Expanded footboxes

[sittonb]

Have read a few build threads while I wait for my MkIV t be delivered (finished, just waiting on scheduling transport) and I've seen a few references to expanded footboxes both on passenger and driver side. Butt I haven't been able to find and vendor that might sell the panels to do this... Can someone point me in a direction?
Thanks

[edwardb]

Vendors aren't selling the panels, where applicable. They're fabricated by the builders. How much you can expand depends on your engine and header setup. The current Mk4 Roadster sheet metal is nearly maxed out on the driver side. A little here and there, again depending on the rest of your build. A little more space available on the passenger side. But again depending on the your build. Bottom line, don't expect to make major changes. It's pretty much what it is.

There are other ways to maximize space if that's what you're concerned about. Seat selection and pedal adjustments can make a difference. Some have also made some adjustments to the steering wheel location.

[sittonb]

Ah once again thanks Edward. With luck car will show up before end of December so was refreshing threads and was curious. Looks like I'll work with pedals and leave well enough alone!!

[David Hodgkins]

Drivers footbox metal from ffmetal makes for a bigger drivers footbox, if you are willing to run a 302. The bump out from the factory doesn’t work as well for us with big feet. I made my out passenger footbox that fully encompasses the crash bar on the passenger side. Pics are in my build thread. But I had to design and build that part myself.

:)

[CraigS]

EdwardB mentioned seats and that can't be stressed enough. Look at the thickness of the seat back in the standard seat. It's about 3 inches. Look at the thickness of the back of an aluminum seat at less than one inch. You might not expect it, but the Kirkeys that FFR supplies are very comfortable. And because the cover is held in place w/ snaps it is very easy to add some extra foam if you feel the need. A little extra lumbar support is common. There are also some other models of Kirkeys that work well if you don't like the look of the roadrace seats. The drag seat is a roadrace w/o the shoulder wings,
http://www.kirkeyracing.com/product/10/16400/SEAT-ALUMINUM-15.5-ECONOMY-DRAG
A classic is a drag seat w/o the head rest
http://www.kirkeyracing.com/product/10/55160V/SEAT-ALUMINUM-16-VINTAGE-CLASS-BUCKET

[edwardb]

Drivers footbox metal from ffmetal makes for a bigger drivers footbox, if you are willing to run a 302. The bump out from the factory doesn’t work as well for us with big feet. I made my out passenger footbox that fully encompasses the crash bar on the passenger side. Pics are in my build thread. But I had to design and build that part myself.

:)

Don't see any footbox pieces on FFMetal's website. Agree it used to be common to bump out the footboxes when using a 302. Also used to be common to lengthen the PS. Did it myself. But the most recent sheet metal from FF has things mostly maxed out.

[rich grsc]

Most references about the need for expanded footbox were with the earlier models. The Mrk IV's have more room the than the previous models.

[Ted G]

Not to brag, but us short guys may not have this issue! Finally a benefit to being short!!

[Straversi]

I’m 6’ 6” so I think I made every foot box mod possible. When researching I came across references to a forum member “King” who at one time might have shared some templates to kick out the foot boxes. I think his improvements were mostly adopted my FFR in their last couple of model changes. I took his ideas and adapted them to my MkIV with a Coyote. It was a lot of work for a 1/2” here and there but well worth it if you need the room. Documented in my build thread in my signature line if interested.
-Steve

[john42]

Not to brag, but us short guys may not have this issue! Finally a benefit to being short!!

I'm 5'9" and couldn't push the clutch all the way to the floor! I've had to fiddle with moving the seat up, then ran into problems with being too close to the steering wheel, so I then adjust the pedals toward the rear of the car another inch. The main problem I have is all my shoes are too wide and I had to purchase a driving shoe since the pedals are so close together. I recently gained about 3/4" by moving the clutch and break pedal to the left, even so I still cannot wear my regular tennis shoes.

[John Ibele]

Another builder of an expanded PS footbox here, with a 302-based block. I believe I used the 2BKing design also, which I carried out using my HF brake and a hand seamer. I looked at the DS footbox (pre-2015 MK4, so doesn't have the engine-side or outside bump-outs), but between the dead pedal I fabbed for the left side and the Russ Thompson go-pedal, I decided I would be both comfortable and confident with the as-delivered box. Obviously I decided I would be quite happy with the DS box before they bought a bit more room with their most recent panel changes, so no way I'd bother with any changes on today's panels. But, I do have fairly narrow feet which was a big driver of my thinking there.

While I'm pleased with how the PS expanded box turned out and have no regrets about taking on that side project, I'm not sure I would do it again. My 6' 2" son will be a bit happier as a very occasional passenger, but at 6' myself, I'm not sure I actually would need the room. I too find a big advantage in giving the seat a slight rearward tilt. There may even be an angled foot rest on the project list for some time in the future, to give a better root rest to the passenger with that long footbox.

[rthomas98]

https://www.ffcars.com/threads/indy14-build-thread.254970/

Here is a link to an old build that Jeff Kleiner did on the old forum and added a little to the driver side. Like the others need a small block though. But I will say I am 6'1" with size 13 shoe and I was able to go kart mine recently with just pedal adjustments. There is actually quite a bit of room.

[edwardb]

I did the 2bking panel mods on my 20th Anniversary Roadster build. He did an amazing job with full engineering drawings that fit perfectly. Maxed the available space plus fit the Coyote. Not long after that, Factory Five changed their panels to be very similar. (coincidence???) They also added an adjustable bump-out on the outside of the DS footbox. Maximizing the space there which also used to be common mod several years ago. Same message still applies. The current Mk4 is nearly maxed out. Small changes available here and there. But no major additions really possible. Also, FWIW, don't forget that if you change the panels, the carpet kit may no longer fit. At least some of the pieces. I overlooked this aspect on the 20th Anniversary build and had to get some bulk carpet to finish it.