Stomach Clearence Options - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Litemup · 02-02-2007, 02:22 AM

I have a 68 gmc with an original steering wheel and non tilting colum, I happend to be kind of a big dude and theres very little room between my stomach and the bottom of the wheel, add the fact that its manual steering and we have a problem. I need some options of what any of you guys have done, I know some have lowered the colum itself, I was also thinking of getting a smaller steering wheel, and last of all just getting a new wheel and colum all together. The only problem there is I want to retain a stock look and a big ol' billet colum just aint gonna look right. Any info is very much appreciated.

krue · 02-02-2007, 02:26 AM

Look in the FAQ for the column shortening thread by Putter (click the Index link in my sig, I think I put a link in there).

**special-K** · 02-02-2007, 06:45 AM

A different column will gain nothing.It`s relocating it that you`re looking at.The column can be compressed and the upper column(in cab)can be moved forward a little.The 4-spoke late 80s-early 90s wheels are smaller and don`t look too custom in our trucks.

cdowns · 02-02-2007, 06:49 AM

there's always the old diet and exercise option

shifty · 02-02-2007, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

there's always the old diet and exercise option

Hehe, zing! I didn't want to be the guy to say anything, it's apparently "in" to be "plus-sized" and adjust your lifestyle around it these days

(nyuk nyuk)

**special-K** · 02-02-2007, 07:58 AM

This was my first thought,lol.Call Christy`n`Chuck.(yuk yuk)

bobthecop · 02-02-2007, 09:58 AM

But it's so much more fun to modify the truck

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 02-02-2007, 10:42 AM

Save you duckets and get a tilt

Robznob11 · 02-02-2007, 11:26 AM

if you compress your colume and move it towards the dash you will have issues with leg clerance mine is a tilt and still tight on my legs...

Zumo · 02-02-2007, 11:39 AM

Stretch the cab.

No seriously. Add six inches.

PICKMUP · 02-02-2007, 12:35 PM

A tilt column with a smaller wheel and moved down about 2" seems to be the easiest solution.
I have several different tilts (Flaming River & GM) and some wheels options you may want to look at.
I am in Olympia.

1lowdiesel · 02-02-2007, 12:40 PM

or you could lower your seat. i did mine the other day and it gave me tons of room. i sectioned the brackets

whatnow123 · 02-02-2007, 12:44 PM

I agree with everyone else about shortening the column as in the FAQ thread outlines. It doesn't cost anything but some time and made a pretty big difference in room inside my truck. I don't have the belly problem, I just like the room.

dave666693 · 02-02-2007, 04:01 PM

I have the same problem. On my '67 I put a smaller Grant steering wheel on and power steering. Solved the problem. On my '68 I am putting on a tilt column I got from Pickmup and power steering I got from him.

bigblockorange · 02-02-2007, 05:42 PM

buy a van column at the local u-pull-it I picked one up for $75

Bob Moore · 02-02-2007, 06:04 PM

Look at Putters thread"subtle change - ***. Shows how to move column. I also have several tilts to get you a good one.

Out of T-Town until Monday AM - Bob

brak · 02-02-2007, 06:13 PM

power steering and a smaller steering wheel.

I got a complete power steering setup (pump, gearbox, pitman arm, and lines) for less than $200

jimmydean · 02-02-2007, 06:25 PM

I got a d-shaped wheel (formula 1 style) and it's easier to get in and out now. It's also has zero dish, so it's like I shorted the column without the work.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 02-02-2007, 06:48 PM

Soon they'll be advertising head-room,leg-room,and gut-room in truck ads.

Litemup · 02-03-2007, 02:03 PM

Lol, thanks for all the input guys, I know I should just shed some pounds but untill I get the motivation for that I've got to figure something out, I think back in 68 things were different, people werent as big, that and the huge wheel make it difficult. I think I'm gonna try shortening the colum and maybe getting a different wheel, and maybe someday... losing some weight.

02-02-2007, 02:22 AM	#1
Litemup Steel Horse Cowboy Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 89	Stomach Clearence Options I have a 68 gmc with an original steering wheel and non tilting colum, I happend to be kind of a big dude and theres very little room between my stomach and the bottom of the wheel, add the fact that its manual steering and we have a problem. I need some options of what any of you guys have done, I know some have lowered the colum itself, I was also thinking of getting a smaller steering wheel, and last of all just getting a new wheel and colum all together. The only problem there is I want to retain a stock look and a big ol' billet colum just aint gonna look right. Any info is very much appreciated.

02-02-2007, 02:26 AM	#2
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: Stomach Clearence Options Look in the FAQ for the column shortening thread by Putter (click the Index link in my sig, I think I put a link in there). __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

02-02-2007, 06:45 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Stomach Clearence Options A different column will gain nothing.It`s relocating it that you`re looking at.The column can be compressed and the upper column(in cab)can be moved forward a little.The 4-spoke late 80s-early 90s wheels are smaller and don`t look too custom in our trucks. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-02-2007, 06:49 AM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Stomach Clearence Options there's always the old diet and exercise option __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

02-02-2007, 07:58 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Stomach Clearence Options This was my first thought,lol.Call Christy`n`Chuck.(yuk yuk) __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-02-2007, 09:58 AM	#7
bobthecop Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Yukon Oklahoma Posts: 2,647	Re: Stomach Clearence Options But it's so much more fun to modify the truck __________________ Happiness is towing your "new" truck home. 1972 C-10 1982 GMC (parts truck??) 1969 c10 parts truck 1969 C-10 ( my sons) 1992 Silverado 4X4 (now the boys truck)(now mine again) 2002 Tarus (my wife loves that car)

02-02-2007, 10:42 AM	#8
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,165	Re: Stomach Clearence Options Save you duckets and get a tilt __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

02-02-2007, 11:26 AM	#9
Robznob11 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: brownfield texas (west texas) Posts: 1,936	Re: Stomach Clearence Options if you compress your colume and move it towards the dash you will have issues with leg clerance mine is a tilt and still tight on my legs... __________________ The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS

02-02-2007, 11:39 AM	#10
Zumo Hot Rods For Life Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 3,305	Re: Stomach Clearence Options Stretch the cab. No seriously. Add six inches. __________________ 1968 C10 LWB **SOLD* Andy Viva Los Bicicletas! Los Muertos Custom Bicycles

02-02-2007, 12:35 PM	#11
PICKMUP "Trucks with Class" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: OLYMPIA, WA, USA Posts: 8,143	Re: Stomach Clearence Options A tilt column with a smaller wheel and moved down about 2" seems to be the easiest solution. I have several different tilts (Flaming River & GM) and some wheels options you may want to look at. I am in Olympia. Attached Images

02-02-2007, 12:40 PM	#12
1lowdiesel Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: central jersey Posts: 763	Re: Stomach Clearence Options or you could lower your seat. i did mine the other day and it gave me tons of room. i sectioned the brackets __________________ 69 4wd V6 20k orig miles!! 05 ccsb 2wd Diesel 500hp bagged and soon to be stock floored. 01 rcsb chevy 2wd 6bt cummins :devil:> build xtremediesel.com

02-02-2007, 12:44 PM	#13
whatnow123 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 835	Re: Stomach Clearence Options I agree with everyone else about shortening the column as in the FAQ thread outlines. It doesn't cost anything but some time and made a pretty big difference in room inside my truck. I don't have the belly problem, I just like the room. __________________ 67 Short Step, 355, 700R 4.11 posi rear, 4/6 drop Discs on all 4 corners. Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219094

02-02-2007, 04:01 PM	#14
dave666693 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Edgewood, WA Posts: 901	Re: Stomach Clearence Options I have the same problem. On my '67 I put a smaller Grant steering wheel on and power steering. Solved the problem. On my '68 I am putting on a tilt column I got from Pickmup and power steering I got from him.

02-02-2007, 05:42 PM	#15
bigblockorange Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: central pa Posts: 428	Re: Stomach Clearence Options buy a van column at the local u-pull-it I picked one up for $75

02-02-2007, 06:04 PM	#16
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Re: Stomach Clearence Options Look at Putters thread"subtle change - ***. Shows how to move column. I also have several tilts to get you a good one. Out of T-Town until Monday AM - Bob __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow



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02-02-2007, 06:13 PM	#17
brak Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: MinneSNOWta Posts: 1,381	Re: Stomach Clearence Options power steering and a smaller steering wheel. I got a complete power steering setup (pump, gearbox, pitman arm, and lines) for less than $200 __________________ 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 WT 1995 Nissan Hardbody 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo DC2 (SW/AW) Clyde W. Harvey USN "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery" Winston Churchill

02-02-2007, 06:25 PM	#18
jimmydean Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 3,728	Re: Stomach Clearence Options I got a d-shaped wheel (formula 1 style) and it's easier to get in and out now. It's also has zero dish, so it's like I shorted the column without the work. __________________ New Project: 1966 LWB C20 Plans: 1/2 ton conversion Dropmember front Dropmember rear Corvette discs Restored raised bed http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=4295210

02-02-2007, 06:48 PM	#19
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,883	Re: Stomach Clearence Options Soon they'll be advertising head-room,leg-room,and gut-room in truck ads. __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Last edited by WorkinLonghorn; 02-02-2007 at 06:49 PM. Reason: check my spelling scew-ups

02-03-2007, 02:03 PM	#20
Litemup Steel Horse Cowboy Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 89	Re: Stomach Clearence Options Lol, thanks for all the input guys, I know I should just shed some pounds but untill I get the motivation for that I've got to figure something out, I think back in 68 things were different, people werent as big, that and the huge wheel make it difficult. I think I'm gonna try shortening the colum and maybe getting a different wheel, and maybe someday... losing some weight.

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