[TR] 'driving it to my grave!'

[ray at raysmg.com]

   Hi, Paul,

   My  TR3  does  not have a roll bar, my Sprite does, and a couple prior
   cars  have. I also have a friend that has a singe hoop in his MGB that
   I  have ridden in some distance. My own observation is that a roll bar
   does  little  in  providing assistance in entering or exiting the car.
   The location, behind the seat, is away from where legs, arms, and body
   are  moving  and  locating.  I believe you would benefit from a newer,
   more robust steering wheel; one not quite as large as the origial that
   would  afford  additional room between wheel and seat. Planned or not,
   that  will  be the first thing you hands find naturally. Also, be sure
   the  windscreen  post on the drivers side is mounted very securely; it
   also  is a natural hand hold. Finally, the "b" pillar right behind the
   seat  provides   good  grip  for  your left hand when exiting; be sure
   there  is nothing there to break, bend or cut yourself on. Needless to
   say, the seat must be mounted securely.

   I  find  entering  and  exiting  the  TR3 is a breeze after driving my
   Midget  (and before long, the Sprite). There is plenty of room between
   seat  and  wheel  (even  with my bad knees) IF you plan your entry and
   exit  and execute it correctly. When the knees are giving me trouble I
   find  it  easier  sometimes  to stay planted in the seat and rotate my
   legs in and out of the car. Then, if you can stand up from a low chair
   or  stool, you should be albe to simply raise (or lower) yourself into
   (or out of) the car.

   We're  practically  neighbors.  Why not give me a call and let me know
   you'll be stopping by. I'll pull the TR out into the drive and you can
   see for yourself. I think you'll be surprised at how easy it is ot get
   into and out of.
   Ray (who sometimes pretends he's 16 and doesn't even open the door!)

   Ray McCaleb
   ray at raysmg.com
   http://www.raysmg.com