Will I fit?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Durham and Norfolk NC and VA
Will I fit?
Hi Guys,
Been trolling for awhile and am getting close to retiring from the Navy. I would like to get a 1982 C3, but my biggest concern is whether or not the interior will accommodate me. I'm 6'2", 215 and looking for a toy to play with when I retire. I will have alot of time on my hands once I retire. I searched to no avail. I have always loved the 82 body style and it's the year I graduated high school. My goal was to have a Corvette before my 50th birthday. I only have four years left until middle age.
I have gained considerable knowledge from this forum, but don't have any hands on experience. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long winded story. Have a great one, Brian
Been trolling for awhile and am getting close to retiring from the Navy. I would like to get a 1982 C3, but my biggest concern is whether or not the interior will accommodate me. I'm 6'2", 215 and looking for a toy to play with when I retire. I will have alot of time on my hands once I retire. I searched to no avail. I have always loved the 82 body style and it's the year I graduated high school. My goal was to have a Corvette before my 50th birthday. I only have four years left until middle age.
I have gained considerable knowledge from this forum, but don't have any hands on experience. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long winded story. Have a great one, Brian
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
You should fit no problem. I have seen bigger guys in them. I have given a ride to a 6"6" 250 pounder before. It was tight but he fit. The layer C3s like the 82 have slightly more room also. Go find one and sit in it. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
With the tilt/tele steering column you should fit o.k. I think the glass t-tops will give you slightly more head room over the body color ones with the headliner as well.
That cross fire injection in the '82 is not a very reliable engine so maybe an '81 would be better.
That cross fire injection in the '82 is not a very reliable engine so maybe an '81 would be better.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Durham and Norfolk NC and VA
I don't plan on keeping the crossfire injection motor in it. I would like to do an LSx swap. Thanks for the help.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Hi , I am 6' 4" @ 250/275 LBS. and I fit just fine in mine, its an '80. Slightly more head room with the glass roofs then with the solid body colored ones tho. with the roofs off, DUH, unlimited head room, more then enough room width wise and leg room wise ( 32" inseam) only slight problems with foot room , (15 EEE), I usually have to **** my foot on the gas pedal so's I am not stepping on the brake pedal too (A/T). Paul1974 did a mod to his brake pedal that would help. Like Gordon says go and try one on for size, you'd be suprised. I went from a spacious '67 Coupe to a sqrunchy (at the time) '71 roadster with time inbetween spent in a '59 and a '62, I needed to be double jointed to get in and out of either of them with the top on/up. Try it, you'll like it. And thanks for your service,,, Peace, Moosie
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: houston al
6'4" about 225 here, only minor problems in my 69, i fit fine but with big feet like was said before is more problem than body size, every time i press the clutch i hit the light dimmer switch. Getting in the car is no problem now getting out sometimes is another story.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I'm 6'2", 280 and get in the 69 with no t/t and the 77 with t/t. I can't hit the door at a dead run and get in anymore, but I still fit and once I'm in, pretty comfortable. I did a 1500 mile trip in the 77 when I got it, from AZ to MO bringing it home with no air.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,884
Likes: 3,278
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 1
From: Lindenhurst, Long Island, New York
Hey, you shouldn't be worried.
I'm 6' 3", 280lb, 6' 9" middle finder to middle finger and a 34" inseam and fit rather well. Elbow room is the tightest. I also have my suspension pretty stiff and there are times I wish I had an extra inch or so. Like it has been said, glass t-tops or even gutting the liners in the painted tops is a good way to get a little more.
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a must for big guys.
I'm 6' 3", 280lb, 6' 9" middle finder to middle finger and a 34" inseam and fit rather well. Elbow room is the tightest. I also have my suspension pretty stiff and there are times I wish I had an extra inch or so. Like it has been said, glass t-tops or even gutting the liners in the painted tops is a good way to get a little more.
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel is a must for big guys.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Boiling Springs SC
As if you need any more incouragement, I'm 6'3" 34" inseam, 280 lbs, size 13 foot and the only problems I have are keeping the foot from hanging on the brake pedal (thinking about cutting a little bit of it off for clearance). My 82 has the glass tops so that helps the height, the 73' has the inserts so it is a little closer, but the seats don't hold you up as high as the newer "fitted" seats that are in the late 70's and early 80's cars. I retired from the Navy 13 years ago and the little extra age adds a little to getting in and out, but the ride and style is still worth it all! And here too is the wish of "Fair winds and following seas" from another old Navy Goat.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Durham and Norfolk NC and VA
Thanks for everyone's feedback. I have tried to find some for sale in the Raleigh/Durham, NC or Norfolk, VA area for a test fit, but no luck so far. I'll keep looking. Thanks again for all the great help and have a great one, Brian
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
http://www.ernccc.org/VAclubs.php
It has contact information for Corvette clubs in your area. Send and email to some of the club contacts and I'm sure someone will be glad to let you try out their 80-82 for size.
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