Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Recessed Saddle Frame

I am interested in the details of a Recessed Saddle Frame option.

I have sat in a Plus 4 (now sold) at Allon Whites that had had this modification done and it gave the much needed leg room for my lanky 6'4" (36" leg) frame.

What I need to know is how common is this option on traditional Morgans and how easy is it to retro fit to a car that doesn't have it?

Either way, I think that if I am to own and drive a Morgan, I will need this option.

Cheers

You are only just up the road from Mike Duncan's place at Hartlebury. He and son Ben are both of similar dimensions to you.....worth popping in to see if they know of this modification.

Thanks, I will call and ask them.

I called in at Lifes' a couple of months ago (v. friendly and make a nice cup of tea) and they mentioned this option as I'm 6' 5". They then phoned another dealer (cannot recall which) who said its no longer possible or rather today's Morgans already in effect have the benefit of recessed saddle seating.

That said it does seem possible to liberate more legroom in 4-seaters as I've sat in one (sold by Allon White 6 - 9 months ago) where the plastic cover over the rear leaf springs had been removed and the seat runners moved backwards allowing the front seat to slide back on to the rear seats. If that's possible I don't see why the rear bulkhead in a 2-seater couldn't be moved back a little more assuming the battery is accommodated under the bonnet.

Let me know if you find out more.

Yes, it does seem that the newer the Morgan, the more legroom you get. As this will be my first, I cannot afford new so I am thinking of converting an older model.

Allon Whites said that it was possible to retro fit but that it would involve replacing some of the woodwork. As I am probably going to purchase a 'project' this shouldn't be too much of a problem. I guess you just need to remove whatever is stopping the seat go back until you reach the back axle.

I am hoping that someone can give details, sketches, photos, etc. of the modification.

Cheers.

Isnt there a difference between the front spring hanger brackets between the older and newr Morgans?

On my 69 4/4 they seem to protrude too high into the car compared to the new Morgans and I cant get the seat back over them to give more leg room. When I rebuild the car I am going to try to modify them (possibly on a new chassis) so I can get the seats back further.