Tall guy for 68 -73 converable
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2006
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Tall guy for 68 -73 converable
I'm looking at getting a 68-73 convertable but I dont know the head room on the car, It'll probably be bought out of state so I wont be able to sit in one. I'm 6'2", 235Ib's. any feedback on this would be appreciated.
Mick
Mick
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 422
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From: Owensboro Ky
I have a 69 vert and I'm 6'4" and weigh 245 pounds.
I don't think a coupe would be very comfortable for a tall person but it doesnt really matter with a vert. The only problem for me is the header bar at times. While driving I usually slump down in the seat but then my legs are up past the steering column. I only drive around town and dont plan on any long trips.
I don't think a coupe would be very comfortable for a tall person but it doesnt really matter with a vert. The only problem for me is the header bar at times. While driving I usually slump down in the seat but then my legs are up past the steering column. I only drive around town and dont plan on any long trips.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 292
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From: Thomasville Ga
Biginch...I'm 6'3" 270lbs (and have 2 artificial knees). I have a 71 vert...I fit fine. Make sure you have the tilt/telescopic column...it helps in getting in and out. Also, change the steering wheel to a 14" wheel. That also makes a difference in in/out.
Here's a pic of my wheel (about $100 on ebay)...keep the original wheel in case someone buys your car later:
I drive mostly around town, but I have also gone on trips (as far as the FLA/GA line to Baltimore!) and I am comfortable top up or down...
Here's a pic of my wheel (about $100 on ebay)...keep the original wheel in case someone buys your car later:
I drive mostly around town, but I have also gone on trips (as far as the FLA/GA line to Baltimore!) and I am comfortable top up or down...
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
6'4", 240#. I fit just fine in my 69 convertible. We've driven it from Baltimore to Bowling Green, to St. Louis, to Montauk, Long Island without great difficulty.
It's not as comfortable as your daily driver, but I have NO problems, other than to say that I have to stop for gas about every 2 hours on a long trip, and it's nice to get out and stretch of a bit.
After 4-6 hours of straight driving in these cars, my 59 year old bod is beat.
Around town....no problem.
Mine's a 400HP automatic....don't have to fight with a clutch, which is NICE on a trip. Chuck
It's not as comfortable as your daily driver, but I have NO problems, other than to say that I have to stop for gas about every 2 hours on a long trip, and it's nice to get out and stretch of a bit.
After 4-6 hours of straight driving in these cars, my 59 year old bod is beat.
Around town....no problem.Mine's a 400HP automatic....don't have to fight with a clutch, which is NICE on a trip. Chuck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
The 68, '69 seats are raked at 25 degree angle, the '70 to '72 seats are raked at 33 degree angle. This was done to give a bit more head room for the coupes.
I'm 6'3" and 233lbs my hair just brushes the inside t-top panel in my '71.
I'm 6'3" and 233lbs my hair just brushes the inside t-top panel in my '71.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 203
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From: Madison Indiana
Originally Posted by early shark
I'm 6'3" and 233lbs my hair just brushes the inside t-top panel in my '71.
Same here. No major issues.
The biggest problem I had when I got my '69 coupe was the lack of a tilt / tele steering column. My left knee hit the steering wheel every time I worked the clutch.
I replaced the straight column with a tilt / tele and am fine with it now.
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by early shark
The 68, '69 seats are raked at 25 degree angle, the '70 to '72 seats are raked at 33 degree angle. This was done to give a bit more head room for the coupes.
I'm 6'3" and 233lbs my hair just brushes the inside t-top panel in my '71.
I'm 6'3" and 233lbs my hair just brushes the inside t-top panel in my '71.
I think a lot has to do with your proportions. I'm 6'4" and have an average torso and long legs. In my coupe with T-tops I had 3+ inches of head room left.
When I installed C5 seats, which are taller than C3 seats, I still have 1.5" of headroom left.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,782
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From: Some Beautiful Place Sunny and Amazing One
Originally Posted by biginch71
I'm looking at getting a 68-73 convertable but I dont know the head room on the car, It'll probably be bought out of state so I wont be able to sit in one. I'm 6'2", 235Ib's. any feedback on this would be appreciated.
Mick
Mick
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 3
From: Moon Twp. PA USA
Talk to one of our more prolific posters:
Yellow73SB
CF Senior Member
Member Since: Nov 2004
Location: 軽暖高配を手数な 軽暖高配を手数な
My Corvette Photos
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im 6'11" and 170 pounds and i just turned 15. And im still skinny.
All you sub 6' 11" people should not have a problem.
.
Consider the source.
Yellow73SB
CF Senior Member
Member Since: Nov 2004
Location: 軽暖高配を手数な 軽暖高配を手数な
My Corvette Photos
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im 6'11" and 170 pounds and i just turned 15. And im still skinny.
All you sub 6' 11" people should not have a problem.
.Consider the source.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Charlotte NC
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I'm 6'6", 265 & I fit in a coupe about as well as I fit in a viper or a mummy bag for that matter. A tilt/tele column will help greatly. The convertible should give you a bit more headroom.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I'm 6'2" and 250-260...I fit fine in my 77, although my head is a bit close to the roof (I'm working on installing some different, lowered seats to get the fit a bit better. My uncle used to have a 68 vert with a fixed steering column, I had no problems fitting in there, either.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,071
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From: San Diego CA
My buddy is probably just over 6 feet tall or so but is like in the 300 lb range. When he rode in the passenger seat of my vette it was like a clown car for him. His head hit the ceiling getting in and out. He was also really crammed inside.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
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From: I can walk to MA
Not me ... I'm pretty much average and the C3 fits perfectly.
A friend (about 6'4") sold his 73 coupe due to cramped quarters and knee room.
He couldn't work the clutch without jamming his knee in the turn signal lever.
I would suggest an automatic for my long-legged friends.
A friend (about 6'4") sold his 73 coupe due to cramped quarters and knee room.
He couldn't work the clutch without jamming his knee in the turn signal lever.
I would suggest an automatic for my long-legged friends.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Kennesaw, GA Peach State Posse
Cruise-In VI Veteran
I had the same question as I'm interested in getting a 70-71 coupe sometime in the not too distant future. I'm 6'3". I "tried on" a 71 coupe a couple of months ago and found that it won't be a problem as long as I get a tilt wheel. Sitting in the car, there definitely isn't the legroom I have in the C5, but it is doable.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 281
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From: Brookfield IL
I'm 6-2, 250lbs. I fit fine in my 69 vert, but the tilt/tele is a must. I spent almost a year looking for that option, in addition to the power steering, power brakes, power windows, and 350/350 motor. No way I could get in and out with the standard wheel without a struggle.
I admit when I am driving I do feel a little tall-- like my head is sticking up higher than the windshield. I'm always thinking about that when I'm behind a truck-- that if something came flying it would hit the top of my head.
I wish the seats had a touch more rake like the later models-- as someone previously mentioned. I like the idea of the 14" steering wheel-- how hard is that to replace and any recommended models or brands?
Andy
I admit when I am driving I do feel a little tall-- like my head is sticking up higher than the windshield. I'm always thinking about that when I'm behind a truck-- that if something came flying it would hit the top of my head.
I wish the seats had a touch more rake like the later models-- as someone previously mentioned. I like the idea of the 14" steering wheel-- how hard is that to replace and any recommended models or brands?
Andy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
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From: I can walk to MA
The rake of the seats can be adjusted with the seat adjusters
at the bottom of the seat back. That is ... if they aren't rusted in place.
They do recline ... you just need tools to do it.
at the bottom of the seat back. That is ... if they aren't rusted in place.
They do recline ... you just need tools to do it.
Last edited by NHvette; May 9, 2006 at 05:26 PM.