Joe Ryan - Update

[David D.]

I'm 6 ft. and 225 Lbs, and I just drive her ('54) with the top down!

Hey Joe,
I had the dubious priveledge of driving a friends matching set of twin '60s (Both of them). I hate to say it, but I had a tuff time getting in and driving. Main problem was trying to get my clutch foot/leg to work.

What I mean is.....every time I tried to shift my knee was jam'd against the steering wheel. If I was taking her around a corner and needed to shift I basically couldn't.

I did have a blast and made due, but I don't believe I could ever own one because of this issue. So any one out there thinking of giving me your straight axle.....know that I'll have my foot aputated just below the knee and have a foot prosthetic add on the clutch leg.

What? You thought I'd actually turn one of these beauties down

David

[Don H.]

Re: Joe Ryan - Update

While doing ops at the national last week, I could hardly get into one of the 60s. I have owned my 60 for almost 35 years and obviously been in & out many times with no trouble. I figured out it was the space (or lack of) between the seat and steering wheel. Not sure if seat was overstuffed or what but it really made me feel like an old man (which I am). I have seen people bigger than me drive them with no trouble (I am your height but weigh less). Don H.

[David D.]

Re: Joe Ryan - Update

Don,
Actually I'm 6'4" and 230lbs. Joe is the one who was telling me (in another thread) how he fits well in his '54....with the top down.

Maybe its the length of my leg (36" inseam) that prevents me from being able to use the clutch with out steering wheel interference.

It's funny you mention the stuffing in the seat though, because I actually felt a tad bit more comfortable in '60 #2 than I did in '60 #1, but in either case I don't think I could take one for a long ride....

David

[Joe R.]

Re: Joe Ryan - Update

Hey David, don't feel bad. We solid axle guys understand that we're a special bunch. Not everyone can own a C1!!!!!!!!!!

Joe

54's ROCK

[Stuart F.]

Re: Joe Ryan - Update

I had a friend way back in the day that was 6' 5" and he usually always had hot rod Oldsmobiles. Then one day he bought a new 61 Vette, I guess you'd call it an "airbox car" as it was a 315hp Fuelie w/ dog dish hub caps. As I recall, he moved the driver's seat tracks back some to give him more leg room. I imagine, due to the rear deck and water fall, rearward movement would be limited. But apparently he was able to gain enough to make it acceptable to drive.

Stu Fox

[Mike M.]

Re: Joe Ryan - Update

Hi David, regarding your interest in a straight axle, don't pack it in just yet. They are just too much fun to drive,
A lot of guys use the '61-2 seat.
The are set lower and farther rearward with less padding to allow more room.
HaND

[David D.]

Re: Joe Ryan - Update

All right, all right....You C1 owners sure are a persuasive bunch.

Joe, I'm back in for taking your '54 for a slow yet respectful short drive.

Actually my friend is thinking seriously about selling one of the '60s. One is a matching numbers, the other is a driver. Guess which one he is thinking about maybe parting company with. (Driver)

Might be the reason he was letting me drive em...

Tanks all for keeping me in the game.

David

[Doug F.]

Re: Joe Ryan - Update

Put on some weight and keep driving. After 24 years of hauling my 260 lbs around, my '61 has more room between the seat and steering wheel than it ever had.
Doug