Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Anadrol · 02-26-2010, 12:16 AM

Hi,
I have been in this battle for a while now, and I'm just curious if there MIGHT be another trick out there that I haven't thought of.

PROBLEM:
Being too tall and having the steering wheel of my '78 single cab touching my genitals.

CAUSES:
Height and Weight of driver, small amount of room between the steering wheel and the seated position of driver in '78 Chevy.

SOLUTIONS:
1. Get a smaller diameter steering wheel
2. Modify steering column so that it's shorter
3. Replace steering column with an aftermarket column that is shorter
4. Replaces seat with a different seat that has different mounting brackets and somehow is back further against the back wall of cab.
5. (This one is nasty) Remove gas tank. Buy rear-mounted gas tank. Cut the "bump" on the cab floor that was caused by the gas tank being there. Modify this bump to become more of a flat continuation of the cab floor. Adjust seat accordingly.

Are there any I've missed?
thanks in advance.

MrBeast · 02-26-2010, 12:30 AM

I just stuff a smaller wheel in my trucks, im 6'1 285 lbs, I have pretty large legs, I can squat 600 lbs swapping the wheel works for me.

Matt Man · 02-26-2010, 12:48 AM

i think a steering wheel will be the easiest solution. thats why i got a crew cab im 6,3 250lbs. need some room...

bigblock73 · 02-26-2010, 01:11 AM

You could lose weight...just another option, no offense or anything.

I am 6-5 215, and have plenty of room.

I would start with the wheel first, then try perhaps a 88+ bench...I think they are thinner on the bottom and back.

thrtsxchambers · 02-26-2010, 02:04 AM

I would try the wheel first, is easiest and cheapest and go from there. I put a smaller wheel in mine and made more room. I'm only 6' 215lbs but my buddy is 6'4 240lbs and he said he feels good behind the wheel.

MrBeast · 02-26-2010, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Man

i think a steering wheel will be the easiest solution. thats why i got a crew cab im 6,3 250lbs. need some room...

+1 on the crew cab, although My main motivation was so I could bring my best friend.

He takes up a little realistate.

*C-10 simplex* · 02-26-2010, 03:06 AM

1) i don't like 1,2,3,or 5.

2) you must be pretty big to have the steering wheel touch your junk.

3) Have you tried looking for a tilt column? Which should be bolt-in.

KQQL IT · 02-26-2010, 06:33 AM

I put a 91/92 seat. Gained belly and leg room.

b454rat · 02-26-2010, 08:57 AM

I use these wheels on all my trucks. Caviler/Lumina cars and vans. My old 84 that I just traded had a worn out seat, with the stock wheel it was fun getting in and out and not too much room. Swapped out the wheel, had plenty of room. Even if I didn't need the room, I swap them anyway, stock wheel is like a friggin ferris wheel made out of spaghetti. Crew cab is getting one too.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2429...43830172QRScks

D.FENS · 02-26-2010, 09:47 AM

I'm 6'5" / 250. A smaller steering wheel was all I needed, but all the squares I've owned had tilt columns.

larrystone · 02-26-2010, 10:11 AM

You must have elephantiasis of the junk.

I am 6'2" 275 and I have no issues even with the tilt wheel even in the lowest position.

grinch4om · 02-26-2010, 10:50 AM

6'1".240...smaller wheel...moved column 2" inches forward...perfect

SSC's76 · 02-26-2010, 12:30 PM

My seat was trashed so I got one from an 88 burb and swapped the brackets. It gave me a few inches of wiggle room. I do have a full size wheel grant GM wood grain. I have plenty of room once in, getting in isnt bad just need to keep my phone in the left pocket. I do wish my wheel was a little further toward the dash but I live with it. 6'5" 280.

Gemp · 02-26-2010, 08:02 PM

Cut your junk off..........

1973GMC_1500 · 02-26-2010, 10:50 PM

I think it depends on the seat,
my '82 C20 kinda feels cramped, but the '87 I just picked up has plenty of room.

I have an '84 with an awesome aftermarket seat with a fold down armrest, don't ask me what it is, I don't know.

flamingbig10 · 02-27-2010, 11:17 AM

I'm about 6' 3" with my after market seats, tilt and a 12" wheel I have plenty of room and there very comfortable , but with the stock bench I had in there for a couple of weeks felt uncomfortable, I was really close to the steering wheel, and I had to have the tilt all the way up

Pyrotechnic · 02-27-2010, 03:17 PM

I remember the difference between my old worn out seat foam and the new seat foam was significant. I definitely sat up higher once the upholstery shop was done with it, but it was way more comfortable and I was in a better driving position.

Maybe find some thin seats out of a small car, or some light weight racing style seats ? Any seat that would allow you to position them further back and lower to the floor than the stock bench.

Small wheel will help, but some have long adapters that put the new smaller steering wheel even closer to you which defeats the purpose. Get one that's small, but bolts on the same way the stock one does and sits in the same position.

Tex_50613 · 02-27-2010, 03:22 PM

tilt colom and smaller stearing wheel worked great for me, I'm 6' and 350lb (not fat but built) the tilt alone helped emencly in my truck beind as I lost space replacing my seat with a split bench out of a 93

02-26-2010, 12:16 AM	#1
Anadrol Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Indy Posts: 151	Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver Hi, I have been in this battle for a while now, and I'm just curious if there MIGHT be another trick out there that I haven't thought of. PROBLEM: Being too tall and having the steering wheel of my '78 single cab touching my genitals. CAUSES: Height and Weight of driver, small amount of room between the steering wheel and the seated position of driver in '78 Chevy. SOLUTIONS: 1. Get a smaller diameter steering wheel 2. Modify steering column so that it's shorter 3. Replace steering column with an aftermarket column that is shorter 4. Replaces seat with a different seat that has different mounting brackets and somehow is back further against the back wall of cab. 5. (This one is nasty) Remove gas tank. Buy rear-mounted gas tank. Cut the "bump" on the cab floor that was caused by the gas tank being there. Modify this bump to become more of a flat continuation of the cab floor. Adjust seat accordingly. Are there any I've missed? thanks in advance.

02-26-2010, 12:30 AM	#2
MrBeast high-Tech Red Neck Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Livingston, MT/On my boat WA/BC/AK Posts: 2,294	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver I just stuff a smaller wheel in my trucks, im 6'1 285 lbs, I have pretty large legs, I can squat 600 lbs swapping the wheel works for me. __________________ "He used to be a pretty nice feller, now he's a welder!"

02-26-2010, 12:48 AM	#3
Matt Man Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Buhl, Idaho Posts: 1,438	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver i think a steering wheel will be the easiest solution. thats why i got a crew cab im 6,3 250lbs. need some room... __________________ 86 c30 crew cab dually 454/400 4/6 drop SOLD 1-8-11 1981 chevy K10 short Bed Scottsdale SOLD 10-26-2020 67 GMC Stepside Straight six/3 on the tree "The Peach" 2020 Silverado Double Cab LT Z71 5.3 8 speed Daily Driver K10 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=671934 The Peach build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=733903

02-26-2010, 01:11 AM	#4
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver You could lose weight...just another option, no offense or anything. I am 6-5 215, and have plenty of room. I would start with the wheel first, then try perhaps a 88+ bench...I think they are thinner on the bottom and back. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 02-26-2010 at 01:13 AM.

02-26-2010, 02:04 AM	#5
thrtsxchambers Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Salisbury, NC Posts: 316	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver I would try the wheel first, is easiest and cheapest and go from there. I put a smaller wheel in mine and made more room. I'm only 6' 215lbs but my buddy is 6'4 240lbs and he said he feels good behind the wheel.

02-26-2010, 03:06 AM	#7
C-10 simplex Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: indisclosed Posts: 1,515	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver 1) i don't like 1,2,3,or 5. 2) you must be pretty big to have the steering wheel touch your junk. 3) Have you tried looking for a tilt column? Which should be bolt-in.

02-26-2010, 06:33 AM	#8
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,254	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver I put a 91/92 seat. Gained belly and leg room. __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

02-26-2010, 08:57 AM	#9
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,469	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver I use these wheels on all my trucks. Caviler/Lumina cars and vans. My old 84 that I just traded had a worn out seat, with the stock wheel it was fun getting in and out and not too much room. Swapped out the wheel, had plenty of room. Even if I didn't need the room, I swap them anyway, stock wheel is like a friggin ferris wheel made out of spaghetti. Crew cab is getting one too. http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2429...43830172QRScks __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 4” SAS 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 6" SAS Last edited by b454rat; 02-26-2010 at 08:57 AM.

02-26-2010, 09:47 AM	#10
D.FENS Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 284	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver I'm 6'5" / 250. A smaller steering wheel was all I needed, but all the squares I've owned had tilt columns.

02-26-2010, 10:11 AM	#11
larrystone Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: White Haven PA Posts: 59	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver You must have elephantiasis of the junk. I am 6'2" 275 and I have no issues even with the tilt wheel even in the lowest position. __________________ 1992 C1500 WT LWB 4.3TBI 700r4 4.10 limited slip= Work Truck 1986 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 4.3-4V TH350C 2.73 ac cruise tilt= Cowboy Cadillac

02-26-2010, 10:50 AM	#12
grinch4om dang its hot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: frankfort kentucky Posts: 1,349	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver 6'1".240...smaller wheel...moved column 2" inches forward...perfect

02-26-2010, 12:30 PM	#13
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver My seat was trashed so I got one from an 88 burb and swapped the brackets. It gave me a few inches of wiggle room. I do have a full size wheel grant GM wood grain. I have plenty of room once in, getting in isnt bad just need to keep my phone in the left pocket. I do wish my wheel was a little further toward the dash but I live with it. 6'5" 280. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

02-26-2010, 08:02 PM	#14
Gemp Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cleveland,Ohio Posts: 262	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver Cut your junk off.......... __________________ 06' GMC 1500 Crew cab.....

02-26-2010, 10:50 PM	#15
1973GMC_1500 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Oran, IA Posts: 78	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver I think it depends on the seat, my '82 C20 kinda feels cramped, but the '87 I just picked up has plenty of room. I have an '84 with an awesome aftermarket seat with a fold down armrest, don't ask me what it is, I don't know. __________________ '87 GMC K2500 Factory 6.2 Diesel, 4 speed. Converted to 350 (has cracked block) converting back to 6.2 '82 [COLOR="Sienna"]Cadillac Coupe Deville 350 DIESEL '93 Chev S10 2.8L 5 speed '98 GMC K1500 Z71 ext cab shortbox 6.5 DIESEL '96 Ford F250 7.3 Powerstroke

02-27-2010, 11:17 AM	#16
flamingbig10 6.0 powered square Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mesquite texas Posts: 3,459	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver I'm about 6' 3" with my after market seats, tilt and a 12" wheel I have plenty of room and there very comfortable , but with the stock bench I had in there for a couple of weeks felt uncomfortable, I was really close to the steering wheel, and I had to have the tilt all the way up __________________ Aaron 1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326



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02-27-2010, 03:17 PM	#17
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver I remember the difference between my old worn out seat foam and the new seat foam was significant. I definitely sat up higher once the upholstery shop was done with it, but it was way more comfortable and I was in a better driving position. Maybe find some thin seats out of a small car, or some light weight racing style seats ? Any seat that would allow you to position them further back and lower to the floor than the stock bench. Small wheel will help, but some have long adapters that put the new smaller steering wheel even closer to you which defeats the purpose. Get one that's small, but bolts on the same way the stock one does and sits in the same position. __________________ 1977 GMC Sierra Grande

02-27-2010, 03:22 PM	#18
Tex_50613 Redneck Customs Bumpers, IA Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Waterloo, IA Posts: 503	Re: Measures to Increase ROOM for the Driver tilt colom and smaller stearing wheel worked great for me, I'm 6' and 350lb (not fat but built) the tilt alone helped emencly in my truck beind as I lost space replacing my seat with a split bench out of a 93

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