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#1 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Battle Creek Michigan
Posts: 51
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Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Another post for my daughters new project...
67 C10, someone has put some bucket seats in it, on top of some tall homemade mounts. I am 6'7", and my daughter is close to 6" already, and she is about to turn 15! lol I cannot drive the truck. I can't bend my leg enough to hit the brake pedal! She can, but is cramped. She wants a bench seat anyway, and I can get a stock bench in decent condition. Any of you tall drivers out there have enough leg room with a stock bench, or am I going to need to re-think this? I am going to shorten the steering column, looks like there is plenty of room to go in towards the dash, as I have read on here about how to do that. But the seat has me worried, after I tried to unload it off the trailer last night!! Any thoughts appreciated, thank you! Earl |
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#2 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Posts: 8
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Quote:
Im 6'6" and I am using the stock bench and drive ok with it. I did install a tilt steering column in my 70 stepside. I may in the future get the seats redone and remove some of the foam on the bench seat. My wife states I look huge in the truck haha |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 6,421
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
My truck was bought new off the lot in 1972 by my dad. My dad is 5'11", so he's nearly the height of your daughter. The bench seat served him fine for the 20 years he drove the truck.
Bench seats aren't really heavy but they would be very awkward to try and move alone.....it's one of the few things I've needed help removing and putting back in. Bench seats come up for sale here on the forum (parts forum) from time to time and members find them on Craigslist. I'm sure you'll find something. Do you want headrests or no? |
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Mount Carmel Illinois
Posts: 1,321
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Quote:
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1994 k1500, Oldredz71(ext shorty 4x4 6 in lift) 1998 S10ZR2 2005 Silverado 2500hd(tow pig) Made in the USA, just like my trucks ![]() |
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#5 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Battle Creek Michigan
Posts: 51
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I don't believe it matters to her about headrests or not. Are the newer truck seats any lower or thinner backed, to give more room? I'm sure I would have to drill some new holes, which is fine. I did that in my Pinto (Don't judge me!! lol ), with me being 6'7", I moved the seat back 8". NOBODY can sit behind me, the back of the seat almost touches the front of the rear seat! But at least I can drive it now!!
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Durango, CO
Posts: 827
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I'm 6'2" and lanky, and have no trouble driving my truck with the factory bench seat. But I do look through the top of the windshield...
The bench seats can be removed/hauled/installed by one person. But it's not easy.
__________________
1972 K10 Cheyenne Super | LWB, fleetside | 350/350/205 | KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne | SWB, fleetside | LS Swap 5.3/4L60 | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 400/4-spd | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 455/4-spd | TOTALED ![]() |
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#7 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere"
Posts: 2,219
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
If the gas tank has been relocated, you can gain more leg room with either buckets or a bench. Might want to seal them extra holes in the floor while your at it...
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Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" ![]() "Be American, Buy American" ![]() |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 1,162
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I'm 5 foot 6 inches and have no trouble
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 6,421
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I'm a bit fearful of a rear-ending resulting in bad whiplash since I don't have headrests, but I also don't want to get rid of my bench seat.
My seat is over-padded though, to the point that I am looking through the top part of the windshield.......it was reupholstered in 1990 and they rather over did it. In fact, it's nearly impossible to get my legs under the steering wheel, that's how bad it is. I'll get it worked on later, after the truck is running, and I'm thinking about going with a Highlander type of plaid seat cover. I think that would look killer. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Vancouver B.C.
Posts: 206
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
You may want to consider the bench from an 88-94 Chevy truck. The way the base is, you can cut it down and reweld it to be much lower than stock. The front hole in the base lines up with the existing front outer hole in the floor. They also come in several configurations with or w/out headrests, split bench, armrest, etc.
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lowell AR
Posts: 360
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Here is my seat, it is a 99 Chevy. Found in the basic standard cab trucks. I had it reupholstered. It sits a little lower. The bottom cushion is flatter than an original seat and back is thinner. I like it better than the original seat. I am 6 ft. Hope it helps.
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698292 |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Gwinnett GA
Posts: 1,803
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Hand truck?
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1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh! |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Durango, CO
Posts: 827
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I wish.
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__________________
1972 K10 Cheyenne Super | LWB, fleetside | 350/350/205 | KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne | SWB, fleetside | LS Swap 5.3/4L60 | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 400/4-spd | SOLD 1976 Trans Am | 455/4-spd | TOTALED ![]() |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Indanapolis, IN
Posts: 604
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
You found that in a 99? That is my favorite newer bench seat. I thought it was in the really low trim later year 88-97 trucks though.
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lowell AR
Posts: 360
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Curt, I have a 2000 model chevy 2500 truck with the same seat. That is how I knew I wanted that seat in my 72 truck.
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http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698292 |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Long Island NY
Posts: 598
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I'm almost 6'3" and my 67 is a 3 on the tree with stock bench, stock steering wheel. I'd like a little more room like most tall people, gotta bend my knees pretty good for the brake/clutch and they get close to the wheel. In my opinion I wouldn't shorten the column, that moves the wheel closer to your legs making you want to lower the seat. Lower the seat and now your knees will be bent more. It's all up to you, but I'd advise doing some careful planning and evaluating.
The plan for my truck is to get a smaller diameter wheel and do some work on the pedals. Seen some guys cut, bend then resell the pedals and will be doing something similar. Also saw someone modify the floor/firewall for more legroom but that was with a custom frame. Looked under my truck briefly and looks like I can gain some room, not sure how much and if it'll be worth the effort yet though. |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Carlsbad, California
Posts: 165
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I have a friend who is 6'-10" that had one of these trucks. He looked like he was driving a kiddie car! His truck had fiberglass buckets with very little padding. I am only 5'-11" and feel cramped in my truck. My arms are long, 6'-5" span, so I shortened the column. That put the wheel closer to my legs, so needed a flat bottomed wheel to make it easier to get in and out. I now have a tilt column, but would like to go back to non tilt if I can. My tilt column has an automatic column shifter and indicator which I don't need for my manual trans. Your daughter's legs are probably way longer than mine, so you will need to have a very thin seat back to get her hips back as far as possible. An upholstery shop may be able to thin out a OEM seatback a few inches, and still have some padding and a good appearance.
Russ
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 6,421
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Wow, I like that! Bench seat with headrests. Top shelf!
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#19 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Battle Creek Michigan
Posts: 51
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Wow, thanks for all the replies! There were a couple of things brought up that I hadn't thought of, such as shortening the column would move the wheel down, ect...
I think the plan is to remove the current seats, and cut off the mounts they made. I can get a decent bench seat at work (I manage a salvage yard), and will see what it is like for her. I can bring it back if it doesn't work out. I will look closely at moving the column, and as was suggested I may look at cutting/welding the brake pedal. It is a manual truck, but will be switching it to automatic before she starts driving it. I first bought a 71 GMC to re-do for her, that is complete but needs a lot of work. Then I came across this 67 Chevy that is MUCH better! Just the Chevy is manual everything, and the GMC is power steering/brakes and automatic. Gonna do some switching around, then selling the GMC. Going to put them in the garage soon to get started! |
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: independence mo
Posts: 2,111
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I used to haul cereal out of Battle Creek, I'm 6'4" and have a factory bench with no problems
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I'm not as good as I once was, But I'm as good once as I ever was. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: @
Posts: 890
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I keep thinking hightower from police academy that's what I feel like anyway lol
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 474
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
I moved my steering column forward as far as I could and cut off an inch off my clutch and brake pedal. Feels much better now!!
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Brad handshoe |
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#23 | |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,881
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Quote:
I really like this seat though (you guys always screw with my head stuck in the sand biases lol) I can see it upholstered with a period looking cover and the head rests maybe halved. That would make it a more period looking, but more comfortable than a stock seat in my book. Thanks for posting up this pic! |
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#24 | |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Plainfield il.
Posts: 643
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Re: Need maximum leg room... Bench seat?
Quote:
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