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Robert - It’s a Spyder he’s talking about, there are no modifications on the seat tray, and the engine is already in the driver’s tailbone. He says he’s lean, but I don’t care if he’s 130 lbs- he’s not gonna’ fit.

David- I feel you, brother, but it’s “tough love from Uncle Stan” time: you won’t fit. There’s nobody here who wants a Spyder more than I do. I’m only 6’ tall, but long torsoed and thick- regardless, It's not even close. There are lean 6 footers who can make it with just the right combination of seat pitch, being uncomfortable, and crouching behind the windshield - but nobody taller who doesn’t look like a bear on a tricycle.

Look at my avatar- there’s a reason I chose it.

Last edited by Stan Galat

Carey from Beck can make you a Conv D. That’s definitely your best option. But I think the wait for a new one is 2.5 years and maybe longer.

Not sure you can get a new one for $60k. I priced one at $65k with Suby power about 2 years ago. Did not go through with it. Probably more if you ordered one now.  

I think you would fit in a speedster if you just deleted the top and decided you could eat a few bugs. But Conv D is ideal.

Last edited by 550 Phil

Slim pickings for a big guy! Hoss Cartwright (Bonanza's BIG Guy) had a Perry D Spyder replica.  Still made but not many around.  Most will say proportions don't look correct.  It fits on full size VW pan.  You can lower the seat max ~3" on pan based car or lay the seat back (most have one piece seat with no recline, some just tilt back.  A rare (equally unliked by many) CMC 359 is 5" longer than a Speedster but might be used in engine compartment.

I suspect Beck could lengthen a Speedster (Lane's Coupe got 3" added) but now it's getting really cu$tomized.

Image result for Perrry D spyder car hoss cartwrightImage result for Perrry D spyder car hoss cartwright

Hard tonneau removeable (was option) on 359 replica.  Looks like more space between door nd rear fender well? A custom non-vw pan would give more room as would lowered floor pan with reclinable seats. 

1994 Porsche CMC 359 Replica for sale

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@550 Phil posted:

Carey from Beck can make you a Conv D. That’s definitely your best option. But I think the wait for a new one is 2.5 years and maybe longer.

Not sure you can get a new one for $60k. I priced one at $65k with Suby power about 2 years ago. Did not go through with it. Probably more if you ordered one now.  

I think you would fit in a speedster if you just deleted the top and decided you could eat a few bugs. But Conv D is ideal.

Yup, thats who I am waiting for a call back from.

For what it’s worth, I’m 6’4” and weigh anbout 215 and the 550 was just out of the question.  There just isn’t any room to move the seat back.  That’s when I went on a 356a replica hunt.   This will be my second year with a 356 and what a great choice.  I easily fit in the car and I believe you would too.  I have to scoot the seat up 4-5 clicks.  My inseam is 34”  and you would probably fit without any seat modifications.  And even if you needed to modify I think they would be relatively easy.  I say you need to start looking at the speedsters.   Much more room, and just as zippy with the right engine.  

Carey ( @chines1) can walk you through your options, but lengthening the car as a whole would require a new body - seriously expensive.  The Coupe I had was 2" longer in the wheelbase, but as a mid-engine car it was still tight for me at <6".  The rear-engine version is much more spacious.  Still, the lure of the open Speedster is strong and I have seen them make mods to the floor and/or seat orientation to accommodate big guys like you. Don't give up yet.

Yup, thats who I am waiting for a call back from.

I have your number on my desk and can try to call you this afternoon or end of the day.  I was in the shop until late last night finishing up a project and today isn't looking any lighter...

Quick answer,  no, at 6'6" you won't fit in a Spyder, and as mentioned above the Spyder is already maxed out on ways we can add space.  

I have done Speedsters for clients 6'4" and 6'6" in the past on Gen 1 chassis, and I have more room to play with on the Gen 2 chassis already, so I know that won't be an issue. BUT you have to realize that no matter what I alter it is still a small, 1950s era car.  In addition, for this much modification we'd either have to have you visit or take a ton of measurements, as we have to consider everything from arm reach to shoe size when doing a build like this.

Material costs alone are up 70% compared to 2 years ago, so @550 Phil 's numbers are a bit outdated is all.   Aircooled Speedster would just be in your mentioned budget.  Anything Subaru powered or a D would be 15-25% over your budget.

We're sold out deep into 2026 at this time and there is no sign of things slowing down.

Carey @ Beck

@chines1 posted:

I have your number on my desk and can try to call you this afternoon or end of the day.  I was in the shop until late last night finishing up a project and today isn't looking any lighter...

Quick answer,  no, at 6'6" you won't fit in a Spyder, and as mentioned above the Spyder is already maxed out on ways we can add space.  

I have done Speedsters for clients 6'4" and 6'6" in the past on Gen 1 chassis, and I have more room to play with on the Gen 2 chassis already, so I know that won't be an issue. BUT you have to realize that no matter what I alter it is still a small, 1950s era car.  In addition, for this much modification we'd either have to have you visit or take a ton of measurements, as we have to consider everything from arm reach to shoe size when doing a build like this.

Material costs alone are up 70% compared to 2 years ago, so @550 Phil 's numbers are a bit outdated is all.   Aircooled Speedster would just be in your mentioned budget.  Anything Subaru powered or a D would be 15-25% over your budget.

We're sold out deep into 2026 at this time and there is no sign of things slowing down.

Carey @ Beck

Hey, thanks for getting back to me! Thanks for the information. I am glad you guys are doing so well. Yes, I agree the best way would be for me to visit your location. I currently live in Texas and my wife is about to deliver so this might be off by a little amount of time but at least I know which car to focus on now.

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