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legroom ... seat rails ??

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ramarren, Sep 3, 2006.

  1. ramarren

    ramarren New Member

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    I seem to recall seeing a thread on here that suggested the front seat rails could be reset back about an inch or so for improved legroom on the 2006 Prius. I can't find the thread at present ...

    If this is true, is it something "normal" to request a dealer to do or is it something that requires intelligence? (note my cynicism is strong this morning ... ;-)

    I have enough room to be comfortable with the seat at the rearmost position, stock, but it would sure be nice to be able to notch it back another half inch to an inch for some flexibility and relief when on a long trip. I'm planning to drive to NY from California around Thanksgiving time so would like to see what can be done to provide this before then.

    thanks
    Godfrey

    BTW: now up to 1250 miles, just filled the tank the third time. MPG so far was 43.2, 43.2, 44.9 ... I like this trend!
     
    #1 ramarren, Sep 3, 2006
  2. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    the dealer won't do anything like that for you, it's a safety issue they won't take liability for. they really don't support any changes in the seat since it's so critical in the case of an accident.
     
    #2 galaxee, Sep 3, 2006
  3. mcbrunnhilde

    mcbrunnhilde Opera singin' Prius nut!

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    I have heard of at least one person taking their Prius to a place that does mods for handicapped people to have the rails set back several inches. I can't remember if it was on PriusChat or the Yahoo 2G group though...
     
    #3 mcbrunnhilde, Sep 3, 2006
  4. BadD

    BadD New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mcbrunnhilde @ Sep 3 2006, 06:56 PM) [snapback]313675[/snapback]</div>

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mcbrunnhilde @ Sep 3 2006, 06:56 PM) [snapback]313675[/snapback]</div>
     
    #4 BadD, Sep 4, 2006
  5. BadD

    BadD New Member

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    My dealer referred me to Toyota Mobility 800-331-4331 for modifications for accessibility. Don't know if they'll be helpful.
     
    #5 BadD, Sep 4, 2006
  6. ramarren

    ramarren New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BadD @ Sep 4 2006, 07:38 AM) [snapback]313955[/snapback]</div>
    Thanks, I'll check that out. Another inch of adjustable legroom would make a difference to me, judging by a 200+ mile drive I made yesterday. Oh to be cursed with long legs... ;-)

    Godfrey
     
    #6 ramarren, Sep 5, 2006
  7. Tom_06

    Tom_06 Active Member

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    #7 Tom_06, Sep 5, 2006
  8. ramarren

    ramarren New Member

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    #8 ramarren, Sep 5, 2006
  9. BadD

    BadD New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godfrey DiGiorgi @ Sep 5 2006, 10:14 AM) [snapback]314538[/snapback]</div>
    I just spoke to Toyota Corp. who checked with Mobility. Modifications will affect the warranty. Is it worth it? My legs hurt all the time and I would not mess with the warranty. I'll probably be trading it in. Good luck.
     
    #9 BadD, Sep 5, 2006
  10. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    Some have installed Recaro seats. There's a problem with losing the side airbag (a resistor is used to fool the car that it's still there), they're willing to lose that for less pain.

    Instead some have added lumbar support to the OEM seats. Maybe that would help.
     
    #10 aaf709, Sep 5, 2006
  11. Tom_06

    Tom_06 Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Sep 5 2006, 06:38 PM) [snapback]314793[/snapback]</div>
    I put the inflatable lumbar support module into my driver's seat. I can't see how that would help someone with too little leg room. Lower back pain, yes, legroom - no.

    I had to remove the seat and rails to do this, so I got a good look at things. I don't see any way to lower the seats, but if the rails could be extended so that the seat runners could clear the rear mounting bolts, it might be possible.

    However, you would be messing with the designed geometries for the seat belts and air bags. The seatbelt mounting point in the B pillar is not going to be shifting back with the extended seat movement and the driver will be further away from the steering wheel. Because of these safety concerns, I agree with BadD that if he doesn't fit the car, it is better to seek another car that does fit.

    - Tom
     
    #11 Tom_06, Sep 5, 2006
  12. ramarren

    ramarren New Member

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    Thanks for all the info.

    I suspect I'll just live with it as is. It's actually comfortable enough for me most of the time, the notion was to give a little more adjustment room so that on a trip I would have more choices to change position for long term comfort.

    It just occurred to me that for a long distance trip I can just buy a pair of driving shoes with thin, flat grippy soles rather than my usual rather thick-soled New Balance 935s, which would net about 1.5" more legroom without changing anything on the car... ;-)

    Godfrey
     
    #12 ramarren, Sep 6, 2006
  13. Tom_06

    Tom_06 Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godfrey DiGiorgi @ Sep 6 2006, 01:11 AM) [snapback]315010[/snapback]</div>
    Hah! You did decide to go with the leg shortening, just not surgically. :) Actually, I'm only 5'10" and I have the seat almost all the way back, but I get to wear my New Balance shoes.

    - Tom
     
    #13 Tom_06, Sep 6, 2006
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