Calling all tall C3 drivers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Hartland WI
Calling all tall C3 drivers
So my buddy and I drove each others cars for a few days and now I'm in love with C3's. I've pretty much decided to sell my C5 and start looking for a C3. 
One thing concerns me when I begin looking for a car. I'm a taller person (6'3") and I find the C3 cockpit a little tight but manageable. The only C3 I've driven had a tilt/tele wheel. By extended the wheel and angling it up I was able to work the clutch without my knee hitting the steering wheel. In my early search I see that this option is not on all Corvettes. I worry that without the ability to move the wheel my knee will hit it each time I shift. This limits the cars I am thinking about looking at. So what do you tall driver's do out there to make some leg room? Anybody about my height have a fixed position steering wheel? Are my concerns unfounded? Are there ways to make more leg room like installing a little smaller diameter steering wheel or something like that? Appreciate any advice.
One thing concerns me when I begin looking for a car. I'm a taller person (6'3") and I find the C3 cockpit a little tight but manageable. The only C3 I've driven had a tilt/tele wheel. By extended the wheel and angling it up I was able to work the clutch without my knee hitting the steering wheel. In my early search I see that this option is not on all Corvettes. I worry that without the ability to move the wheel my knee will hit it each time I shift. This limits the cars I am thinking about looking at. So what do you tall driver's do out there to make some leg room? Anybody about my height have a fixed position steering wheel? Are my concerns unfounded? Are there ways to make more leg room like installing a little smaller diameter steering wheel or something like that? Appreciate any advice.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
... smaller diameter steering wheel...? Appreciate any advice.
Pic. on website.
PS Ideal height for C3 is Duntov's height to just over 6'.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
At 6"2" and about 210 pounds, I fit in my 68 Convertible with the stock wheel and non-T/T steering column. Getting in and out is a little awkward. My 70 Coupe, with it's air conditioning duct under the steering column can cause interference with my size 12 shoes. I usually take my left shoe off. Also, I reduced height of the seat back bumper. This allows me the seatback to lean back a little more and rest on the "firewall" behind the seats. Anyhow, once I get in the seat, I like the snug, low to the road feel you get in the C3.
There aren't many 68's with T/T steering columns. From 69 and on they become more common.
There aren't many 68's with T/T steering columns. From 69 and on they become more common.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 4
From: Fairview Heights Illinois, near Saint Louis MO, STL C3 Shark
Im not too tall, Im 5'11", we'll call it 6' for my ego. but I do not have tilt or telescoping I ride with the seat all the way back, but feel comfortable. try to get behind the wheel of as many as you can find to get a feel for what works.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
... My 70 Coupe, with it's air conditioning duct under the steering column can cause interference with my size 12 shoes. ...
I have removed that duct for awhile when making mods as it interferes w/ access to underdash wiring.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 10
From: Sault Ste Marie Ontario
Put spacers in the front two mounting bolts. Make sure to use grade 8 bolts. I have a ¾ “ Spacer in the front of mine and it does help putting the rake and changing the seat angle. My $0.02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 48
From: westland mi
i'm 6'1 and had to slouch till i bought an astro top which gives you about 3" more of headroom and went w/smaller grant steering wheel. most people on the forum have bad things to say about astro tops but i've never had a problem w/mine in 13yrs i've had it nor has a buddy. sure they leak when i get caught in the rain but not anymore than my original tops. if u do go this route get the 1pc, the 2 pc are worthless
http://www.astrotops.com/68_82tops.html
http://www.astrotops.com/68_82tops.html
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
I am 6 foot 2 and i have never had a problem getting in and out of my 76, i do have a T/T wheel and i like that i can sit all the way to the back as far as i can go and just bring the wheel to where its comfortable to me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
I'm average height, but I know a freind that bought another friend's 73 coupe.
The new owner is 6'6". He is now selling the vette due to knee problems and space. One thing he originally considered was to
remove and shorten the blinker stalk. This makes more room for the 'clutch' knee.
Another member here actually cut apart the floor area of the firewall and extended that a few inches for more legroom.
The new owner is 6'6". He is now selling the vette due to knee problems and space. One thing he originally considered was to
remove and shorten the blinker stalk. This makes more room for the 'clutch' knee.
Another member here actually cut apart the floor area of the firewall and extended that a few inches for more legroom.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by Paul @ Thunder
I'm 6'1" and my '69 does not have tilt wheel either. I do have a smaller size Momo steering wheel which helps a lot plus being a Vert makes it a little easier as well.
.
.
73 vert and the smaller wheel helped out a ton, made the manual steering a bit more challanging though.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 511
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
I'm 6'1" and my head would probably brush against the T-tops if they were the fiberglass ones. I've got the glass panel T-tops. They give that extra head room.
I thought that someone here had modified the firewall to make more foot room, I think that included modding the pedals. I was thinking of looking into that, I need about 1-2 inches. Maybe after I finish the stuff I've got started now.
I thought that someone here had modified the firewall to make more foot room, I think that included modding the pedals. I was thinking of looking into that, I need about 1-2 inches. Maybe after I finish the stuff I've got started now.
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: West Branch MI
Our 1980 is has an auto. trans and, like all '80's, tilt/tele. I'm 6'4" and don't have any troubles at all. I've driven a car similar to ours that was a stick and it was tough to work the clutch (size 14 shoes didn't fit too well).
If you absolutely require a manual trans., it sounds like a smaller steering wheel and/or seat modifications will help, however if an auto. is an option I think you'd fit in just about any C3 out there....
If you absolutely require a manual trans., it sounds like a smaller steering wheel and/or seat modifications will help, however if an auto. is an option I think you'd fit in just about any C3 out there....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 952
Likes: 44
From: NC
Im 6'3 250 with a 73 standard column and stock steering wheel. It is a bear to say the least. I took the door pull off of the door and that allowed me to be able to put my knee up one inch. I will get a smaller steering wheel here in the near future. I don't want to drop 600 bucks for a tilt steering column. If you find a car with a tilt steering column you will be set!
Like someone else mentioned, big feet are not good for 4 speed vettes. my size 14s sometimes hit the brake when im trying to push in the clutch, thats real embarassing
Also, your arm/shoulder is always against the door panel, but honestly, you get used to it and I love driving my car no matter how cramped it is.
Like someone else mentioned, big feet are not good for 4 speed vettes. my size 14s sometimes hit the brake when im trying to push in the clutch, thats real embarassing
Also, your arm/shoulder is always against the door panel, but honestly, you get used to it and I love driving my car no matter how cramped it is.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Hartland WI
Thanks for all the replies so far guys. I experienced the "clutch knee" when I first started driving my friends '73. I forgot that the wheel telescoped as well as tilted. Every time I would shift my knee would press against either the door or the steering wheel. It made for awkward driving. Once I figured out the telescoping ability I had plenty of room. I just don't want to have to rule out the non tilt/tele cars. It would suck if I found the perfect car for me only to find out it doesn't have this option. Seems like such a small thing. Keep the replies coming. I like to hear how others make themselves fit into their cars. Gives me good ideas. 