Fast81

During my C1 research here, it has been mentioned that the later C1's (61-62) have a bit more legroom. What is the consensus from the taller C1 crowd ?
I still REALLY like the rearend of the 58-60 over the duck-tail of the 61-62 but if i cant fit in it whats the point. Also, wanting an AT so working a clutch is not in the equation.

Thanks
FAST81

wmf62

62s have a redesigned seat, and are supposedly a bit roomier.

Bill

DZAUTO

The seats in the 61-62 cars were totally redesigned and as a result, they are lower and go further rearward. Also, the transmission tunnel was reshaped. Thus, for sure, the 61-62 will provide more head and leg room.
Also, the 58-62 steering colums are shorter than the 53-57 columns.
SOOOOOOOOOO, with that said, IF you prefer the 58-60 body styles, AND, IF you could round up a set of 61-62 seats, those could be installed in a 58-60 car and provide the same head/leg room as a 61-62.
My personal opinion, I don't think you would be happy with a 58-60 if the top was on.
Oh ya, by the way, the 56-62 steering wheels have the same diameter, so there is no added room there.

wmf62

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...ossible-2.html

Bill

capevettes

Yes the 61, 62's have the most room of the Solid axles. I'm 6'1" and fit fine. Plenty of leg room. At 6'3" you should fit. You just have to duck going over bumps with the hard top on. You also have to slide you right leg flat/sideways under the steering wheel as you enter or exit.

Jackfit

Hi, good advice, but the best thing is to try and drive or ride in each one. You will know very quickly if you fit or not. It is a matter of flexibility.

At 22 years of age, 6'1" 235 lbs. I fit in my 61 corvette. At 70 and 190 lbs. I don't fit as well....or getting in or out is more difficult.

I solved that problem in 1970 by buying a 1966 convertible after I blew up the 61.

It will be tough shifting as your knees will hit the wheel unless you splay them sideways when you shift. Not so much with AT but you still have to sit with legs apart.

Get a c-2 for the most room..

Jack

hlvette

I am 6'-2" & 230# & had the same issues. I fit & drive a 59 just fine, but I had to install a 700R4 automatic transmission because I didn't have knee room for the clutch. People here will rip on you for it, but the way I see it, its better to drive a c1 with an auto than have one in the garage with a clutch that I can't drive.

Kerrmudgeon

61 and 2 are two inches longer on the interiour, but the head room is the thing. I hate driving my 62 with the soft top up, and I'm just 6ft. Any significant bumps in the road means you better duck or smack your noggin into the top bow.....and it hurts! :
Riding with the hardtop on is a lot better, but you have to duck to see out the side of the car and watch getting in and out for that really hard side trim...ouch!

If you're long waisted you'll also find yourself with the windshield top trim in your line of vision.

Mid years are a lot more pleasant comfort wise, especially for tall guys.










,

Loren Smith

If you really want to maximize your room, you could buy the model year you like best, put your seats and frames in storage (or sell if it is not an NCRS car), get a 15" look alike steering wheel, and these seats:

http://www.alknochinteriors.com/stor...-lea-aok-seats

Or you can do what I did, and have Al Knoch rebuild your seats while taking out a couple of inches on the bottom and back.

GTOguy

You would have to perform surgery on the trans tunnel to have the same room as a '61-'62.

Randy G.

I'm 6'4", 290# and I've owned a '54, '57, '58, '60, 61, and a '62. The earlier cars are very tight and the later C1's do have more room, but I can't tell any difference between my 1960 which is long gone and the '62 I'm driving now. Everyone has different body dimensions. Longer or shorter torso, longer or shorter legs. I have to slide my butt forward to sit up in my '60 and '62. Even then my hair touches the hard top (hard tops give me more room than a convertible top). Bottom line is you need to sit in them, and realize there are modified seat options that may help, but they are still an acquired taste. BTW, I love them. See smiling face below.

wmf62

$3200+, ridiculous price for those AOK seats...

Bill

jimh_1962

61/62... But still your head will probably hit the roof.

mmaturo

I'm in this camp...I bought my 60 from a guy bigger than me. I think seat was/is worn in so I sink in well, car has a more modern automatic to go with the V8 crate motor in it and I have a 15" wheel that really does look like the regular wheel. I fit at 6'-2" and upper 200s. I should say my head is below the window header and I fit fine behind the wheel and can sit and swing my legs in rather easily. Put the soft top up...well that's another story...getting in is a bit of a strange technique, but have room once in...hard top easier but still awkward and have plenty of room once in. Sooooo I don't drive it ever with the tops on/up. Simple.

One thing I will say even if I had a manual the bend on the knees would just be too much never mind if I would have hit the wheel.

Kerrmudgeon

Some guys take the seats totally OUT and upholster the floor and bulkhead behind to make a seat. Max room, but I doubt they're very comfortable to ride in.

ohiovet

Myself being a normal height and weight ( 5' 7", 160 pounds) I have found that getting in and out of my 62 gets harder every year. The space inside is fine, it is a 4 speed and I have the seat halfway forward. The car is a hardtop only which helps.
My 57 with the hardtop is more difficult to enter and get out of and the steering wheel is way to close to be comfortable. A 15" fat guy wheel would help.
My 65 coupe is perfect and would easily accommodate a 6' 3", 230 pound person.
My advice is go with a C2.
Bruce B

68hemi

The 15" wheel is not a fat guy wheel, it has nothing to do with your belly it has to do with your legs for both ease of entry and clutching room for your leg. The length of the steering column would better serve a belly problem but only on a 56/57 car as they have a longer column than the 58-62 cars. Many people put a 58-62 column in a 56/57 for that reason OR to give you more room to "wheel" the car easier.

ohiovet

EXCUSE ME.

Incorrect terminology..........

Revfan

I was in your situation a few years back, and was convinced to go the C2 Route.

I found a '67 vert, and didn't look back.

Sat in some C1s just to make sure, and its a bit cramped. After the initial "Holy Cow, I can't believe I am sitting in a C1" wore off, I was worried I'd get deep vein thrombosis after a 30 minute drive.

6'2" 250 (Long torso)

Cheers!

jimh_1962

My friend is the same height as you. He has a 59 corvette and is able to drive it with the stock steering wheel. His corvette is a hardtop only. The convertible top comes down shorter... At least thats what it seems since it has the bows.

Now for 61/62:

Smaller seat frames.
doors are slightly longer than the rest. I think with exception to 60.
The accelerator pedal area has a slight indention.


Not sure if the tunnel area is smaller or larger.

You can fit in a 62 corvette. Try to find a local club and asked for a ride or at least sit in the driver's seat and see if you fit.

Keep in mind there is a proper way of getting in and out of a C1. Feet stays on the ground until your butt is planted in the seat. Then swing your legs into the cockpit. Same goes when you get out. Swing your legs out first onto the ground and then stand up.