Series III for a fat guy? :-)

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Author Message   David Morin Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 12:25 pm:    After much soul searching I have decided to follow my heart and get a Series III Rover for weekend use, the occasional drive to work, and as a restoration project. I already have a nice, reliable car for daily driving so daily drivability is not a priority. I've gone through so many internal arguments against getting a Series LR but ultimatley, it is what I really want, and have wanted for many years. Certainly there are more practical, more cost-effective choices but since this would be 90% "toy" I see no reason to keep "doing the practical thing" when I don't actually need to. My plan is to get a solid example for around $5k-$7k. From there I will start restoring it as time and budget allows. Mechanical first, cosmetic second, upgrading things as I go (parabolic springs, upgraded brakes, etc). In the meantime I could have fun 'wheeling it, and tinkering with it, and using it for work around the homestead. I've done a lot of research over the years and am confident that I can get a mechanically sound truck for this amount. I'm considering an ex-MOD 109 with the thought of eventually converting it to a '109 "station wagon" body. I could be swayed by some of the nice '88's I've seen though. With Rovers North right up the road, I'm not worried about parts availability or finding an experienced mechanic to do work that i sover my head. Here's the surprise... I've never even sat in one. I'm hoping to get some first hand info at ECR's Fiddleheads and 4x4's in Maine this May. I've looked over a lot of Series trucks though and it appears that the cab is a bit tiny. I'm a big guy. So I am wondering if I will even fit. Is that "wall" behind the seats in most series trucks removable? Could I move the seat boxes back? Could I fit a smaller wheel? Could I get gastric-bypass surgury? (just kidding there!) So I guess I'm looking for any info or tips you eries guys can give me. I think I've found and read most every FAQ and buyer's guide available on teh web. I'm lookign for some real-world info, especially pertaining to beer-belly room. Thanks for your time.   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 12:37 pm:    Well, I reckon the best answer is "It depends..." lol... I'm not a little guy, 6', 250lbs, and I don't mind the fit on my 88" SIII at all. It's not so much room from the seat up, IMO, but the leg-length... I'm a ~32" inseam, and it's okay, but if you had longer legs then your knees would probably be feeling it. Yes, you can fit a smaller steering wheel. The downside though, is that you'll have to put more effort into turning the wheel... no power steering, so the larger wheel is there to give you a mechanical advantage. You could, if you want to go THAT far, you could put power steering in, but I don't think it'd be worth it. I guess the question for yourself, though, is, just how big of a fella are ya? And, I guess more precisely, are you just thick and big-boned, or are you carrying your weight all in the mid-section... distribution of it is what matters... Climb in behind one somewhere, and see what ya think. Good luck! -L   David Morin Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 12:47 pm:    Thanks for the input Leslie. I am over 300lbs. but a lot of it is shoulders and a general stockyness from years of weight lifting. My weight is deceptive but I have a pretty big gut. A Miata is a no-go but I fit in most everything else. A friend has an older F-150 and my big problem with it is thigh room. My thighs are big and the wheel is too so it's a bit snug. Perhaps the wheel is up high enough that this won't be an issue? look--> http://www.eastcoastrover.com/PageMill_Resources/CochranintDS.jpg I'm only 5'11" and a lot of my height is torso. I've never had big leg-room issues in anything but cars with moonroofs can be trouble. Hopefully I can seat test a few in May. Thanks again.   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 12:52 pm:    That picture is a pretty good pic of what it looks like... One thing that I've heard about is that a lot of people put Volvo 240 seats in, and that that helps give a little bit more room and comfort. I've never sat in one to verify that for myself, though, so take that with a grain of salt. Yeah, I reckon the best thing would be to see if you can find a couple to take a spin in, and see what you think for yourself. Best o' luck! -L   David Morin Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 12:57 pm:    I had a 240 once. Good seats. :-) Thanks.   Ron Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 06:49 pm:    Ok, Those who know, know I am a big guy too. I can drive an 88 comfortably with D90 seats in it (D90 seats have a very narrow back so you get an inch or so) also while I am 6'1" I have the legs of someone who is about 4'3" (ok they are not that short but I have a 29" inseam). All that being said what you want is a 109 SW. A 109 regular will give you a tad more room to recline but a 109 SW without the little bar behind the seats (you can just take it out and most I have seen are missing it already) you can install D90 seats or some other aftermarket seats and push the seat back as far as you want. In any case you should fit in an 88 but it won't be comfortable for long trips. The steering wheel is high enough where you should be able to squeeze in. Ron   Ron Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 06:50 pm:    Oh and you could be like 6'7" and not have head room issues. Ron   Anonymous Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 07:06 pm:    6'1" with 29" inseam? damn! my wife is 5'9" with a 36" inseam....yeah, it is nice   Blue (Bluegill) Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 07:07 pm:    Dave, JUST DO IT!   Ron Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 09:42 pm:    Ya I know. But I can drive a bug eye sprite What makes it worse is that Alyssa is 5'10" and her legs are way longer than mine. However, she does not fit in the series well. Everytime I hit a bump her knees hit the dash. Ron   LR Max Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 09:46 pm:    Hello David, I am Max Thomason, III and I have just gotten a Series 3 109" Ex-MOD and I love it! The dual tanks are good to have and the truck is overall very easy to maintain and fix (which I am finding out!). As for size, I am 5' 10" (and 16 yrs. old) and have little/no problems with fitting in the truck. I must warn you, you really gotta love the truck to have it. Just a few hours ago I was out in the cold, fixing the fuel valve in the dark. I was loving it. The best way to find out if the truck will fit you is to ride in one. I remember the first time I rode in a series rover (wilma) and I loved it. I hope you have the same experience. Max T. Series 3 109" "TC" P.S. Is anyone else having this insane thing about fixing your truck when its cold and liking it!!?? Just checking.   Ron Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 10:29 pm:    P.S. Is anyone else having this insane thing about fixing your truck when its cold and liking it!!?? Just checking. I built my truck in winter in an unheated garage in Buffalo, I disassembled the donor 109 OUTSIDE in winter in Buffalo. The worst part was the 2ft of snow on the ground . . . . brrrrrrrr Loved every minute of it, well except for when all the ball bearings fell out of the steering box the night before I had to drive back to school Ron   Evan Posted on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 10:45 pm:    David , I'm 5'10 260 lbs and I fit fine in a 88IIa . My thighs bumped the steering wheel with the original fixed position elephant hide seats . Change them out with deluxe seats set all the way back and you should be fine .As Ron says You'll have head room to spare but the low windsheild frame height takes a little bit to get used to . You kinda have to tilt your head to see some overhead stop lights . With the roof and door tops off I've been told that it looks as though I'm riding on my series rather than in it. Good group of folks a Rovers North & ECR . Ask around they may let you take a spin .   Tad Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 07:50 am:    First, my two pennies about the fit issue... 6'4" 36" inseam and no huge fit problems. I'm a svelte guy tho'. Now two cents about the truck. Find a IIA. Less plastic. And if you really want a project I've got a 109 for you! For a dime I'd say even more!)   David Morin Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2002 - 07:51 am:    Thanks for all the input gang... I knew I could count on you all! :-) I am a budding shadetree mechanic and did a lot of the work on my old Volvo wagon myself, but I actually want something simpler than that. I have a garage and another car, so I should never *need* to be fixing something in the cold dark, winter. I'm getting money together now and constantly surfing the web for available trucks. Hopefully I'll be a Series owner by mid-summer! Thanks again.   Javier Velador (Jvelador) Posted on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 03:14 pm:    LR_Max, 1) You rode in Wilma? THE Wilma that was on sale on LRX? 2) You're 16? That's great! I wish I'd have the foresight at 16 Javier   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 03:34 pm:    "The" Wilma? Lol.... I liked Betty, too.... -L   LR Max Posted on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 04:25 pm:    Yep, I "guess" it was the wilma in LRX. I know it was the wilma as www.thatchedroofgarage.com. That was a great day, although jeff couldn't figure out how to double clutch, so we were driving around in 1st gear (thats ok). Yep, I'm 16. Started driving my Series 3 109" to school. I keep getting that look (y'all know what I'm talking about ). I have debugged it for the most part, and I got an ARB on the front w/Piaa 940 lights. I don't have any action pics yet, but they are comming. (I love working on it too) Mr. Morin, if you have the right attitude (a good, positive attitude) you will fall in love with your series of choice. Max T.   Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Posted on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 04:30 pm:    What?? Why the heck didn't you go w/ me instead, Max... lol.... I didn't know Jeff didn't know how to double-clutch... heh heh.... I can rib him over that one.... (Jeff A.... you readin' this?? ) chuckle chuckle.... -L   Javier Velador (Jvelador) Posted on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 05:53 pm:    I saw Wilma's pics on thatchedroofgarage.com and lrx.com, she's a beaut. Scruffy, but nonetheless gorgeous. If only I had some more play money, I would have swiped her. For now, the Disco is getting some well deserved attention. Speaking of pics, have any of you posted pics on discoweb? Do any of you have galleries with pics of your Series trucks. I've wheeled with Mr. Bieler's Puddles, she's great. I'd love to see the rest of your rigs. Javier   mongo Posted on Monday, March 04, 2002 - 09:21 pm:    Dave, I too am a big guy 6'1" 330 and I fit just fine inseam is 32" but I would get a left hand drive more room   David Morin Posted on Tuesday, March 05, 2002 - 08:03 am:    Mongo, Excellent, you are a bit taller but otherwise we are the same size (ish). Thanks! There is no doubt I will be getting a Series, even my wife is getting excited about th eidea. Now I just need to gather the Bejamins.   mongo Posted on Tuesday, March 05, 2002 - 10:12 pm:    Sorry I meant a right hand drive bloody americans don't know which side to put steering wheel on   Dave M. Posted on Wednesday, March 06, 2002 - 08:21 am:    Why does the RHD have more room?   David Gage Posted on Wednesday, March 06, 2002 - 09:01 am:    Dave, the drive line on of a series sits to the left of the truck, so the footwells on the right side is bigger. Also the exhaust system runs under and in front of the left foot well so again on the right side you run (and IMHO,) look cooler.   Dave M. Posted on Wednesday, March 06, 2002 - 09:11 am:    I didn't know that... still so much to learn. :-) Thanks!