Hello everyone, I'm a 52 year old guy who has been admiring the C3 Corvette for most of my life. With kids now out of college I have been actively looking for a nice convertible. But recently I came across an ad where the seller stated that unless you are under 5'-10" you won't fit in the car. I'm 6'-02" and realized that I've been trying to buy a car that I've never driven or even tried to fit into. I owned a C2 briefly 35 years ago and seemed to fit alright in that car. What is the general consensus here? Thanks.

Paul

 

I would suggest you find one for sale, even something you don't want.
Sit in it, try the leg movement, doors closed, even with the top on.
You may not like it. The cabin is a little cramped even for me at 5'10", especially with the T-Tops on.
Your body weight may make a squeezing difference also.

 

do not put your weight on the emerg brake console with your right elbow to lift large old *** into the car. they break. unlatch the t-top. sit partway on the seat. lift top until your head fits under. tilt wheel is easier. but you may find yourself in a camaro, chevelle or a nova.

 

I'm 6'2" and 230lbs I fit just fine. Mine currently has the standard wheel but I am changing it to a tilt column. My only difficulty is getting in and out. On the in I have to put butt in first and drag legs in under the steering wheel as I twist in. Now my seat is all the way back but I tend to like to sit closer to the steering wheel anyway.

As others will tell you just go try one on for size.

 

One other tip.
A Tilt-Tele column makes it a whole lot easier to get in and out.
I have my seat all the way back and use the Tele' to get the postion I like.

 

I am closer to 6'3... It is indeed a tight fit... But manageable. Further.. Just about two months ago I finally replaced my steering column with a tilt/tele and it makes a world of difference.. Driving as well as in and out.... No more sliding in or the like.... That should take care of any concerns you have... tilt/tele ! If you find the perfect car and it does not have it no worries.. you can find them here on the parts for sale or order one...it is a relatively cheap shop expense to remove current and add the new tilt/tele

 

6'1" 220. need More Headroom.

Did this...........



Then This..................



All Gooder Now

Have a Great Day,

Bill

 

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm not too concerned with headroom as I plan on buying a convertible and to have the top down most of the time. I was more concerned with leg room. I like the idea of having a tilt/telescoping column and have no problem installing one if the car I eventually buy doesn't already have one. It's good to know it makes a big difference. Thanks again!

 

I have a 1969 coupe. I am 6' 2" and fit fine. I specifically looked for a car with a tilt-tele steering column. I would not buy a car without tilt- tele if you are over 6 foot. I did a full frame off restoration 10 years ago and found the seat tracks improperly mounted on top of carpet, that had apparently been replaced at some point in the cars life. When properly done seat tracks are mounted to the floor and this in a small way makes a difference in head room as well.

 

I’m 6’2” 190 with 34” inseam. All kinds of legroom in both T&T and std column cars. I had a non T&T 69 and fitted it with a 1” smaller diameter steering wheel from a 60’s GM intermediate and made a noticeable improvement. And they come in other colors besides the vette’s black only wheel and have the same spoke pattern.

 

I'm 5' 11" and have owned 69, 74, 75 and 77 (what was I thinking). I had no problem with head room but like others have stated go sit in one and see how you fit. The more worn the seats are the more head room you will have, leg to pedal should be no problem.

 

THANK YOU! People often forget that not everyone has the same body proportions. I’m 6’0” with a 30” inseam and I can’t sit up straight with the t tops on (71 coupe). Plenty of legroom (relatively speaking).

 

I also went with a smaller diameter steering wheel. I’m only 5’9” and about 150lbs after a big meal, but the smaller wheel makes a big difference to me.

 

There are several 'adjustments' to the car which can help with larger drivers: Tilt/tele column is definitely the BEST of these; smaller leather-wrapped steering wheel; removing some of the main body seat foam will drop the cushion a bit; removing ALL shims under the seat-back stops (at rear of seat cushion); raising the front seat mounts 1/2" will tilt the seat so you lay back more which will provide more room.

I think 6' 2" is reaching the upper limit for "comfort" in a C3, but some minor changes and some practice entering/exiting will go a long way to making it reasonably comfortable.

P.S. If you drive on the highway often, adding electronic cruise control to your car will make a world of difference with leg comfort on some longer stretches.

GO FOR IT !!!

 

And having a convertible helps a TON !

 

I'm 6-2" with a 34" inseam. While I admit that the 82 CE is more comfortable, the 69 WITH CLUTCH is adequate.

Those guys who say 5-10" DON'T KNOW HOW TO ADJUST THE SEATS!

In the 69, Seat all the way back, reclining bumpers removed from the seat squabs (more back angle) and I removed the hard shell fiberglas panel from behind the seat...which allows the seat to go RIGHT BACK to the rear firewall.

I'm happy, I've had the car 42 years! Personally, TILT WHEEL is more of an issue.

unkahal

 

Of course no convertable in 79..im 6/3 and very spacious...maybe much different in 79..its like a couch..with side support..
i do rub on the left bolster getting in but once in amazing room..extra 303 protectant there

 

6'2 1/2", 220 lbs, 73 1/2 years old. Drove my 70 and my 71 today. A labor of love! I find little issue with getting in and out. DO IT! Go out and get what you want and drive it.

 

 

Yeah, it's a short man's car. I'm 5'8". The perfect C3 height in my opinion. And that's with the seat all the way back!
You'll just have to find one to sit in. See how it feels.
I've got a buddy whose 6'7". He wanted to drive it once.
Poor guy looked like a praying mantis behind the wheel. The ride lasted about 4 minutes......