1960...how do you get more room?

[firstgear]

I have a 1960.....looking to get more leg room....maybe ceiling height.....I had one suggestion and that was to get a smaller diameter steering wheel....so that is one plan.....any other suggestions?

let me know...thanks!

 

[67HEAVEN]

58Mike extended the firewall of his '58 to get more legroom. Radical yes, but he did get more room.

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/member.php?u=1298

 

[studiog]

I believe someone makes a C1 steering column that puts the wheel a couple of inches closer to the dash. I could try to dig up the ad if interested. Between this and a smaller wheel it would probably feel allot more roomy. Still may not help your legs though.

 

[firstgear]

I was given a suggestion of ididit or flaming river columns that could be shortened.....was hoping I could find a column that would fit without having to be shortened by me....if you have information....let me know....also how hard is it to replace the steering column?

let me know....thanks....

 

[studiog]

I was given a suggestion of ididit or flaming river columns that could be shortened.....was hoping I could find a column that would fit without having to be shortened by me....if you have information....let me know....also how hard is it to replace the steering column?

let me know....thanks....

Yes, Flaming River was the company I had seen. I don't know how hard it is to attach the column to the steering box, but I bet John Z would know. Give it a little time and he may reply. Another consideration I just thought of is that the "VIN" plate is attached to the column.

 

[JohnZ]

The Flaming River C1 column is a major project, as you have to chop up your existing column/shaft just rearward of the steering gear - cutting, welding, fabricating, bearings, seals, joints, transferring your VIN plate, etc. Their ad makes it sound easy, but it's NOT. Best bet is a smaller-diameter steering wheel; Corvette Central has some 15" leather-wrapped replacement wheels with the same style center.

 

[vetteman64]

At 6'3", I am looking forward to the same problem(s). I purchased an original looking 15" steering wheel through Paul Newman (carcreationsinc.com) as a start. I plan to redo the seats last, as the guy doing the cars bodywork (Steve A.) has ideas to lower the seat height. I also met a tall gentleman at Bowling Green with a 1962 and his seat was only the foam covered with the seat covers. Low enough for him to comfortably fit under the top. But his wife did mention the seats were a "bit" uncomfortable on their drive down from the New England area. I plan to drive East on vacations, from CA, so the seat will have to somewhat comfortable. If you want to talk to Steve directly let me know.
C Ya, Joe
Frankenstein 59

 

[John Mcgraw]

Unfortunately, there is no steering column changes that can be made on a post-57 C1 that will give more room. The bottom of the bell is right up against the tach housing of the lower cluster, and can not move forward any.The flaming river column will not give any additional clearance, and the FR column is fugly as well! Their column has no taper to the bell and is just a straight sided bell with a flat bottom. The Ididit column, more replicates the original style, but still offers no additional room. About the only reason to put one of these columns in is to use a rack and pinion steering box, and to get rid of the troublesome turn signal switch. The smaller wheel, and lowered seats are the best solution.
The 59 that I am building now uses some wiseguys seats that lower your seating position over 2" and move the seat back 2" more to the rear. I also am using a 15.5" steering wheel, and an Ididit colum hooked to a C4 steering rack.
I also built a custom lower cluster that allows the column to move 2.5" further foward. It is impossible for me to drive a C1 with the top up without tilting my head to one side to clear the top bows, and at 250 lbs, the wheel clearance was a little tight!
Here is a pic of the cluster and column that I fabricated for thr 59.
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=999962

Regards, John McGraw

 

[Rowdy1]

A Thought

My 62 came with a custom Grant steering wheel and I did not like it for two reasons. First was the look, second and most important to me was it made turning at low speeds very hard and I am not lacking in the muscle department. I actually still have it stored with all my other stuff I've changed over the years.

 

[IH2LOSE]

Unfortunately, there is no steering column changes that can be made on a post-57 C1 that will give more room. The bottom of the bell is right up against the tach housing of the lower cluster, and can not move forward any.The flaming river column will not give any additional clearance, and the FR column is fugly as well! Their column has no taper to the bell and is just a straight sided bell with a flat bottom. The Ididit column, more replicates the original style, but still offers no additional room. About the only reason to put one of these columns in is to use a rack and pinion steering box, and to get rid of the troublesome turn signal switch. The smaller wheel, and lowered seats are the best solution.
The 59 that I am building now uses some wiseguys seats that lower your seating position over 2" and move the seat back 2" more to the rear. I also am using a 15.5" steering wheel, and an Ididit colum hooked to a C4 steering rack.
I also built a custom lower cluster that allows the column to move 2.5" further foward. It is impossible for me to drive a C1 with the top up without tilting my head to one side to clear the top bows, and at 250 lbs, the wheel clearance was a little tight!
Here is a pic of the cluster and column that I fabricated for thr 59.
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=999962

Regards, John McGraw

John also forgot to add he actually lowered the ball mount of where the steering colum penitrates the firewall.Lowering the colum in the engine bay brings the wheel up higher in the cabin away from your leg/knees.


I followed Johns lead on this and completed the same excact procedure on my 62.


For sure I would not tackle this project only for leg room.