General: 140: - seat adjustment?

RoscoMac · Oct 22nd, 2007, 13:15

Hi

Just had the chance of buying a 140, but discovered that when test driving, my 36" legs can't wrap around the steering wheel. Anyone know if I can adapt the seat runners in someway to allow the seat to move further back? Would be gutted if can't get car, but no point if cant drive it. Its an auto, so managed on test drive with 1 foot per pedal.
Thanks
Ross.

Snowman · Oct 22nd, 2007, 13:36

I'd be amazed if you can't fit behind the wheel. Might be worth squirting some WD40 on the runners, they may just be gummed up and not moving as far as they should?

JIM C · Oct 22nd, 2007, 13:38

On an Amazon you can adjust the position of the runners to give more leg room. I had to do this on my Amazon. The 140 might be the same.

john h · Oct 22nd, 2007, 17:59

Buy it. You'll definitely fit in the car.

I am 6ft 5in, 36in leg and in my 164 (same interior room as 144) I am very comfortable.

The runners are probably jammed up with muck, need cleaning and greasing. But if not, the runners can be bolted in alternative positions. On my first 164, the driver's seat would slide back until it hit the rear seat, 7ft+ territiory. I couldn't even touch the pedals... and my legs were the same length back then!

So don't let this issue put you off.

Have fun!

John

Sundsvallsam · Oct 22nd, 2007, 22:38

The last owner of my 1972 144GL was somewhere in the mid 6' territory, and his solution was to replace the original steering wheel with a smaller 'Moto-Lita' type steering wheel. It doesn't make the already heavy 144 steering any easier. Strictly for appearances, I replaced the original - that big wheel is part of the whole '70s experience!

Regards.

RoscoMac · Oct 23rd, 2007, 13:52

Many thanks folks! Think it will be worth having another look....

What are your thoughts on garaging? Would it seriously affect a 37 year old car if I wasnt to garage it for a couple of years (given that it is currently minted!)?

Thanks

R.

JIM C · Oct 23rd, 2007, 14:01

Yes it would be better if it was garaged, but a compromise might be a suitable car cover and loads of waxoil.

john h · Oct 23rd, 2007, 19:57

Very thorough rust-proofing, make sure there are no water leaks (and keep checking) and very regular use - not just short journeys - and it should be OK.

John

DaveTrees · Oct 24th, 2007, 09:22

You can also adjust the height of the seats in 140s, which will help if your legs are hitting the wheel.

The rear front seat mounts (if that makes sense !) have 3 holes in them ..... move the mounting bolts to the bottom hole, and screw the front mount down to suit.

JIM C · Oct 26th, 2007, 20:22

If you buy the 140 post some pictures to make us envious.
Thanks

Oct 22nd, 2007, 13:15	#1
RoscoMac Scottish Section Chair Last Online: Yesterday 22:21 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ayrshire View Photos By: RoscoMac	seat adjustment? Hi Just had the chance of buying a 140, but discovered that when test driving, my 36" legs can't wrap around the steering wheel. Anyone know if I can adapt the seat runners in someway to allow the seat to move further back? Would be gutted if can't get car, but no point if cant drive it. Its an auto, so managed on test drive with 1 foot per pedal. Thanks Ross.

Oct 22nd, 2007, 13:38	#3
JIM C Forum Support Team Last Online: Jul 4th, 2021 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Scotland View Photos By: JIM C	On an Amazon you can adjust the position of the runners to give more leg room. I had to do this on my Amazon. The 140 might be the same. __________________

Oct 22nd, 2007, 22:38	#5
Sundsvallsam Volvo Owners Club Member Last Online: Apr 29th, 2012 23:34 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dublin	Tall 140 Drivers. The last owner of my 1972 144GL was somewhere in the mid 6' territory, and his solution was to replace the original steering wheel with a smaller 'Moto-Lita' type steering wheel. It doesn't make the already heavy 144 steering any easier. Strictly for appearances, I replaced the original - that big wheel is part of the whole '70s experience! Regards.

Oct 23rd, 2007, 14:01	#7
JIM C Forum Support Team Last Online: Jul 4th, 2021 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Scotland View Photos By: JIM C	Yes it would be better if it was garaged, but a compromise might be a suitable car cover and loads of waxoil. __________________

Oct 26th, 2007, 20:22	#10
JIM C Forum Support Team Last Online: Jul 4th, 2021 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Scotland View Photos By: JIM C	If you buy the 140 post some pictures to make us envious. Thanks __________________

Oct 22nd, 2007, 13:36	#2
Snowman never knowingly slow Last Online: Aug 8th, 2012 09:31 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: near Bath	I'd be amazed if you can't fit behind the wheel. Might be worth squirting some WD40 on the runners, they may just be gummed up and not moving as far as they should?

Oct 22nd, 2007, 17:59	#4
john h VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 08:16 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Huddersfield View Photos By: john h	Buy it. You'll definitely fit in the car. I am 6ft 5in, 36in leg and in my 164 (same interior room as 144) I am very comfortable. The runners are probably jammed up with muck, need cleaning and greasing. But if not, the runners can be bolted in alternative positions. On my first 164, the driver's seat would slide back until it hit the rear seat, 7ft+ territiory. I couldn't even touch the pedals... and my legs were the same length back then! So don't let this issue put you off. Have fun! John

Oct 23rd, 2007, 13:52	#6
RoscoMac Scottish Section Chair Last Online: Yesterday 22:21 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ayrshire View Photos By: RoscoMac	Many thanks folks! Think it will be worth having another look.... What are your thoughts on garaging? Would it seriously affect a 37 year old car if I wasnt to garage it for a couple of years (given that it is currently minted!)? Thanks R.

Oct 23rd, 2007, 19:57	#8
john h VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 08:16 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Huddersfield View Photos By: john h	Very thorough rust-proofing, make sure there are no water leaks (and keep checking) and very regular use - not just short journeys - and it should be OK. John

Oct 24th, 2007, 09:22	#9
DaveTrees New Member Last Online: Oct 24th, 2008 10:34 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: South Gippsland, Australia	You can also adjust the height of the seats in 140s, which will help if your legs are hitting the wheel. The rear front seat mounts (if that makes sense !) have 3 holes in them ..... move the mounting bolts to the bottom hole, and screw the front mount down to suit.

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