Tall Driver Mod
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: St Pete Beach Florida
Tall Driver Mod
Does anyone know if the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal can be adjusted so they are farther back towards the firewall? Would help tremendously with knee steering wheel bumping.
Also, could the telescoping mechanism be adjusted so it starts farther out and travels farther out?
Thanks in advance
Also, could the telescoping mechanism be adjusted so it starts farther out and travels farther out?
Thanks in advance
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I would like to know as well.....
This problem prevented me from purchasing the car back in 2007.
This is half the reason I am selling my 2002 BMW 330i.
It is my firm opinion that driver ergonomics are average at best for about 99% of cars manufactured for the US.
If $20,000 Nisaan minivans and $22,000 Dodge Chargers offer adjustable pedals, there is absolutely no reason GM cannot offer this as standard euipment on the Corvette.
I am seriously considering having a shop bend and/or cut all the pedals down to a single, level plane about 2-4 inches closer to the floorboard.
My only suggestion for the steering wheel involves replacing the stock wheel for a racing wheel (Momo, Sparco, etc...) and adding a spacer.
...probably only worthwhile if you don't care for the airbag and can sell it easily.
This is half the reason I am selling my 2002 BMW 330i.
It is my firm opinion that driver ergonomics are average at best for about 99% of cars manufactured for the US.
If $20,000 Nisaan minivans and $22,000 Dodge Chargers offer adjustable pedals, there is absolutely no reason GM cannot offer this as standard euipment on the Corvette.
I am seriously considering having a shop bend and/or cut all the pedals down to a single, level plane about 2-4 inches closer to the floorboard.
My only suggestion for the steering wheel involves replacing the stock wheel for a racing wheel (Momo, Sparco, etc...) and adding a spacer.
...probably only worthwhile if you don't care for the airbag and can sell it easily.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 4
From: FL
I'm now 6'2 1/2", and used to be 6'4". Shrinking sucks when you start to get older.
I could not fit without my knees hitting the dash and steering wheel in an automatic convertible, and, strangely enough, a Hertz ZHZ automatic coupe. But, I fit perfectly in my ZO6 that I got in January, just like I did in my previous C5 coupe. It's very comfortable with more than enough room for knees/legs, and head, etc. (I did not try sitting in a standard coupe). Is there some leg room difference with an automatic?
I noticed on the ZHZ that there was room to move the seat back past where the stock seat tracks allowed (about 2 1/2 to 3"). You can get the dealer to put seat track extenders to move the seat all the way back.
I don't remember if this was the case with the convertible.
I was bummed out because I never sat in a C6 before selling my C5. When I sat in a ZHZ that a friend had rented, I was thinking I couldn't buy another Vette. Try sitting in a ZO6 to see if it makes any difference to you.
I could not fit without my knees hitting the dash and steering wheel in an automatic convertible, and, strangely enough, a Hertz ZHZ automatic coupe. But, I fit perfectly in my ZO6 that I got in January, just like I did in my previous C5 coupe. It's very comfortable with more than enough room for knees/legs, and head, etc. (I did not try sitting in a standard coupe). Is there some leg room difference with an automatic?
I noticed on the ZHZ that there was room to move the seat back past where the stock seat tracks allowed (about 2 1/2 to 3"). You can get the dealer to put seat track extenders to move the seat all the way back.
I don't remember if this was the case with the convertible.
I was bummed out because I never sat in a C6 before selling my C5. When I sat in a ZHZ that a friend had rented, I was thinking I couldn't buy another Vette. Try sitting in a ZO6 to see if it makes any difference to you.
Last edited by beden1; Jun 2, 2009 at 08:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: St Pete Beach Florida
That's a great seg into one of the reasons to have the pedals lowered. 6'4" and size 13 feet and have problems with getting right foot off accelerator and on brake - knees hitting steering wheel when down so I can see HUD. I brake with left foot.:o
Thanks SSRAOMD for suggestion about a spacer
Thanks SSRAOMD for suggestion about a spacer
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 7
From: St. Charles Il
I'm 6'5" and have had a C6 convert and now a Z06 and haven't had a problem with the pedals or the steering wheel, do you have telescoping wheel option??? My seat is all the way back and I pull the wheel up, good luck to you...
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
The space you have is a direct function of how the seat is adjusted. I couldn't even drive my 2005 until I tilted the lower seat so the front sticks up and the back is in what feels like a hole. Took some getting used to but now it feels fine and my knees never hit the wheel anymore. (I'm 6'4" BTW) Putting the seat all the way back is not enough, you have to tilt it as well to get the maximum room...
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
6'2" here, probably closer to 6'4" when driving due to the heels on my boots. I have a manual transmission, and no problem with knees hitting steering wheel. I have the seat right back and low, the steering wheel telescoped out, and height adjusted to best show the gauges.
(My problem is that even though the seat is low, my head is too high up in the car to see traffic lights when stopped at intersections, unless I lean forward and down, peering up)
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Beach Florida
I am right at 6 feet, and suffer none of the problems mentioned. However, I have a problem with my right leg/hip that is easily fixed if I can get the leg perfectly straight from time to time. I cannot do that in most cars. I tried a bunch (certainly not all) including a Mustang GT which I thought I wanted (silly me!). No good. The Corvette coupe is not problem at all. When I have the cruise on I can put my leg straight between the accelerator and brake pedals.
So, that is why I bought a Corvette. That is my story and I am sticking to it!
So, that is why I bought a Corvette. That is my story and I am sticking to it!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 1
From: Chesapeake Va
I'm only 6ft and don't fit well. I have the bottom of the seat so the front is up and the back is down. Telescoping wheel is all the way out. My right knee is not comfy; the left one when its on the clutch, but most of the time I can stretch it out.
I think mc and auto mfg's think making a vehicle for 5'9" will work for everyone. Nope.
I have felt bad for you taller folks. If cars and mc's don't fit me, I can't imagine how they fit someone 6'1" and up.
I think mc and auto mfg's think making a vehicle for 5'9" will work for everyone. Nope.
I have felt bad for you taller folks. If cars and mc's don't fit me, I can't imagine how they fit someone 6'1" and up.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 4
From: FL
Interesting!
6'2" here, probably closer to 6'4" when driving due to the heels on my boots. I have a manual transmission, and no problem with knees hitting steering wheel. I have the seat right back and low, the steering wheel telescoped out, and height adjusted to best show the gauges.
(My problem is that even though the seat is low, my head is too high up in the car to see traffic lights when stopped at intersections, unless I lean forward and down, peering up)
6'2" here, probably closer to 6'4" when driving due to the heels on my boots. I have a manual transmission, and no problem with knees hitting steering wheel. I have the seat right back and low, the steering wheel telescoped out, and height adjusted to best show the gauges.
(My problem is that even though the seat is low, my head is too high up in the car to see traffic lights when stopped at intersections, unless I lean forward and down, peering up)
Fortunately, I'm very comfortable in my car. My bottom seat position is flat at the lowest position, with the back reclined about 1/3 to a 1/2. I position the steering wheel down lower so I can't see the top of the guages as I just use the HUD. I also have the steering wheel pulled out to the most extended position.
I think it just takes time to play with the settings to find the most comfortable and/or workable position. It's interesting that I have virtually the same positions set for my C6 ZO6 as I did with my C5 and C4.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 11,367
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From: Edgewood Washington
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,248
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From: Palm Beach County, Florida
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,515
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From: Rochester New York
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
I took a BMW basic driving school. They taught me to sit closer to the steering wheel - not stretched all the way back like I was used to. I am 6'4" and always had seats back to max or near. They taught me that if you put your foot to the floor ( not the accelerator, but the actual floor) you should not be able to fully extend your leg to a lock position - that it should be bent a little. The reasoning is that in a frontal accident your legs will push hard to the floor whether you know it or not. If your legs are straight you will do serious damage to it. If they are slightly bent, you will do less or none- remember the seat belt will hold you.
After having tried and adapted to this seating style, more cars became an option. Try it you may find that mods are not necessary to the seat. For me my Vette seat is NOT all the way to the back. Less fatigue on the arms too.
My 2 cents.
After having tried and adapted to this seating style, more cars became an option. Try it you may find that mods are not necessary to the seat. For me my Vette seat is NOT all the way to the back. Less fatigue on the arms too.
My 2 cents.
