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MG TD TF 1500 - Pedals

I have a serious problem driving my TF. As soon as I press the accelerator pedal my knee starts to ache, so badly that it is difficult to drive. The pain is at the back of my knee. I can get some relief my using the side of my foot to press the pedal. I have no problem with our modern car. The options I can try are raising/lowering the seat, shortening/lengthening the accelerator pedal and screwing a block to the floor boards to raise my heel. Before I start to do anything has anyone else had a similar problem. If there are and medics or physios out there perhaps they can explain how pressing the accelerator with my toes is causing pain in the rear of my knee.

Cheers

Jan T
J Targosz

The ankle bone's connected to the - shin bone. The shin bone's connected to the...

I'd seek professional guidance on this one.
MAndrus

Jan, I have found that in my case all leg pain, other than obvious trauma, is related to back/spinal cord issues. Some people swear by chiropractors but I'm more inclined to consult a doctor on issues like this. My son in law injured his back in the military and is receiving cortisone shots in his back. It gives him relief for two or three months in his calf area and lower back. I'm guessing the geometry of the MG gas pedal is such that the relationship of your back to your leg when pushing on it is causing the problem. On a purely unscientific basis, have you tried putting a cushion behind your back or sitting on one?

Best of luck.

Tim
TD12524
Tim Burchfield

Believe it or not, I thought of replacing the gas pedal with one from an old Ford. I have problems with mine which sets in the arch of my foot and just doesn't feel right. Very uncomfortable on a long trip, plus I hate the roller. PJ
PJ Jennings

Hi Jan,
I think the main problem is that the seat squab is too short and does not support the lower thigh. On long trips I have a foam block about 6" square slightly higher than the seat which I place under my thigh/knee. All I need now is a clutch foot rest as that leg is now aching. { maybe an age thing }.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

The other way to raise the front of the seat and tilt the back slightly is to remove the runners and pack under them with some thick washers or make a wedge to fit.
Dave H
Dave Hill

A plastic kid's swim ring makes an excellent cushion to relieve pressure on the lower thigh while driving. It also brings lots of humorous comments.
Lew Palmer

I spent a week sitting in a car in the worlds largest open air car park (aka London's M25 motorway) one afternoon a couple of years ago. By the end of the trip I had a crippling ache in the back of my right thigh that came back every time I drove our VW camper van. The symptom disappeared when I stopped driving with my wallet in my right hip pocket! Google 'wallet sciatica' - I was not the first to find that particular cure.
I can also thoroughly recommend a few yoga stretches. You don't have to go overboard and visit an ashram, the same stretches are commonly prescribed by physiotherapists.
Modern cars have adjustable squab height and angle for a reason. Ergonomics was probably not a word commonly used in the MG design studios of 70 years ago and anything that can be done to make driving more comfortable is also going to make it safer.
I am looking forward to the far distant day when I can complain about the seating in my TF!
Chris
C I Twidle

Nice to see a new Oz handle on the BBS Chris. I'm looking forward to a bit of pain too! Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Chris,
Obviously too much cash in the wallet! A well known syndrome in Scotland.
There is a simple cure for that!

Regards
Declan
Declan Burns

Yes Declan, my wife has her own version of that 'cure'!
Hi Peter, I have been 'lurking' for some time but seem to spend more time on the 'other' bbs where I regularly see your handle.
Regards to all,
Chris
C I Twidle

That is strange Chris as I've only ever posted here. Is this a case of identity theft? Apologies Jan for the digression. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Sorry Peter (and Jan) I shouldn't try to keep more than one thought in mind at once. Your name doesn't show up in a search of the other site. Maybe it was because I see more Aussie posts there.
Chris
C I Twidle

Jan, you could consider screwing to the floor a large floor-hinged pedal which would simply rest against the existing roller. This would increase your foot position options. I used one when I did a very, very long trip several years ago a felt that the roller was starting to bore a hole in my foot.

Matthew.
M Magilton

Ibuphrofen
TRM Maine

Jan,

I support the physical therapy option. Doing the right stretches every day can go a long way toward alleviating nerve pain caused by spine issues. Many of these are yoga moves. I do something called "the cobra" every day and it has made an amazing difference.

Jim
J Barry

This thread was discussed between 24/05/2017 and 29/05/2017

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