What is too big?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
What is too big?
I have a good friend that weights around 320lb. He is very good about jumping into chairs pushing his weight around until the chair leans back far enough to make him happy. Also when he is in my everyday car he likes to shove the seat back as far as it can go so he can fit in and then does his movements to get cozy.
He hasn't seen my new corvette (Roadster) yet since we still have snow but he is very excited to ride around in it. My thoughts are is he going to be too big for the car? My 98 only has 11,000 miles and the seats still look new. I wonder if he was getting in and out that he could do some damage to the seat? The only way I could let him get in is if I have the top down because I'm worried that he might grab the top and use it to hold himself as he sits into the car or pull on it to get out of the car which I'm sure will bend the rag top with his weight.
I myself weight 220lb and I'm thinking I might be getting to big and it is now time to diet and get my weight back down to under 200lb. I have been trying to get him to join the gym with me so that we could both work on our weight problems.
Thanks
He hasn't seen my new corvette (Roadster) yet since we still have snow but he is very excited to ride around in it. My thoughts are is he going to be too big for the car? My 98 only has 11,000 miles and the seats still look new. I wonder if he was getting in and out that he could do some damage to the seat? The only way I could let him get in is if I have the top down because I'm worried that he might grab the top and use it to hold himself as he sits into the car or pull on it to get out of the car which I'm sure will bend the rag top with his weight.
I myself weight 220lb and I'm thinking I might be getting to big and it is now time to diet and get my weight back down to under 200lb. I have been trying to get him to join the gym with me so that we could both work on our weight problems.
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 1
From: Clayton CA
How tall is he? I'm 6'4" tall and weigh a little over 200 lbs. My '99 coupe is very comfortable. I keep the seat all the way down and all the way back as well as the side bolsters open as wide as possible. Not getting any younger, getting in and out if I can't open the door very wide can be a little tough. I've found the best way to get in is to sit my rearend in first, then swing my legs around. The C5 is the roomiest Corvette on the planet - your friend should fit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,561
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From: Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '09
I had a friend from work ride in the Vette with me when we went to lunch. He's a about 320 and 6'3" high. Had no problems. Tight fit though and you have to be careful how you drive. It will be lower than normal, hitting the bumps and getting into driveways. Other then that let him enjoy a ride in the Vette! Maybe take your friend to the Gym in the Vette??
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,488
Likes: 4
From: USA
My friend who's 6'4" with long legs, barely fit into my convertible with the seat all the way back. He complained the whole way to lunch that his shins were getting bumped on every bump from them being up against the glove box.
If they are irregulary purportioned i.e. long legs or long upper body doesn't match, it can be uncomfortable.
If they are irregulary purportioned i.e. long legs or long upper body doesn't match, it can be uncomfortable.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Richfield MN
Should be no problem letting him ride. I weighed around 350 (I'm about 6' 2") when I first bought my '02 coupe and didn't have a big problem getting in/out or being comfortable. I did have a hard time getting the passenger seat belt buckled in my buddy's '01 Z06 though. Not a problem now, lost 100+ lbs since then.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
I'm 6'2", 245 no problems!! Just tell him to take it easy and be careful geting settled in!! If the seat belt will fit it should be OK!! Took a friend and it took him a bit to get in and buckled,,but the ride made his day!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Just add a transmission cooler and you will be good to go!
May not have to worry about the seat bolsters - they see most of their wear from people between 200 and 300 lbs using them for stability when getting out of the car - if he is over 300 lbs he will probably do the Tuck-and-Roll Exit - much easier on the seats actually.
May not have to worry about the seat bolsters - they see most of their wear from people between 200 and 300 lbs using them for stability when getting out of the car - if he is over 300 lbs he will probably do the Tuck-and-Roll Exit - much easier on the seats actually.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Yankton South Dakota
I am 6'3" 300lbs no problem for me.. Drive the crap out of my car including track days and the seats handle it. They are all the way back and tilted up ever so slightly when on the track and typicallly all the way back and reclined to the wall when cruizing.
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Take him for the ride - just ask him to be careful getting in and getting out of the car.