Stomach Clearence Options

[Litemup]

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]

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]

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]

there's always the old diet and exercise option

[special-K]

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

[bobthecop]

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

[1970 CST Short Wide]

Save you duckets and get a tilt

[Robznob11]

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]

Stretch the cab.


No seriously. Add six inches.

[shifty]

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)

[PICKMUP]

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]

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

[whatnow123]

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]

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]

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

[Bob Moore]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Litemup]

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.