C3 Dreaming?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton
C3 Dreaming?
Questions from a tall noob.
For years I have always loved corvette's, especially the chrome bumper C3's. So I finally have some extra cash to turn my dream into reality but there is one problem that might stop my C3 dream dead in its tracks. I'm 6'7"
I have read all the threads on the forum about lowering seats, removing head liners from the t-tops, looking for tele/tilt steering, smaller diameter steering wheel etc.
Does anyone know if there are any measurable differences from C3 year to year in the driver side? Is it possible to drop the driver side floor a bit and remount the seat? If so how big of a job is it?
Are my C3 dreams over before they have started?
For years I have always loved corvette's, especially the chrome bumper C3's. So I finally have some extra cash to turn my dream into reality but there is one problem that might stop my C3 dream dead in its tracks. I'm 6'7"
I have read all the threads on the forum about lowering seats, removing head liners from the t-tops, looking for tele/tilt steering, smaller diameter steering wheel etc.
Does anyone know if there are any measurable differences from C3 year to year in the driver side? Is it possible to drop the driver side floor a bit and remount the seat? If so how big of a job is it?
Are my C3 dreams over before they have started?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 523
Likes: 4
From: Calgary Alberta
Questions from a tall noob.
For years I have always loved corvette's, especially the chrome bumper C3's. So I finally have some extra cash to turn my dream into reality but there is one problem that might stop my C3 dream dead in its tracks. I'm 6'7"
I have read all the threads on the forum about lowering seats, removing head liners from the t-tops, looking for tele/tilt steering, smaller diameter steering wheel etc.
Does anyone know if there are any measurable differences from C3 year to year in the driver side? Is it possible to drop the driver side floor a bit and remount the seat? If so how big of a job is it?
Are my C3 dreams over before they have started?
For years I have always loved corvette's, especially the chrome bumper C3's. So I finally have some extra cash to turn my dream into reality but there is one problem that might stop my C3 dream dead in its tracks. I'm 6'7"
I have read all the threads on the forum about lowering seats, removing head liners from the t-tops, looking for tele/tilt steering, smaller diameter steering wheel etc.
Does anyone know if there are any measurable differences from C3 year to year in the driver side? Is it possible to drop the driver side floor a bit and remount the seat? If so how big of a job is it?
Are my C3 dreams over before they have started?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,704
Likes: 6
From: Toronto
I once knew a guy who ws 6'10" and had his cars modified by removing the seat tracks and pinning the seats in place at their farthest point from the steering wheel. Once he got in though his bulk, and he was fit and not overweight, made it uncomfortable to sit in the car foor extended periods of time. He always felt as though he was pushed out the door. Maybe you could find a C3 for sale at a dealer or something just so you can walk in and check out the seat and your fit. GL!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
I would say 6'7" will be close. Would you be ok if the roof of the car was literately right next to your head?
I believe lowering the seat will only give you a couple inches. But even if you were able to get your head in, I think the real probable you will have is leg room. These car may look long, but there is not that space. My dad is 6'6" and he hates sitting in the car. His legs are in the dash and he has to hold his head slightly to the side to fit. Now granted, I have not modified the car at all, so removing the top liners and making the seat adjustment would allow him to sit in the car without hitting his head. But you still have your legs in the dash. Makes it hard to turn and shift gears if you can't really move you legs.
Something else to consider, depending on the clearance you get with the modifications, you may be looking out the windshield at annoying angle.
Your best bet would be to find some who has made the modifications and ask for a ride. Other than that, there is not much you can really do.
I believe lowering the seat will only give you a couple inches. But even if you were able to get your head in, I think the real probable you will have is leg room. These car may look long, but there is not that space. My dad is 6'6" and he hates sitting in the car. His legs are in the dash and he has to hold his head slightly to the side to fit. Now granted, I have not modified the car at all, so removing the top liners and making the seat adjustment would allow him to sit in the car without hitting his head. But you still have your legs in the dash. Makes it hard to turn and shift gears if you can't really move you legs.
Something else to consider, depending on the clearance you get with the modifications, you may be looking out the windshield at annoying angle.
Your best bet would be to find some who has made the modifications and ask for a ride. Other than that, there is not much you can really do.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I am 6'3" just do what I did...get a convertible! 
Seriously, your problem will be getting in and out. I don't have tilt so I have to fold my body a bit to get in. Good luck and don't give up on your dream!
Seriously, your problem will be getting in and out. I don't have tilt so I have to fold my body a bit to get in. Good luck and don't give up on your dream!
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
DC
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 314
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis Indiana
I've recently been thinking about this issue as well. I've never been in the vette when it was all apart and am currently doing a rebuild... at 6'3" do I need to worry? I've got a tilt/tele coupe.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 451
From: Central NJ
I think the easiest solution (although maybe not the MOST comfortable) would be to get a pair of aluminum drag racing seats. The Jazz ones are not too bad comfortwise and they make covers for them. You could even get custom covers made that snap into the aluminum. I bet you would gain an easy 6+ inches or leg room and you could mount the seat darn near on the floor.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: East Haddam CT
That's tall but where is your height, upper body or legs? I'm 6'5" but my height is in my upper body.
My car is a convertible, I'm old and I don't bend as well as I used to but I have no problem depressing the clutch and remaining fairly comfortable driving my car. The head room in a coupe might be a bit lower but not all that much. Your extra two inches of height compared to my 6'5" will make a difference but I think you'll fit in a C3 Corvette. Try a few on at a local cruise night to see how you fit. Most guys when asked at these get togethers will let you 'try on' their car (if it isn't some never driven trailer queen).
I replaced my stock steering wheel with a one inch smaller diameter wheel which made a considerable difference when getting in and out of the car. I also have a tilt/telescoping wheel (you're going to need that option, believe me).
If you keep the car long enough you'll eventually fit perfectly as we all shrink over time
.
RB
My car is a convertible, I'm old and I don't bend as well as I used to but I have no problem depressing the clutch and remaining fairly comfortable driving my car. The head room in a coupe might be a bit lower but not all that much. Your extra two inches of height compared to my 6'5" will make a difference but I think you'll fit in a C3 Corvette. Try a few on at a local cruise night to see how you fit. Most guys when asked at these get togethers will let you 'try on' their car (if it isn't some never driven trailer queen).
I replaced my stock steering wheel with a one inch smaller diameter wheel which made a considerable difference when getting in and out of the car. I also have a tilt/telescoping wheel (you're going to need that option, believe me).
If you keep the car long enough you'll eventually fit perfectly as we all shrink over time
.RB
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 140
From: Kanuckistan
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
6'6" here
-Late C3 (78+ I think) is much more cramped.
-Get rid of the T-top padding to gain so space, or like me opt for glass/plexi T-top.
-Lastest C3 (81-82 IIRC) have dropped floorpan to accomodate seat with motors at their bottom, put some non motorized seat and you'll get more headroom.
-Late C3 (78+ I think) is much more cramped.
-Get rid of the T-top padding to gain so space, or like me opt for glass/plexi T-top.
-Lastest C3 (81-82 IIRC) have dropped floorpan to accomodate seat with motors at their bottom, put some non motorized seat and you'll get more headroom.