C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

How tall are you?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 03:34 PM
  #1  
rob287's Avatar
rob287
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default How tall are you?

I am so close to buying a 1968 C3 T top. seen the car 424 big block. everything was going great until i sat in the passenger seat i am 6.5ft... granted the seat was jammed and had about 3 inches to go back.

I sat in the drivers seat and i struggled to get in. The seller said the wheel adjusts and again the seat could of went back 3-4 inches.

how tall are you? Are after market seats an option, i think any sports car it wont be really roomy for me but i need it to be comfortable for me.

thanks
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 03:44 PM
  #2  
NONN37's Avatar
NONN37
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,161
Likes: 239
From: Southern CALIFORNIA
Default

yeah. its a common problem. do a search. later cars had tilt and telescoping column. usually problem is the knees, common mod is to install a smaller steering wheel.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 03:48 PM
  #3  
derekderek's Avatar
derekderek
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Default

and at 6'1" i find it hard to fit my head under the T top. mebbe just flip the latches and lift top a bit like a gullwing benz to get in...
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 03:51 PM
  #4  
rob287's Avatar
rob287
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for the speedy reply. Yes he did say you can get a smaller wheel
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 04:48 PM
  #5  
resdoggie's Avatar
resdoggie
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 1,213
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Default

I'm 6'-1" and the steering wheel is not an issue. Leg room is not the best but tolerable. Now that I'm older, I too need to watch out with my head contacting the roof. Gentle does it!
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 05:06 PM
  #6  
standardbyke22's Avatar
standardbyke22
Pro
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 535
Likes: 104
From: Chicago, IL
Default

im 6'1 mostly muscle of course, hard to fit in my 68 non tele, my 69 is much more comfortable. however with new foam in the seats my head sometimes hits the t top on a fast turn.a warn seat helps
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 05:27 PM
  #7  
brassplyer's Avatar
brassplyer
Race Director
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 13,241
Likes: 79
Default

6’4” and it’s a snug fit. I had to work out a choreography to get in – with my back to the car I squat and put my butt on the seat and scoot back a bit and lean my head to the left to clear the t-top, then lean and spin around to the right at just the right angle while drawing up my right leg so my shoe (15W) clears the door – usually brushes it a bit, then draw my left leg up. I find I have less room in my ’80 than in earlier C3’s I looked at, I assume due to the different seat design and that they’re in good condition, not crushed down. With the seat all the way back if I lean my head back it bumps the interior frame. I’ll be looking into lowering the seat to give myself an extra inch or two. I originally thought I wanted a 4-speed but not having to work a clutch is fine. This must have different interior geometry than my Dad's '65 on which I could work the clutch without problems.

There’s also a bad blind spot created by the rearview mirror and the big hump hood that’s there to clear the air cleaner over the blower. I’m going to have to modify the hood to give myself some more field of view.

There’s a funny scene in a 60’s movie “Send Me No Flowers” with actor Clint Walker who was 6’6” (see pics of him standing next to Muhammad Ali and towering over Ali) they have Clint stuffed into a Jaguar and he has to go through various contortions to get out of it.

Last edited by brassplyer; Feb 26, 2019 at 05:34 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 05:32 PM
  #8  
rob287's Avatar
rob287
Thread Starter
Navigator
 
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Default

Snug fit. But do able are you comfy? Is it OK for say a 40mile trip. The one I looked at is a 4 speed. So not an auto.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 05:55 PM
  #9  
Big2Bird's Avatar
Big2Bird
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
Default

I am 6'3" and drove my 81 6,5000 miles last summer in one shot. The glass T - tops add a tad of headroom.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 06:07 PM
  #10  
brassplyer's Avatar
brassplyer
Race Director
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 13,241
Likes: 79
Default

Originally Posted by rob287
Snug fit. But do able are you comfy? Is it OK for say a 40mile trip. The one I looked at is a 4 speed. So not an auto.
Yes, once I get in the seat is very comfortable and the car rides really nice. Mine aren't the old lowback design, they're like these:

http://www.corvettepartsworldwide.co...C_p/422720.htm

I might get a small travel pillow to go behind my head since I can't really utilize the upper headrest portion of the seat.

Last edited by brassplyer; Feb 26, 2019 at 06:13 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 08:47 PM
  #11  
brassplyer's Avatar
brassplyer
Race Director
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 13,241
Likes: 79
Default

Also, I have to be careful of the dome light and the structure for the t-top back insert pin or whatever it's called - I've clonked it a couple of times with my head - fortunately there's a plastic shroud over it, apparently they anticipated this would be an issue.
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2019 | 11:50 PM
  #12  
zapper295's Avatar
zapper295
Intermediate
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Omaha Ne
Default

I’m 6’4” and tilt-tele column helps a lot. I bought a another one without tilt-tele and it will get an aftermarket tilt column with a possibility of an quick release steering wheel.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2019 | 01:03 AM
  #13  
Carl Granquist's Avatar
Carl Granquist
Pro
Supporting Lifetime
Veteran: Navy
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 624
Likes: 24
From: Shoreline WA
Default

Not sure I can add any more to what already has been said, except that you have to decide whether or not you're comfortable. I'm 6'3" but usually only drive in good weather (roof panels off) so getting in and out is manageable. I like the car so much I just don't complain. I will admit though that I don't look too sexy getting out of the car at a burger joint or the gas station.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2019 | 10:56 AM
  #14  
Tims68's Avatar
Tims68
5th Gear
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Cromwell CT
Default

I’m 6’5”, have a 68 conv. 4spd. When I bought it I couldn’t get in the driver seat but loved the car so much I bought it anyway figured I’d make it work somehow. The convertible helps, the 68 is tough with the bigger wheel and no tilt but once you figure out how to get your right leg in under the wheel before getting in it’s not bad, I have no problem driving it once I’m in
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2019 | 01:21 PM
  #15  
The Hot Rod Grille's Avatar
The Hot Rod Grille
Racer
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 329
Likes: 55
From: Winfield West Virginia
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

I will admit that it was easier to get into my '70 Vert 49 years ago than it is today. I don't think that my 5' 7" size has changed, but possibly the extra 25 lbs around the middle and age may play a larger role. My legs aren't quite as flexible as they were when the car was new. but every time I get behind the wheel I feel 17 again!

Jim
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2019 | 01:38 PM
  #16  
v2racing's Avatar
v2racing
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,666
Likes: 289
From: Spring Park MN
Default

I'm 6' 1" and yea it's a little tough stretching my legs out in the car, but it's OK. My 75 is a convertible so headroom is not a problem. I have tilt and tele with a smaller wheel, so that's not an issue either. My 80 had glass T-tops so headroom was OK in it also. It had tilt, tele and a smaller wheel also.

Mike
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2019 | 01:43 PM
  #17  
Denpo's Avatar
Denpo
Drifting
Supporting Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 140
From: Kanuckistan
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Glass T-top, shaved bottom fiero seat without track, later years tilt&tele steering column (1" shorter), smaller steering wheel.
You got to do what you got to do when you're almost 6'6".
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To How tall are you?

Old Feb 27, 2019 | 01:49 PM
  #18  
Cooter Tech's Avatar
Cooter Tech
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,247
Likes: 221
From: Dryden MI
Default

I am 5-5, no problems at all!
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2019 | 02:26 PM
  #19  
~Stingray's Avatar
~Stingray
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Default

6'1" here and have no issues with clearance. With the seat back my knees do not hit the stock steering wheel. I have a 1980.

Last edited by ~Stingray; Feb 27, 2019 at 02:26 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2019 | 02:49 PM
  #20  
L-46man's Avatar
L-46man
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
Default

6'-2 34" inseam.. the problem is not how tall you are..it's the 'H-point' to the pedals....H-point is the centerline of your hips. Astoundingly car designers START at the h-point and design the car from there.
It's really your inseam thats jamming you.

I have a 69...close enough. M-21 Manual
1.Removed the bumpers from the seatbacks...for more rake.
2.Modified the seat tracks (easy) to slam the seats ALL THE WAY to the rear firewall.
3. Removed the hard-shell seat -back for more room....see #1.
4. Made sure that behind the seat was JUST one layer of carpet.
5 1972 Tilt-tele with a 15" wheel...but that is not an issue
6.neither is the fact that it's a two top car....I just don't hit my head.


I fit....Just barely.

I also Have a 82 collector edition with the power seat and the molded clamshells...I fit much better in the 82.
So look for 79-82 seats...with an extra bonus of the power seat....you may have to mess with the floor pocket for the power seat motor.

AHHHHH!

Now you wanna hit your head EVERYDAY LIKE AN IDIOT...drive a 2000 Audi TT! my daily! lol

Unkahal

Last edited by L-46man; Feb 27, 2019 at 02:54 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:44 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE