soon to be clutch problem
 

I'm short (5'1") and I'm getting the tC 5 speed. I have a problem though. I have to sit super close to the steering wheel to reach the damn clutch. I like to sit with my arms almost straight in an automatic, but when I drive stick, theres no way I can to it. Any ideas on how to lengthen the clutch so I can be comfortable?

:? It sucks to be short.

move the seat forward and recline the seatback ... should do the trick

:lol:

tried it. it sounds like it should work...but it doesnt. somehow i need to make the clutch longer, or the pedel thicker. i just need to figure out how.

put boxes on the pedals and tie a string around it so it doesnt slide off...i know a few women that have done that to there huge ___ SUV's

lol i've actually given that thought. but i was looking for something a little bit sturdier than a box w/string.

Hmmm
 

That does sound like a problem.

You can always take the tC to a clutch specialist and adjust the catch point of your pedal. Some prefer it "right off the floor" while others like it at a point 1/3 or 2/3 (total lever distance) from the floor. It the tC has a "long clutch pedal" like some cars, you could always adjust it so it catches very clost to resting position (ie far from the floor). That'll save you a few inches, maybe.

I dunno.

I also saw a monster garage where the put the throttle/clutch on a lever by the steering wheel for a handicapped person (not saying you're handicapped, but it looked like a lot of fun to drive!!!!). It was like a motorcycle clutch, and just involved squeezing your hand.

thanks! i never thought about that. That should do the trick. so all i need now is the car. =o)

I think i saw that monster garage, it was a benz suv, right? i wish a paddle shifter was an option for more cars.

Thick Peds
 

I know you can get thick pedels or covers or somthing. Try an autoparts store. If that don't work look in the yellow pages and try places that hook up the handy capable. As a last resort a machenest should be able to hook you up but it will be expensive.

My mom is 5'2" and she hasn't had a problem driving any of my MTX cars. If she had any problems we could always put thicker pedal covers over the pedals. Or those aftermarket pedals that are everywhere (gives almost 1").

What the other guy said, by adjusting the clutch engagement point. Wouldn't help you because the pedal is always going to be too far away. That just changes when the clutch would grab.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it until it gets here and you have test driven it. It may not be too bad.

If your mom is anything like mine, she doesnt care about being far from the wheel. By changing the engagement point, i wont have to push the clutch all the way in, thats my problem, i can reach the clutch, just cant push it all the way in. I've driven every toyota and lexus out on the market and their all the same, clutch wise that is. (dad works for corporate toyota) which reminds me, he just had a meeting today with scion and I'll try and get all the details for everyone.

cut a piece of wood at home depot, and put a long screw all the way thru pedal... :idea:

i thought i was short at 5'6 and had to sit close. the best thing is to seat close and then lean the seat back. i believe the height of the tC seat can be adjusted, so that might help also.

Sounds like a pain in the ___, just get an auto :roll:

Get some Webster foot extensions :)

Pablo: Getting a stick though is like getting a real sports car, plus their more fun, they keep you awake, accelerate faster, better gas milage, yata, yata, yata... I think im going to just have to get leg extensions. :wink:

At the scion meeting, my dad told the Scion people that I liked the tC. Being a 19yr old, they loved it and started talking about me and wanted to know what else I liked. My dad told them a few things like rally racing, and named a few other cars. They took note of everything. I tried to find out what else they said about the tC but they are being pretty hush hush about it. Still no definate price("well below $20"), but base price will probably be somewhere in the $17's.

Also...if you have an xB and the air conditioner is giving you problems, (ie:not cold enough) report that to the dealership.

I'll hound my dad to see if he forgot to mention anything important and ask him to talk around more at work.

isn't that from indiana jones and the temple of doom????? :D

Monster Garage
 

Yeah, that monster garage had a Benz suv with the throttle attached to a lever for wheel-chair access (doesn't help with clutch much, unless there is a "motorcycle style" clutch mod as well). It looked like a lot of fun!

Hope everything works out with your tC!

Hmm, another thing you should consider is the actual length of the shifter. It looks freakishly tall, and that's worrying me a bit. I'm about 6'2"...Hope this won't make driving uncomfortable.

Isn't there already a short shifter for scions? I'd be suprised if there wasn't one.

INDIANA: "Step on it, Short Round!"
SHORT ROUND: "Okey doke, Indy! Hold onto your potatoes!"