6'4" and a 1953-1955 Vette?

[Randy G.]

Go easy on me. This is my first post!

I'm looking to buy a 1955 Corvette and had the opportunity to (almost) get in one. I'm 6'4" and slightly overweight. Tight would be an understatement. I got in it but it was VERY tight. 30 years ago when I was in college I had a 1960 with a modified stock looking drivers seat that alowed me to sit lower and further back in the car actually making it quite comfortable. I would have a custom seat made to look like an original to mount without modifing the car, and keep the correct seat seperate in order to retain the original integrity of the car.

Anyone have any experience or thoughts? My number 2 choice would be a 1957, but they seem to be just as tight. I can get in and out of a 1958-1960 a lot easier, but I have my heart set on a 1955.

Thanks!

Randy

[Dennis C.]

Randy, At Your Size, I'd Go Buy The Car...

...you want and then swap the steering column for a 58/62 item. That will really help and then maybe you can also get the seat a little further back. In any case, buy what your heart desires. Best, Dennis

Of course, there's always the 12" chrome chain steering wheel...

[Roy B.]

Re: Randy, At Your Size, I'd Go Buy The Car...

Use 58 steering column , re-contour the seat centers and never , never put the top up.

[Joseph T.]

Dennis..good call

Dennis..I was going to offer the same option..with the shorter steering column. This plus.. Your idea of a smaller rimmed steering wheel..could all be done and still be close to stock.

My 57 Nassau/Daytona car has the special shortened steering column..and the seat was modified..but not cosmetcially.

Randy..you could remove the bottom seat springs and pull the seat covers tighter down on the assembly and seat cushion..save the genuine look and pick up a couple important inches between the steering wheel and your legs.

John Wayne had the same problem with his 54. At your height you will probably still see over the windshield...but you can make room for your legs.

Good luck.

Joe

[Loren Smith]

Re: 6'4" and a 1953-1955 Vette?

Get the Wiseguy seats - I sat in a C1 with this and fit rather well, and I'm 6'6". You'd be amazed at the difference:

http://www.carols62.com/59/C1_seats.htm

I think Al Knoch sells these, too.

I had Al Knoch redo my stock seats for my 59, and take out a couple/three inches out of the backs and bottoms, so I would fit better. This is before the Wiseguy seats came out.

[Randy G.]

Re: 6'4" and a 1953-1955 Vette?

Wow, those seats look like the ticket. Too bad John Wayne was born about 35 years too soon, or he might have strapped himself into a pair of those.

Thanks for the help.