Looking for leg room

[CarlsLQ9SS]

I am 6’1” tall, 250lbs with a bad back. With a previous back surgery and fusion I don’t bend as much as I used too and leg room in my truck is a problem. I love these old trucks and want to keep driving them but since my surgery it’s tough. I have moved the fuel tank under the bed so I have that area behind the seat. I thought about recessing the seat back in the cab but then my head would be closer to the back window. How far could the pedals be moved forward without interfering with the factory inner fenders? I have already moved the steering column forward 2” so I’m wondering if I could move the floor pan forward as well with some fabrication? If so how much could I gain? Any input is appreciated.

[geezer#99]

It’s all a compromise for seating.
Not to insult you but you’re a tiny guy to me. I’m 6’ 4 and 350. Plus bad knees and back. It’s always been a struggle. I’ve always tried to find a better seat. Those from 88-98 Chevy work well.
A possible option is a custom modded bench that fits tighter to the rear of the cab. Might gain you a few inches. Or do like some and build an extended cab.

[cdub2010]

None of these leg room discussions ever mention dimensions. I find the truck cabs to be very uncomfortable but im just a tiny 200 lbs and 6 feet tall with a 36" inseam. The stock bench has more than enough head and belly room but no leg room at all. Moving the column closer didn't help it just interfered with my thighs. Tilt column helped as did a smaller steering wheel. I tried moving the pedals closer to the floor so I wouldn't have to lift my legs as much to hit the brakes, never got that done so I sold the truck and bought a Jimmy. Much more comfortable to drive. Im wondering if stock bucket seats offer more leg room?

[Rickjz]

Another variable would be to raise the seat up if you have the headroom.

[72c20customcamper]

Have you lowered the seat ? I used the full-custom fabrication brackets that lower and move the seat back also got a shorty tilt column . Much better but these trucks are cramped no matter what you do . I go from my 72 into my 85 and it's a night and day difference.

[best view]

U can shorten the steering wheel buy 2 inches there are 2 guys on here doing them big difference

[CarlsLQ9SS]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

Have you lowered the seat ? I used the full-custom fabrication brackets that lower and move the seat back also got a shorty tilt column . Much better but these trucks are cramped no matter what you do . I go from my 72 into my 85 and it's a night and day difference.

Who makes the brackets to lower the seat and move it back?

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

Who makes the brackets to lower the seat and move it back?

These . I put them in the full back position if I remember there are two sets of holes

https://full-custom-fabrication.squa...ng-brackets/10

[Palf70Step]

I agree with the above, the 88-98 (especially the 95-98 buckets) are the most comfortable. They will help some. You may also want to tray a smaller 15" or less) steering wheel to help out. I have a 91 bench seat in mine and it is way better that stock. I am getting ready to put in some 2010 Nissan Frontier cloth buckets in mine fore a bit more support and hopefully comfort/room. I like my DD's Frontier buckets for comfort and long haul and hoping to get similar results in the 70. I am 6'1" about 210 with creaky knees and looking for that extra bit of comfort. Mine is a manual 3 on the tree, so the clutch comes into the formula also.

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I agree with the above, the 88-98 (especially the 95-98 buckets) are the most comfortable. They will help some. You may also want to tray a smaller 15" or less) steering wheel to help out. I have a 91 bench seat in mine and it is way better that stock. I am getting ready to put in some 2010 Nissan Frontier cloth buckets in mine fore a bit more support and hopefully comfort/room. I like my DD's Frontier buckets for comfort and long haul and hoping to get similar results in the 70. I am 6'1" about 210 with creaky knees and looking for that extra bit of comfort. Mine is a manual 3 on the tree, so the clutch comes into the formula also.

Definitely NOT 2010 Frontier seats. The backs are too thick and you loose room. So far the best bet I have found is using 88-94 GM GMT400 bench or bucket seats. You can cut and lower the stock brackets, but it won't really give you much more room.

[HO455]

QuestionsDo you have an idea of how much more room you need? Maybe doing some measurements on a truck that is more comfortable would help define what and where the modifications are needed.
Early 2000's Ford bench seats have a thin back and that may help you. See below.

On the other hand maybe it's time to go to a 3 door! Pick a spot for the seat and more headroom too!

[HO455]

Linking in this thread as it may be applicable but as a Suburban guy I have no idea what they are talking about.


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=176440

[CG]

I think there was a thread here years ago where someone flattened out that bump below the rear window and it gave them a little more leg room with the seat being able to go back a smidge. A lot of work for a tiny bit of room. There is only so much room inside of our trucks and unless you do some major work you have to live with it, or get a burb =)

[CarlsLQ9SS]

I thought about lowering the seat some, I do have bad knees as well and as mentioned above, when going to a newer truck it’s night and day difference. I have my ‘71 truck down to the bare cab and frame again and figured now would be the time to try and make more room. I thought about modifying the back of the cab to set the seat back further and I think any little bit will help but not sure it will be worth all the work. I think it may be easier move the floor pan forward as far as I can and try a different seat.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by CarlsLQ9SS

I thought about lowering the seat some...

Think about it -- the lower the seat, the closer you are to the pedals. Simple geometry.

In my 69, I installed a 15" steering wheel and shortened the column 1" (anything more required lots more work). There's no more leg room, but it's noticeably less cramped.

[howzzzit]

Carl, lowering the seat will probably increase the angle of your legs while sitting. I'm 6'6" and tried the Brothers lowering brackets. The way they are made they lower the seat, but leave a good sized gap between the top of the seat and back of the cab. Don't go back as far as stock. Tried twice and then 100 bucks in the trash can. Don't know about the other brands, but I think by lowering you're going to increase knee bend when sitting.

[LNP]

Originally Posted by howzzzit

Carl, lowering the seat will probably increase the angle of your legs while sitting. I'm 6'6" and tried the Brothers lowering brackets. The way they are made they lower the seat, but leave a good sized gap between the top of the seat and back of the cab. Don't go back as far as stock. Tried twice and then 100 bucks in the trash can. Don't know about the other brands, but I think by lowering you're going to increase knee bend when sitting.

I used them as is first too as was very unhappy plus I couldnt get in the truck with my big a__ stomach. So I refabbed them to let the seat go back.

[howzzzit]

For 100 bucks you shouldn't have to modify anything. Just my thought. I've already had to modify too many aftermarket Taiwan sheet metal parts.

[LNP]

Originally Posted by howzzzit

For 100 bucks you shouldn't have to modify anything. Just my thought. I've already had to modify too many aftermarket Taiwan sheet metal parts.

I didnt think you should have to either. I contacted Brothers about this issue and they didnt seem to grasp that where the gas tank sits the floor is higher up than where the seat mounts. The brackets hit that raised area not allowing the seat to move back. In fact it pushed it forward. So I cut 3ins or so off of the bracket where it bolts to the floor on the rear brackets. Then lengethened the frt brackets where they bolt to the floor. Brothers did send me another set of brackets thinkin maybe mine were made wrong. I gotta say they did try to make it right but they just didnt understand about the floor.

[howzzzit]

They don't understand. The set they sent the slots were way too short. They didn't get it until I sent them pictures. They sent new rear mounts with longer slots. Still fubar. So anyway they're long gone to the dump. I don't buy from them any longer.

[LS short box]

I had VW GTI seats in my 68. Great seats but the seat backs are somewhat thick so to get a comfortable recline you have to move the seat forward reducing leg room. Most late model seats have a thick back rest.
Not cheap but some of the higher end "Pro-Touring" bucket seats have a thinner back rest which would allow moving the seat back.

[LS short box]

Added pic

[402Bowtie]

Another option... One of my favorite mods I've seen done:

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=799841

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 402Bowtie

Another option... One of my favorite mods I've seen done:

https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=799841

Originally Posted by 402Bowtie

Maybe CG was thinking of this thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=176440

There's another thread somewhere that I thought someone removed the tank and then molded the seat back to fit under the gas tank support. Can't find the thread. Maybe I dreamt it.

Some good info being shared via these links. Brings back some memories.
And.... Some of us have been on here for a day or two.

[402Bowtie]

Maybe CG was thinking of this thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=176440

There's another thread somewhere that I thought someone removed the tank and then molded the seat back to fit under the gas tank support. Can't find the thread. Maybe I dreamt it.