<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2><TABLE width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-TOP: 4px" vAlign=top colSpan=2>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Shifter shortening....<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 9 1999 at 7:51 PM[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<SCRIPT language=Javascript> <!-- var n54_em; n54_em = ""; n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "t";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "@";n54_em = n54_em + "c";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "x";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "l";n54_em = n54_em + "b";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "y";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "d";n54_em = n54_em + "u"; document.write("Doc"); // --> </SCRIPT>Doc <NOSCRIPT> Doc </NOSCRIPT> [/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=bottom colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Hey, it seems to me that the shifter on my X is a little too long (ie: the bar that the knob connects to). I was considering having a couple of inches machined off. Has anyone done this? Any reasons why I shouldn't (other than preservation of originality)? I think it would look much better if it were just barely coming up out of the shift boot, and would probably feel more natural in my hand as well (also adding a new shift knob would help... I hate the square, clunky stock one!).
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Doc<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Author[/FONT]</TD><TD>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Reply[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width="17.9%">[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Mac[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Have you looked under the stock one?<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 9 1999, 8:30 PM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Hi Doc,
I have the stock shifter in my '80. I kinda like it, but it is an acquired taste - most folks love 'em or hate 'em. Anyway, if you unscrew the knob you'll notice the actual shaft is a good bit shorter already. Try a small round knob (more like the old 1300 Xs had) and see if that is good enough to suit you. Go in stages. If that's not low enough, you could machine the end down a little, but I don't know wether that would actually create a shorter throw, or just give the impression of having one. I am no pro here, but I saw an article once on converting manual shifters for a shorter throw, and they discussed a custom shift lever with screw-like threads machined into it right where the pivot ball is normally located on a stock shift lever. Then they make a ball, drill and thread it to fit the lever, and what you then would have is a totally adjustable lever - you could twist the arm around not only to change the length of the shifter inside the car, but also (and at the same time) be altering the length exposed down inside the "tranny hump" thus really affecting the range of motion that you have to cover to get from gear to gear...
BUT that's all theory based on what I read. So I am unsure wether some mod like that would be worthwhile. Who knows? I know there is a company someplace manufacturing those things, perhaps we could locate one pre-fab that would be 'close enough' of a fit to try it out? I don't know offhand the diameter of the "ball" on the X shift lever. -Mac.
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width="17.9%">[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<SCRIPT language=Javascript> <!-- var n54_em; n54_em = ""; n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "t";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "@";n54_em = n54_em + "c";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "x";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "l";n54_em = n54_em + "b";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "y";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "d";n54_em = n54_em + "u"; document.write("Doc"); // --> </SCRIPT>Doc <NOSCRIPT> Doc </NOSCRIPT>[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->shifter<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 10 1999, 7:08 AM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Yup, I did look under the stock one...
I'm not looking for a shorter throw, but rather I feel like I really have to reach for the knob... I want one that is a bit closer to where my hand is naturally in the driving position. I suppose my size doesn't help either... I'm a tall, big guy, so I am really crammed into the car to start with. Anything that would be an added creature comfort by not requiring me to move around is a +
I'll spring for a cheap smaller knob first, and see if it helps. If you happen to come across the company you were talking about, let me know.
Cheers,
Doc<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width="17.9%">[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<SCRIPT language=Javascript> <!-- var n54_em; n54_em = ""; n54_em = n54_em + "g";n54_em = n54_em + "_";n54_em = n54_em + "d";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "p";n54_em = n54_em + "r";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "o";n54_em = n54_em + "i";n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "i";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "@";n54_em = n54_em + "j";n54_em = n54_em + "p";n54_em = n54_em + "u";n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + " ";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "c";n54_em = n54_em + "o";n54_em = n54_em + "m"; document.write("Gilles"); // --> </SCRIPT>Gilles <NOSCRIPT> Gilles </NOSCRIPT>[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 45px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Cut the bugger!!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 10 1999, 3:28 PM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 45px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Hi Doc:
About seven or + years, I did cut the gearshift lever and I didn't use a fancy machine shop, I simply saw 3" off it with a hacksaw.
The knob I installed didn't required any treads
to be attached to the lever it just slipped into the lever and it was held in place by an allen screw,I think it depends of the type or knob you have.
I personally liked the looks much better and it did shorten the throw required somehow.
I regards to the room inside you X1/9. I read about a mod in the C. Obert site and it worked great for me, I am about 6,2"
Just remove the plastic cover underneath the steering column, loose the two nuts that hold the steering column into the dash, and remove the other two mounting bolts, then just insert a couple of washers between the steering column and the braket that holds the steering column into the car, (this will pivot the steering column upwards at the other end), reinstall again the two bolts (trough the washers)and tighten again the two nuts, I just used a couple of washers and the steering wheel moved about 3/4 of an inch away from my tights!.
A little bit of patience is required but definitely worth it (I been driving X1/9's for 17 years and I just find out!!) Good luck, Gilles
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width="17.9%">[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]Mac[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 60px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->'Big & Tall' mods<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 10 1999, 7:49 PM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 60px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Gilles, that is a great mod! I have heard of a couple of them also such as fitting the older 1300 seats and/or cener console to a 1500 to increase interior space (the 1300s center console was slightly narrower, and the seats were not so thickly padded as the 1500s)
Another great one if you don't want to alter the stock appearance of the car is to remove the "skin" (the cover material) from the seat and filet off a piece of the cusioning pads inside the seat. Then you replace the 'skin' and voila! The skin will obviously be a little looser, but you can draw the slack in under the seat, and it provides a good deal more leg and waist room in the car without changing the appearance of the interior. I have seen this mod done (Mark Plaia did a good job of this on his car) and I had to do a doubletake to see that anything had been changed at all.
There are lots of other good big/tall mods too, like seat rail alterations etc, some more severe mods involving cutting. That steering wheel trick is great though, and alone can make a noticable difference. -Mac.
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
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[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width="17.9%">[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<SCRIPT language=Javascript> <!-- var n54_em; n54_em = ""; n54_em = n54_em + "g";n54_em = n54_em + "r";n54_em = n54_em + "8";n54_em = n54_em + "x";n54_em = n54_em + "t";n54_em = n54_em + "c";n54_em = n54_em + "@";n54_em = n54_em + "g";n54_em = n54_em + "t";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "t"; document.write("Mike Mittelstead"); // --> </SCRIPT>Mike Mittelstead <NOSCRIPT> Mike Mittelstead </NOSCRIPT>[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 75px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Untitled<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 11 1999, 9:31 PM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 75px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->I never even sat in my '79 X until I went to drive
it on it's maiden voyage (after hibernating for
14 years). Got in and found there was noway I could drive the car. I'd been in 1300 cars with no
problem, but the minor differences in the 1500
car where enough to cause a big fitment problem.
I did the steering column bit...not enough.
I did the seat cushion filet...not enough.
Finally, I notched the seat frame around the
seat belt retractor so I could slide the seat
2" further back...that did the trick. The later
Bertones have the seat belt retractor relocated
so this mod is not needed on those cars.
Later on, I got a chance to drive Ulix' X with the
smaller steering wheel. Even though I fit in
1300 cars OK, the smaller wheel gives alot more
room. MM<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
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[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 9 1999 at 7:51 PM[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<SCRIPT language=Javascript> <!-- var n54_em; n54_em = ""; n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "t";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "@";n54_em = n54_em + "c";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "s";n54_em = n54_em + "v";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "x";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "l";n54_em = n54_em + "b";n54_em = n54_em + "a";n54_em = n54_em + "n";n54_em = n54_em + "y";n54_em = n54_em + ".";n54_em = n54_em + "e";n54_em = n54_em + "d";n54_em = n54_em + "u"; document.write("Doc"); // --> </SCRIPT>Doc <NOSCRIPT> Doc </NOSCRIPT> [/FONT]</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=bottom colSpan=3><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=3>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Hey, it seems to me that the shifter on my X is a little too long (ie: the bar that the knob connects to). I was considering having a couple of inches machined off. Has anyone done this? Any reasons why I shouldn't (other than preservation of originality)? I think it would look much better if it were just barely coming up out of the shift boot, and would probably feel more natural in my hand as well (also adding a new shift knob would help... I hate the square, clunky stock one!).
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Doc<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Have you looked under the stock one?<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 9 1999, 8:30 PM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Hi Doc,
I have the stock shifter in my '80. I kinda like it, but it is an acquired taste - most folks love 'em or hate 'em. Anyway, if you unscrew the knob you'll notice the actual shaft is a good bit shorter already. Try a small round knob (more like the old 1300 Xs had) and see if that is good enough to suit you. Go in stages. If that's not low enough, you could machine the end down a little, but I don't know wether that would actually create a shorter throw, or just give the impression of having one. I am no pro here, but I saw an article once on converting manual shifters for a shorter throw, and they discussed a custom shift lever with screw-like threads machined into it right where the pivot ball is normally located on a stock shift lever. Then they make a ball, drill and thread it to fit the lever, and what you then would have is a totally adjustable lever - you could twist the arm around not only to change the length of the shifter inside the car, but also (and at the same time) be altering the length exposed down inside the "tranny hump" thus really affecting the range of motion that you have to cover to get from gear to gear...
BUT that's all theory based on what I read. So I am unsure wether some mod like that would be worthwhile. Who knows? I know there is a company someplace manufacturing those things, perhaps we could locate one pre-fab that would be 'close enough' of a fit to try it out? I don't know offhand the diameter of the "ball" on the X shift lever. -Mac.
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->shifter<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 10 1999, 7:08 AM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 30px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Yup, I did look under the stock one...
I'm not looking for a shorter throw, but rather I feel like I really have to reach for the knob... I want one that is a bit closer to where my hand is naturally in the driving position. I suppose my size doesn't help either... I'm a tall, big guy, so I am really crammed into the car to start with. Anything that would be an added creature comfort by not requiring me to move around is a +
I'll spring for a cheap smaller knob first, and see if it helps. If you happen to come across the company you were talking about, let me know.
Cheers,
Doc<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 45px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Cut the bugger!!<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 10 1999, 3:28 PM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 45px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Hi Doc:
About seven or + years, I did cut the gearshift lever and I didn't use a fancy machine shop, I simply saw 3" off it with a hacksaw.
The knob I installed didn't required any treads
to be attached to the lever it just slipped into the lever and it was held in place by an allen screw,I think it depends of the type or knob you have.
I personally liked the looks much better and it did shorten the throw required somehow.
I regards to the room inside you X1/9. I read about a mod in the C. Obert site and it worked great for me, I am about 6,2"
Just remove the plastic cover underneath the steering column, loose the two nuts that hold the steering column into the dash, and remove the other two mounting bolts, then just insert a couple of washers between the steering column and the braket that holds the steering column into the car, (this will pivot the steering column upwards at the other end), reinstall again the two bolts (trough the washers)and tighten again the two nuts, I just used a couple of washers and the steering wheel moved about 3/4 of an inch away from my tights!.
A little bit of patience is required but definitely worth it (I been driving X1/9's for 17 years and I just find out!!) Good luck, Gilles
<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial] [/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 60px" vAlign=top><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->'Big & Tall' mods<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 10 1999, 7:49 PM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 60px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->Gilles, that is a great mod! I have heard of a couple of them also such as fitting the older 1300 seats and/or cener console to a 1500 to increase interior space (the 1300s center console was slightly narrower, and the seats were not so thickly padded as the 1500s)
Another great one if you don't want to alter the stock appearance of the car is to remove the "skin" (the cover material) from the seat and filet off a piece of the cusioning pads inside the seat. Then you replace the 'skin' and voila! The skin will obviously be a little looser, but you can draw the slack in under the seat, and it provides a good deal more leg and waist room in the car without changing the appearance of the interior. I have seen this mod done (Mark Plaia did a good job of this on his car) and I had to do a doubletake to see that anything had been changed at all.
There are lots of other good big/tall mods too, like seat rail alterations etc, some more severe mods involving cutting. That steering wheel trick is great though, and alone can make a noticable difference. -Mac.
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[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial][/FONT]</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]September 11 1999, 9:31 PM [/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 75px">
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial]<!-- google_ad_section_start -->I never even sat in my '79 X until I went to drive
it on it's maiden voyage (after hibernating for
14 years). Got in and found there was noway I could drive the car. I'd been in 1300 cars with no
problem, but the minor differences in the 1500
car where enough to cause a big fitment problem.
I did the steering column bit...not enough.
I did the seat cushion filet...not enough.
Finally, I notched the seat frame around the
seat belt retractor so I could slide the seat
2" further back...that did the trick. The later
Bertones have the seat belt retractor relocated
so this mod is not needed on those cars.
Later on, I got a chance to drive Ulix' X with the
smaller steering wheel. Even though I fit in
1300 cars OK, the smaller wheel gives alot more
room. MM<!-- google_ad_section_end -->
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