Will i physically fit in a type 65 ??????

[BDRAG]

Hello all,

I just joined the forum. I know, I know, another NEW GUY! LOL!

I want to build a Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe. There is one big hurtle I must cross before I go on my money, place to build and wife battle. WILL I PHYSICALLY FIT IN ONE?

I am 6.0 tall and a svelte 315 lbs. currently. I have tiny size 14 EE feet! I am on a physical plan have lost 15 lbs. in the last 2-1/2 months and hope to be down to 300 lbs. by the end of July. Yes July 2021! LOL! The real down size goal is 275-280 by Christmas 2021. We currently own a 2017 C7 and I fit just fine in it. I do draw a small crowd now and then when people see me go to get in the Vett. LOL!

So my FIRST REAL QUESTION. Is there anyone in the Dallas / Ft Worth / North Texas area than would be willing to show me there Type 65 Coupe and let me see if I can physically slide in and can crawl out. I plan on using the basic race seats which look to be the least cumbersome type seat in the many photos I have seen. I think any large bolsters would make it very hard to get in.

Please feel free to contact me and I can get you my contact info.

Thanks all,

BDRAG

[UpNorth]

Hi and welcome!
It’s the best idea to go see by yourself if you fit in.
Almost everybody say it’s a little « entertaining » to see people get in and out of a Coupe.
Keep us posted!

[Chris @ Forma]

I am 5'10" 235 lbs and 63 years young. I don't move as gracefully as I once did so I can tell you that there is no graceful way to enter or exit. That being said once you are in you will be having so much fun, you won't want to leave. For you the seat will be key to ensuring you fit comfortably. Your height should not be a problem, however you may want to wear race shoes. Foot length should be okay however shoe width could be an issue. If you are considering an automatic, then eliminating the clutch pedal can be a big help. I recommend finding someone who has a coupe in your area for a test fit. Hope this is helpful.

[BDRAG]

Hello Chris,

Finding an owner near by or even within a days drive would be GREAT! Exactly what I am hinting at in this thread. So not really wanting an automatic but if that was the only way I can get my feet wrapped around this thing, I could live with it. Just hate what a loud machine makes with an automatic verses a manual. Although the trans in my C7 does not sound like an old Chevelle or Camaro with an automatic. I hate the old slipping and slow to hook up noise. From a driving stand point, I am not building a track day car. Ill explain more about why I want to build this in another thread down the road if, IF and when I see if I can fit.

Thanks for your reply.

Marc

[BDRAG]

Hello Upnorth,

When I wad up to get in the Vett, I first try and find a spot where I can open the door at least 1/2 way. I open the door, start my decent with my back to the car. As I descend I place my right arm above the elbow to the the mid point of the windshield post. I then place my left hand on the back edge of the door opening as I continue down. Once my behind touches down in the seat I am half way in. I then grab the steering wheel with my right hand and sit and spin pulling one leg in at a time.

I look like a ballerina in a slow controlled death spiral! LOL! Only takes about 3 or 4 seconds from start to finish with a slam of the door. LOL! I think many years crawling around inside of airplanes and being around a martial arts family up into my 40's also helps. Now I didn't say it don't hurt a little.

Getting out is more graceful. I open the dorr, again as wide as possible, spin the legs out one at a time, plant my arm on the windshield pillar again, place my left hand on the seat bolster and rise up like like I was getting out of my recliner. I then straighten out my clothing that is now a wreck with a few tugs and pats and slam the door closed. LOL! No I have not videoed this yet! LOL!

Marc

[edwardb]

Welcome to the madness. I finished my Gen 3 Coupe just over a year ago and drove it about 2,000 miles last season. Build thread in my sig line below. We love it. I'm very average size, so that's not an issue. Guys your size can make it work. But you'll need to be very selective about the seats you choose. There's also some flexibility with the pedals. You'll want to be get creative with shoes. Many go to a narrow racing shoe. Highly recommend including a quick release steering wheel in your plan. Makes a huge difference for getting in and out. Speaking of that, probably the biggest challenge for most. Takes practice, but once you figure out your own technique it's doable. Good luck.

[BDRAG]

Hello edwardb.

I have been poking around the forum tonight just filling my head with all the classic beauty of this car. Your name is all over the board so I feel blessed that you are posting me. LOL! Really!

In my intro, I mentioned in my younger days I work in a shop and the owner had a 73 Lotus Europa. The ONLY way I could drive it was in my socks or bare footed. I bet there was not 12 inches of foot well width in that car. I literally had to wrap my toes around any of the peddles to operate them. If I remember back that 44 years correctly, the peddles all pivoted below the foot pad.

Chris pointed out the option of an automatic for foot room. I would do that but only if it was my last option. Most of the time in my last 5 years I wear sandals, I mean wear them 99% of the time. My feet are also flat, I mean so flat I suck to the shower floor flat. LOL! We own a 2015 Ford Explorer. On occasion my feet get hung up under the dash because of my shoe length. Now if I have to find me a shoe maker to fabricate a set of moccasin's, I'm good with that. LOL! Are there racing shoes in my size? 14 W I D E? So this is why I need to find someone within a days drive, hell, two days drive that would let me sit in theirs.

This brings us back to seats. Looking at the FFR website, it looks like a set of the original low back seats, the ones that look terribly uncomfortable, the flat bottom ones not the ones with a crotch peak would be the best fit as far as giving me the most room to get in and out. Again, an in person try is probably the best thing.

Why don't you drive down here and let me try yours. You need another road trip! LOL! I'll cook the brisket!

Marc

[jwhit]

im 6ft and 260 i have no problems getting in or out with out removable wheel but im sure it never looks graceful and it did take several times to come up with best exit and enter processes
also i have wide feet so i had to buy a pair of racing shoes just for driving ,there is only some much you can do in pedal box section . i used the standard roadster seat and there another seat
may work better with removable wheel .

[BDRAG]

jwhit,

Sounds encouraging. I have started to get some action on my hunt for a local owner so I can try a test fit. Fingers crossed. I see you mentioned standard roadster seat. Is that the low type? I guess I could go look for myself. LOL! Thanks again for your info......

BDRAG

[BDRAG]

I went and looked at the standard roadster seats. Yes, I figger that's the one I was going to shoot for. More butt room and no issues getting in the way of the door opening. Thanks...

BDRAG

[Shakey]

Hey BDRAG,

I am in the same stage of my Coupe build plan as you. I recently found a local builder that just finished a Gen 3 Coupe. He was a super nice guy and let me sit in it to see if I can fit. I am 6' 4'' about 210lbs and once I am in the car I fit great. There was plenty of leg room and I had about an inch and a half of head room to spare. I was really surprised about the amount of leg room as i have longer legs and a shorter torso. The coupe I sat in had the Kirkey race seats in it bolted to the floor.

Like everyone else mentioned, getting in and out is like watching a baby giraffe walk for the first time. With time I am sure the entry and exit will be more graceful. Hope this helps.

V/R

Shakey

[cob427sc]

I'm 70 but was in my early 60's when I built my Gen 1 coupe. 6'-2" and a svelte 240 at the time. Getting in for me was not a problem, getting out after a long drive was more of a show. I had the stock low back seats which were comfortable for me. Pedals are tight (size 12 shoe) but the Gen # may be different. Biggest issue for me was sneaking my head under the roll cage to exit. Definitely you should go and sit in one and maybe a couple if they have different seats to try.

[BDRAG]

shakey,

Oh for sure I have to squish into one for real before I pull the trigger for a long term project, lots of old man bruise on arms and legs and the possible divorce if I decide to take the plunge. What kinda sucks is that I do NOT think my wife who is only 5.6 tall would ever be able to get in and out. She struggles to exit the vett. She has bad of knees as I do and then she has a real lame shoulder and upper arm injury from years back that really limits her mobility.

I sort of wish she would let the Vett go while its still got value. Its a 2017 with only 4000 miles on it. I could build a REAL NICE COUPE with the cash! LOL!

BDRAG

[BDRAG]

cob427sc,

I would for sure go with the roadster seats without the crotch divider hump thingy. Less back to get in the way.

The hardest thing I have ever tried to get in then out of was a URAL. Side car old school WWII type bike. A local shop sells them new. I think Russian built? Anyway I pulled up out back on my bike and was waiting on a friend who worked there to come out and say HI! So I'm standing around and after about 10 minutes I start walking the back lot. Lo and behold there is this new URAL. I look around, don't see anyone so I hop on and try the seating out. Way to small for this guy. Then for some dumb reason I decided to step in the side car and wiggle down in.

Now once in the seat I was good and it had a grab handle and everything was padded where it needed to be. SO then I try, TRY and get out of the thing. I could not bend my knees enough to get a heel to grab the floor. I got my hands under my butt and was able to get an elbow on the rear fender and shock mount. Then scooched up a tad and I was able to finally get my hips even with the edge of the side car. I then just flopped out to the right onto my right palm and then was able to wiggle and slide my butt over the edge and free one leg and then just slide out onto the ground on my butt with both feet still in the side car. Now it took longer to do this than it did to type this! LOL!

So there I am, on my butt, legs in the side car and I look around to see if anyone is watching. YEEE HAWWW! No one is around so I just scooched and bounced back away from the side car on my butt until my legs and feet were free. Then I roll over onto my knees and grobble to my feet. Oh, did I mention it was 100 degrees out? LOL! NEVER AGAIN!

My friend finally came out. He asked, why are you all sweaty and dirty? I told him what had happened. He told me I would probably make the security camera high lite DVD! LOL!

BDRAG

[FracAG1980]

Hey BDRAG,

I am in the same stage of my Coupe build plan as you. I recently found a local builder that just finished a Gen 3 Coupe. He was a super nice guy and let me sit in it to see if I can fit. I am 6' 4'' about 210lbs and once I am in the car I fit great. There was plenty of leg room and I had about an inch and a half of head room to spare. I was really surprised about the amount of leg room as i have longer legs and a shorter torso. The coupe I sat in had the Kirkey race seats in it bolted to the floor.

Like everyone else mentioned, getting in and out is like watching a baby giraffe walk for the first time. With time I am sure the entry and exit will be more graceful. Hope this helps.

V/R

Shakey

I am glad to hear you say this Shakey. I am 6'5" with long legs and was worried more about knees jamming the dash than sitting height as this is usually my problem. I am worried about the footbox space as I have 13 4E feet. Always worried about still pushing the accelerator when pushing the brake, but that might not be as much of a problem if my legs aren't jammed. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and support in this forum. Looking forward to getting my hands busy on a build.

FracAG1980 (steve)

[JohnMac]

Hello all,

I just joined the forum. I know, I know, another NEW GUY! LOL!

I want to build a Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe. There is one big hurtle I must cross before I go on my money, place to build and wife battle. WILL I PHYSICALLY FIT IN ONE?

I am 6.0 tall and a svelte 315 lbs. currently. I have tiny size 14 EE feet! I am on a physical plan have lost 15 lbs. in the last 2-1/2 months and hope to be down to 300 lbs. by the end of July. Yes July 2021! LOL! The real down size goal is 275-280 by Christmas 2021. We currently own a 2017 C7 and I fit just fine in it. I do draw a small crowd now and then when people see me go to get in the Vett. LOL!

So my FIRST REAL QUESTION. Is there anyone in the Dallas / Ft Worth / North Texas area than would be willing to show me there Type 65 Coupe and let me see if I can physically slide in and can crawl out. I plan on using the basic race seats which look to be the least cumbersome type seat in the many photos I have seen. I think any large bolsters would make it very hard to get in.

Please feel free to contact me and I can get you my contact info.

Thanks all,

BDRAG
Hello Bdrag, just read your questions and thought I’d chime in. We’re building a gen1 coupe and like you I started to look at all the posts for inspiration. I found a couple of really good build sites, Edwardb’s and Matt Twarog’s being quite good. I’m not your size yet, 5’11”, 210lbs, size 8.5 foot, and 75 years old. I had a chance to drive another coupe of the same vintage and found the seating position with the roadster seats quite comfortable. I’d ordered a Corbeau’s seat and after trying to fit it into the driver’s side cockpit have gone back to the roadster seats which work better. I’m not sure how much different the gen2 and 3 coupes are but I understand FF5 improved them. The foot box in our car isn’t that small and it helps to really adjust the pedals properly.
I just read that F1 driver George Russell who substituted for Lewis Hamilton who had tested positive for the virus, had to go a size down on his shoes to fit Hamilton’s foot box!
Like others have suggested, it would be a good idea to find someone who’s willing to let you try one out. From my own experience I think you might have an issue with folding yourself up like a pretzel. The coupe sits low and the distance between the door sill and roll bar is limited. Of course if you’re in great physical shape, go for it!

[MyBucketList]

Glad to read this string. I keep hearing "are you sure you can fit in a one of those". There is lots of encouragement to find someone who has one and get a chance to sit in it to confirm. I get the sentiment and would love to do that if I could... but I don't see many in the area near me so the opportunities are limiting. Glad to see Shakey's comments, though. I too am about 6'4" (mostly legs) and run around 205 lbs. Makes me feels good that even if I don't get to do a "fit test" it is still pretty likely I'd be okay. I also saw a video clip of Dolph Lundgren getting into a cobra (I assume was his) and driving away. If someone the size of "Ivan Drago" can drive one, I feel pretty confident I can pull it off (thought I don't know his was a FF). I have heard the choice of Kirkey seats and the smaller steering wheel can help as well.

Sounds like the biggest concern is whether I am limber enough to show some element of grace in the "dismount". As I get older I find being limber more challenging (aging sucks). Anyhow, based on what I see for average build times, I think I have the time to work that out. Maybe I'll take up yoga during the build for stress relief and flexibility.

Member for 1 day and already learned something important. Thanks all!

[jwhit]

last word of advise if i had tested getting in a coupe before buying i may have changed my mind but now that i have one its not a issue just takes few tries to find what works for you
when building car i thought i made mistake buying but now i can slip in and out in seconds .and i have plenty of room in car
i say go for it but if you decide to try to get in a test fit car you need to do it several times till you find what works for you

[BDRAG]

Yepper! And I am taking the smallest pair of shoes I have and a matching air of socks for when I have to remove them shoes! LOL! Oh, I will try all the different ways of falling in and plopping out.

BDRAG

[ProJoe]

as a fellow large human (with normal sized feet tho ;) ) you should be fine in the car itself but seat selection is going to be absolutely crucial. the kirkeys options with the kit will probably not fit you, and the lowback or roadster seats might put you too high as they require bottom mount hardware and have more cushion. I am not sure about those seats specifically just based on pictures I had concerns so decided against them.

I am very, VERY picky about my seating position in cars I use on track. Comfort and fatigue avoidance is really important when you do significant seat time. I chose a Kirkey 55 series drag racing seat despite having no desire to drag race (the complete opposite actually, HPDE/track/drift).

it's perfect. it's large enough to be very comfortable, allows me to put the seat completely on the floor to preserve headroom for noggin and helmet clearance, and didn't break the bank.

[David Williamson]

My 30 year old son who is 6-3+ fit easily once I showed him the way to get in but he is thin. I have Kirky high back seats and a removable steering wheel. I am 5-10 175 lbs and fit for an old guy, but I don't bend like I did years ago. I get in and out OK but if you are big look at other seats, the Kirky's are narrow and side wings cut the space. The door sill is high and wide and the car is low. The trick to getting in is put your right leg in and then enter butt first, lift yourself up in the seat and swing your left leg in. Once you are in there is lots of room, much more than the roadster (except height of course) If your back is not somwhat flexible you will have problems bending enough to get your head under the roll cage. Getting out i lift myself up in the seat, get my left leg out, slide up onto the door sill, bend forward to get my head out and then i stand up. It is a process to get in and out but worth it.
David W

[Rian_Colorado]

As someone having the same request concerns (ANYONE in Colorado!!???!??)
David - thanks for the detailed description of entry and exit! If you did a video of it, I bet it'd hit 1000 views...... just sayin :)

[UpNorth]

My 30 year old son who is 6-3+ fit easily once I showed him the way to get in but he is thin. I have Kirky high back seats and a removable steering wheel. I am 5-10 175 lbs and fit for an old guy, but I don't bend like I did years ago. I get in and out OK but if you are big look at other seats, the Kirky's are narrow and side wings cut the space. The door sill is high and wide and the car is low. The trick to getting in is put your right leg in and then enter butt first, lift yourself up in the seat and swing your left leg in. Once you are in there is lots of room, much more than the roadster (except height of course) If your back is not somwhat flexible you will have problems bending enough to get your head under the roll cage. Getting out i lift myself up in the seat, get my left leg out, slide up onto the door sill, bend forward to get my head out and then i stand up. It is a process to get in and out but worth it.
David W

Any problem with hot pipes close by?

[JohnMac]

Yes, be careful.it starts out like a bee sting and only gets worse! Almost a third degree burn...

[BDRAG]

I also asked that of a person of knowledge. He stated its not real common due to the pipes being tucked up and in. I told him that I always arrive early everywhere I go so I would just wait 10 or 15 minutes before exiting the car! LOL! Heck, Ill prolly be rolled over to my hands out of the car and my butt still in and be doing a pushup crawl away till my feet drop to the ground ! LOL!

BDRAG

[David Williamson]

The pipes are tucked in under the sill unlike the Cobra. The twin pipes are under the sill. My single pipes are bigger and they do stick out from under the sill. I did find a way to burn my knee but I was in a rush to get out did not remove the steering wheel and it happened. I have had the Cobra since 2004 and never got burned and then the Coupe got me.
David W

[Shakey]

Can anyone confirm that the aluminum for the footbox is the same no matter what motor you choose. I remember reading somewhere that you get more footbox room if you have a small block Ford VS the wider coyote.

Thanks,

V/R

Shakey

[edwardb]

Can anyone confirm that the aluminum for the footbox is the same no matter what motor you choose. I remember reading somewhere that you get more footbox room if you have a small block Ford VS the wider coyote.

Thanks,

V/R

Shakey

Can’t speak to the past. No experience. But for the Gen 3 Coupe, sheet metal is the same regardless of engine choice. The Gen 3 Coupe has decent foot space. Better than the Roadster and especially for the passenger. A result of not having those big 4” chassis tubes.

[Shakey]

Can’t speak to the past. No experience. But for the Gen 3 Coupe, sheet metal is the same regardless of engine choice. The Gen 3 Coupe has decent foot space. Better than the Roadster and especially for the passenger. A result of not having those big 4” chassis tubes.

Thanks for the info. You're right, I was probably thinking about a Gen 1 or Gen 2.

V/R

Shakey

[BDRAG]

Can’t speak to the past. No experience. But for the Gen 3 Coupe, sheet metal is the same regardless of engine choice. The Gen 3 Coupe has decent foot space. Better than the Roadster and especially for the passenger. A result of not having those big 4” chassis tubes.


I spoke with a person that has built 2 Gen3 coupes and have been discussing my foot clearance issues. I sat in a Roadster he has and my right foot does not clear gas and brake. Foots 1/2 inch too wide. Maybe bare footed I could drive it. LOL!

The builder said if I stick with a small block I can make foot box extension and or widen the foot box by 2 inch's.

BDRAG

[BDRAG]

Hey All,

I found a Gen1 or 2 near by and went for a test fit sit. It was for sale at a dealer and was sold yesterday but had not been picked up yet. So they graciously let me try and get in and out of it. Enjoy the short story.

Oh man it was my worst nightmare! LOL! Took my wife with me. Bad idea. LOL! So they sold it yesterday but the owner had not picked it up yet so they let me test sit. I asked if there were any cameras around before I tried. LOL! They laughed and said no.

This car has racing seats with shoulder bolsters, The steering wheel was off, I slid my right leg in and sat / fell onto the door sill as my right leg slid into the foot well area. Then I bent into a pretzel and got my head and body in and bowed my back and heaved my upper body over the tranny hump towards the passenger side enough to get my left leg in. OH BOY! It was tight. The peddles were way short of the end of the foot well, like the builder was a short guy. With my feet on any of the peddles my knees were hitting under the dash. No way I would be able to drive this car where the peddles were and the lack of knee room. I never tried to attach the steering wheel.

Okay, I'm in. Now what? LOL! The 3 or 4 guys standing around were amazed that I got in. So was my wife. Now for the fun part. I now heave back over the tranny hump and get my left leg out. Then I slid out and got my butt on the door sill. Then bowed up and got my head and body out of the door opening. Now I have to try and stand. OH HELL NO! Isn't happening. Can't quite get my left leg to hold me up as I push up with my right hand on the seat bolster, right leg still in foot well. I tried for a second time and almost made it. Then my left leg just said NO! So I went down to the ground as I fell out the door onto my left side and laid out prone with my right foot almost out! LOL! I pulled my right leg away, rolled over onto all four and then grobbled up. JUST what I DIND'T want to have to do! LOL! Needless to say, My WIFE was not amused. The guys standing around thought I fell out gracefully and recovered nicely. LOL!

So that test fit went south quick! LOL! My wife is way less likely to agree to my shenanigans now! I explained that its smaller than a GEN 3. She is not buying that comment yet! LOL! So I still need to find that person near by with a GEN 3 so I can test the real deal. I now have real hard questions for the person I met that has built 2 of the GEN 3 coupes. Ergonomics, peddle position and dash position questions.

Now I'm off to the back cracker. LOL!

BDRAG

[David Williamson]

BDRAG - maybe think about going with a Cobra, no roof and much easier to get in and out of. Try a Gen 3 but.....
There are a number of big guys in our group with Cobras and they fit no problem but I can't imagine them getting into my Coupe.
David W

[James Morse]

How about tilt steering wheel vs removable? I'm pretty sure someone did this and it makes a lot of sense to me unless I'm missing something.

It wouldn't help in the width of it all though.

Do grab handles up high make any sense or do you just grab the roof?

[jwhit]

speaking for myself (thick not fat )260 lbs and 6ft with 12 wide feet .the gen 3 is not that bad with roadster seat and non removable wheel. i can get in and out quickly now but at first i thought i made bad mistake buying car.
but after your in my car has plenty of room and have no issue after finding right shoes . you cant just go to car and try it once it will take several attempts to find out what works for you .i do the right leg in take right hand and put on door strike so as not to hit back then butt on sill plate slide into seat while bending and ducking head once im in seat i grab left leg with hands and pull it in close door and fun time starts. getting out is not that bad now left leg out 1st grap window post and pull butt on to sill
right hand on crowl in front of window and left hand on body at quarter window duck and boom im out.but this was trail and error to get down pat dont give up yet go find gen 3 but i think seats will make big differnce .if i went with race style seat
i would probaly need removable wheel .

[only1moreracecaripromiss]

BDRAG,
I have gen three on order (May 8th) and asked the same question a while back before ordering. If it helps you out the seats from FFR are 16" for your hips and backside. Most race seats like Sparaco, Cyper ETC are 14".

[BDRAG]

BDRAG,
I have gen three on order (May 8th) and asked the same question a while back before ordering. If it helps you out the seats from FFR are 16" for your hips and backside. Most race seats like Sparaco, Cyper ETC are 14".

Well it ain't the seat that worries me, it's getting TOO the seat. Lol.!

BDRAG

[Gringo]

I"m 6'7" 235.
At 78 years young I fit in my gen 3 Coupe very well.
I would recommend the removable steering wheel.
My biggest (no pun?) issue is my size 13 feet. I have to drive with shoes removed.

[BDRAG]

I"m 6'7" 235.
At 78 years young I fit in my gen 3 Coupe very well.
I would recommend the removable steering wheel.
My biggest (no pun?) issue is my size 13 feet. I have to drive with shoes removed.

Well that's encouraging. Many say invest in a pair of driving shoes.

There is a member who has offered me to come sit in his. I will hopefully get by in the next few weeks.

BDRAG

[BDRAG]

Well ALL,

A few weeks back I drove down to the Austin area to a forum members place. Doug let me try on his build for size. The car was on tall Honda tires and wheels and on dollies so it could be rolled around. So it sat a foot off the ground higher than the Gen I I had tried out before. The car was built and un painted and had most of the interior in.

The verdict, NO! I DO NOT FIT!

I was so dang depressed. Even off the ground more and being able to try more than one way to get in, it was not going to work well. I can not justify the money and time in a car I can not get in and out of with any sort of ease. I did not even get all the way in. If I had, Doug may have had to cut the roof off to get me out! Lol. The car was off the ground far enough that if I had got in and then had to FALL OUT like I did in the Gen I, I would have broke something on me or his car. LOL!

So again to Doug, THANK YOU for letting me try.

On the ride home my mind was swimming. I was depressed and pissed! Very frustrated with having to say NO to my dream car. While driving a friend called to check out if I fit. After telling him and us talking all the options we finished up and I drove home alone. After getting home and in my recliner for a pouting session my friend called again. He told me about a 1966 Mustang project on Craig's List. We talked about it as we both looked it over on line.

The car was mostly apart. It was in the hands of the second person to be a builder of it. The seller had done some work continuing what the first builder started. It has had mini tubs built and mostly installed. Its had the rear narrowed for the 17 x 8 wheels that are on it currently. It has a fresh 289. It comes with a T5 and the C4 it was born with. So its a start.

Well 3 days later I bought it. Loaded it in a pouring cold rain. The fenders and hood were on with just a few screws and had to be strapped together for the ride home. A few days later we made a second trip to fill the back of my truck with all the parts and pieces we could not fit on the trailer and in the back of the towing pickup.

My buddy Pete is allowing it to be in his shop and he has willingly jumped in feet first with me on this adventure. After 2 weeks I have found all the parts I want to use to make this a 1966, FULL RACE REPLICA. The car will have 12 inch rears, 10 inch fronts, Mustang II front suspension with dual adjustable coil overs. The rear will get a 9" with a 4 link and all the parts along with coil overs. It will have a modified 10 point full cage with added bars to the front and rear frame along with a smoothed out flat side engine bay since the Mustang II suspension wont have the inner shock towers. And much much more......

So to all I say Thank you. Its been fun. Its been a learning experience and I hope like HELL that the guys and gals on the Mustang forums are as real and as helpful as you all have been. I may pop back in to show it off in 6 months or so but for now. I'll see ya on the road...................

BDRAG

[dstelter]

Hey BDRAG. Glad to help out. Kind of sucks to be the one to destroy your dream of building a Daytona Coupe. Only if the Coupes came with a GT 40 Door. But glad you made the drive and did the test fit. Always fun talking cars and garage stuff. Glad you found another car to do. Good luck and enjoy the Mustang Build. Doug

[FracAG1980]

Hey BDRAG. Glad to help out. Kind of sucks to be the one to destroy your dream of building a Daytona Coupe. Only if the Coupes came with a GT 40 Door. But glad you made the drive and did the test fit. Always fun talking cars and garage stuff. Glad you found another car to do. Good luck and enjoy the Mustang Build. Doug

Big Thank You!!! to dstelter! Stopped by to try and fit myself into his car. I'm 6'5", 270#. Took 1.5 tries and I got in. The 1/2 try was a right foot followed by rear end. First full try was right foot followed by head across center section. I have to work on my left leg flexibility to get the full bend I'll need to make it look smoother. Much more leg room than I imagined and enough head room.

My current only problem is my fat feet. Going to need to maximize the spread on the pedals or go with an automatic transmission. I will be checking with Blueprint Monday to see if the auto they have has select shift (if that is what it is called). Has anyone put paddle shifters in a coupe?

Thanks again Doug for the sit and convo...

FracAG1980