Entry and Exit Question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 106
From: Salado TX
Entry and Exit Question
I've read several people say they sit down then swing their legs into the car. How the heck do you do that without wacking your head on the roof?
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 506
Likes: 54
From: Tulsa OK
No "sit and spin" for me either! Technique: Right foot in on left foot brace (on firewall), Right hand on steering wheel, left palm on door latch indent in car body, lower to sitting position, left leg in with slight right shift of body and right foot to the right. Very little wear on seat or bolster. Takes pressure off the left knee too. 
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,106
Likes: 12,446
From: NE South Carolina
I've read several people say they sit down then swing their legs into the car. How the heck do you do that without wacking your head on the roof?
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
Instructor
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 14
I've read several people say they sit down then swing their legs into the car. How the heck do you do that without wacking your head on the roof?
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
Get yourself a stool. 18" or 2 ft high.
Now turn your back to the stool - bend at the waist - put your right hand on the stool and slow-ly sit down on the stool.
Now - pick your feet up and swing them to your right - place them down on the floor.
Complete this exercise 10 times until you can do it easily.
Now go out to your Corvette and do likewise.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 321
Likes: 84
From: Marco Island FL
I've read several people say they sit down then swing their legs into the car. How the heck do you do that without wacking your head on the roof?
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
Easiest way for me to get in, especially with my bad left knee.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I am thinking that sitting down sideways and twisting in the seat will wear the seat bottom out faster than slight wear on the bolster.
I hold the steering wheel with left hand on the rocker panel and sit over and into the seat, then just pull my left leg in.
I hold the steering wheel with left hand on the rocker panel and sit over and into the seat, then just pull my left leg in.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
I think you just touched on the basic difference between young and/or limber vs. old and/or not so limber. I used to do the one foot in and slide down the back of the seat method years ago but now I use the sit and spin method out of necessity. As far as hitting my head, I just bend my head forward as far as necessary to duck under the top. Actually, as far as head hitting, I have more trouble getting into my Suburban than into the Corvette.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Newark DE
I think you just touched on the basic difference between young and/or limber vs. old and/or not so limber. I used to do the one foot in and slide down the back of the seat method years ago but now I use the sit and spin method out of necessity. As far as hitting my head, I just bend my head forward as far as necessary to duck under the top. .
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 211
From: Marana, Arizona
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,484
Likes: 669
From: Kilmarnock Va
I'm 5'9". I get into mine just like I do every car.I go to the gym every day so I don't have any problems.I also have 3 flights of steps in my house.Can't tell ya the amount of times I use them every day.With A tall person I can see it being A problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 1,201
From: Ft. Myers FL
I'm 5"11" and too fat plus I'm old. I never hit my head because I duck! I just open the door, set my butt inside, lean back with my elbow on the console and swing my legs & feet in, one at a time, all the time being aware that I need to duck my head until I'm inside. I get out the same way. I also used the same technique to get into my C5 & C6. Plus every other car and some trucks as well. Now what the heck is so hard about that? 
Plus every other car and some trucks as well. Now what the heck is so hard about that?
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
After years of cars with quick release steering wheels, I now do the butt first and leg swing- BUT- for 30 bucks you can by a stingray logo towel (ebay-) which I leave on the driver seat for a slippery slide and no wear on the leather..
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 45
Likes: 14
From: Madison Wisconsin
I've read several people say they sit down then swing their legs into the car. How the heck do you do that without wacking your head on the roof?
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
I'm in good shape and pretty limber so I just stick my right leg in and slide down to the seat, but I'm concerned about the wear on the bolster. I decided to try the sit and spin method and can't figure out how to do it without a lot of effort to keep from hitting my head.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,941
Likes: 499
From: Northern Virginia
I'm 61, so not young. I guess reasonably limber for my age, but I'm no gymnast.
I've gotten in both ways, and have no issue with either. I normally put by right hand on the wheel, my right foot in the car on the floor board (not the dead pedal), and sort of shift sideways and drop down on the seat. Then pull my left leg up and in.
But I've also just sat down on the seat sideways, with both legs out the door, then lifted my legs and pivoted in. Never hit my head, just bend and lean forward (body forward - side of car) while sitting down.
I've gotten in both ways, and have no issue with either. I normally put by right hand on the wheel, my right foot in the car on the floor board (not the dead pedal), and sort of shift sideways and drop down on the seat. Then pull my left leg up and in.
But I've also just sat down on the seat sideways, with both legs out the door, then lifted my legs and pivoted in. Never hit my head, just bend and lean forward (body forward - side of car) while sitting down.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
I get in just like I did with the C4; right leg in, lever my body up while I hold the rear door sill area with left hand and lower my bottom onto the seat, lift left leg into the car. Works for me.