On driving and being short

[foxfiregrrl]

There's this car that my parents have graciously given me (almost). It's the first stick shift I've ever driven, it's sort of old, but I like it. However, there's one problem.

I'm pretty short. Most cars, I don't have to push the seat forward all the way forward to drive comfortably, but this one I push it all the way forward and I still don't feel entirely comfortable driving. I don't know if this is because I need to push the clutch in all the way, or what.

I've been using a pillow to make sure that I can sit up properly and feel comfortable while driving, but I'm wondering if there's a more dignified way to go about this. A way to move the pedals up slightly, or something. Anyone have any ideas?

[Broomstick]

There are very nicely upholstered cushions available you can use in place of the pillow. They're firmer, don't pack down as much, and in general work better than a make shift.

You can also buy pedal extensions.

Ask at a large, well equipped auto supply store.

[Carcosa]

I don't know about moving the pedals, but if a pillow works you might just want to get a fabric seat cover and place foam padding between the cover and the original seat. I imagine it would be a fairly inexpensive fix. I'm sure upholstery shops sell the padding in a thickness that would match a pillow.

[lorinada]

I am also short and prefer a stick shift.

The only time you have to push the pedal in all the way to the floor is when you're turning the key. So, I just adjust the seat to where I'm comfortable, and then slide down in my seat when I need to start the car.

This solution may not be comfortable for you, of course, but it's one work-around.

[Rick]

I'm not sure just what you mean by the term "entirely comfortable" about the seating position in the car.
I too have short legs. Very short legs. I have always driven stick cars where I had to extend my foot and press with the ball to get the clutch pedal down to the floor. Adjusting the seat this way has always allowed me to drive in a comfortable position.

If you haveing problems pressing the clutch pedal down with the ball of your foot, it could be that there is a problem with the clutch or operating system that extra force is needed, in which case a mechanic should be able to diagnoise and repair the problem. Or it could be that you need some time on a leg machine at the gym. :)