DeTomaso Mailing List: April 2000, Message #325

JB wrote:

>I tried on my motorcycle helmet over the weekend and jumped in my 
car....ouch.  Too thick.  This won't work, my head hits the roof. 

>>>Join the club--almost EVERYBODY'S head hits the roof with a helmet on!

> Does 
anyone know where I can get a thinner (on top) helmet that is still legal 
for the Nevada Open Road Challenge and Sliver State Races?

>>>Nope.  You've got three choices:

1)  Lower the seats.  The L-model Panteras had spacers under the seat rails 
for some unknown reason.  These were about 1/2 inch thick and spot welded to 
the floor.  Pull out the seats, get out your hammer and cold chisel and bang 
away.  There's clearance.  If that doesn't do it, then you can have the seats 
reupholstered and remove some of the padding (the '71 seats were physically 
thinner as well.)

2)  Lower the floorpans.  Roger Sharp built his own lowered floor pans, it's 
not difficult to do.  Or you can buy pre-made pans from the vendors (some of 
which are much TOO low IMHO)

3)  Talk to Chuck Engles.  He's a POCA member and neurosurgeon in Oklahoma 
City.  For a fee I'm sure he'd be willing to crack your skull open, compress 
your brain somewhat and then lower the top of your skull.  However I'd view 
that as a last resort! :>)

Mike