idea if I fit with a helmet with safe clearance. If there are any owners in the Denver area willing to let a stranger just sit in their type 65 with a helmet on, I would greatly appreciate the consideration. I know there are many seat configs. I know I'd probably be in the Kirkey 55 seat set up. But even if you don't have this specific seat, I'd greatly getting a real feel for the Gen 3 cabin and measuring the space. I could approximate the delta between other seats and a Kirkey in the space.
Thank you.
Last edited by carlben; 11-30-2024 at 10:50 AM.
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Senior Member
I'm 5'11" with a long inseam (42") and you can see that I fit OK in the Coupe-R, which I'm sure is a bit tighter than a standard Coupe. I'm using my motorcycle helmet because it is larger than my racing helmets. Also, I don't have my Hans on in these photos and that will move my head forward just a bit. For road racing, the top of my helmet is too high, so I will have to adjust my seat into a more reclined position, right now it's mounted directly to the steel seat plate, so it will have to go forward and recline a bit - that's OK because there is plenty of room for my feet and the pedals to go forward, perhaps as much as 4". I will likely change the seat in any case as I want a better head surround.
Bottom line - you need to sit in one with your helmet on and adjust the seat, etc. to see how it can fit you. I'm in Seattle area, so not much help. Also climb out of one with your helmet on so you can bang your (helmeted) head on all the tubes!
Another interesting point is that with my head up that high, I could see over the hood - but I would not want to go lower. In fact, I lowered the instrument panel support tube 1.5" to facilitate a little better sight line.
IMG_8751.jpgIMG_8895.jpg
Jim Phoenix
Coupe-R delivered 8/10/2024
289 USRRC, F5R1011063RD - delivered same day
Coupe-R has a Ford Performance 363 mated to a TKX, 18084.
Many details on my Coupe-R are different from a typical Coupe build because mine is not street legal, race only.
289 has a BP 302 mated to a TKX 18084.
"For a little more, you can do it yourself." - Ed Hollingsworth... 6-Pack forums
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Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 1 Likes
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Senior Member
Here's a better side shot showing that my knees/shin can come up quite a bit before hitting that lower cross-tube under the steering shaft, so you could recline quite a bit more than I am in the photo. Primary restrictions will be that lower cross tube - so you could recline quite a bit IMO. Also, a lower profile helmet will help, my Arai racing helmet is about a 1/2" lower and not as wide as this one.
IMG_8740.jpg
Jim Phoenix
Coupe-R delivered 8/10/2024
289 USRRC, F5R1011063RD - delivered same day
Coupe-R has a Ford Performance 363 mated to a TKX, 18084.
Many details on my Coupe-R are different from a typical Coupe build because mine is not street legal, race only.
289 has a BP 302 mated to a TKX 18084.
"For a little more, you can do it yourself." - Ed Hollingsworth... 6-Pack forums
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Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 1 Likes
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Thanks.
Thanks Jim. Really appreciate the response and the pics.
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