C2 to C1 Will I be happy?

[Vette66AirCoupe]

I currently drive a '66 coupe, big block. I'm 6'1", 215 lbs. and find the ride reasonably pleasant. I've got the bug to add a C1 to my garage. However, when I get in the darn things the steering wheel and leg room are a problem. I don't mind the straight axle bumps and hops. A lot of folks have told me they don't think I'll be happy with the ride, especially riding with the steering wheel rubbing my thighs. My '66 is very original so I'm thinking of a C1 that I can tinker with without worrying about correctness to the n'th degree. Maybe I just need to change the steering wheel to a smaller after market version. I'm wondering if any of you have gone the C2 to C1 route and just what your advice would be. Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[wallyknoch]

I`m basically the same, 6`1", and was 217 lb. now 235. I`ll start with the ride, if it`s a tight car, no rattles in the suspension, it`s a nice ride with radial tires. I`m using 215-65R-15`s and no bumps or hops. I have owned all of the Vettes until the C5`s and naturally as the cars changed, the newer ones were always better. C1`s with that in respect are good pieces. A little hard to get into with either top up. I drive it so infrequently as opposed to my newer ones and sometimes I forget how to get into the car at times. The steering wheel is large but once inside, no problem with the seat all the way back. I almost bought a smaller wheel that is now being produced quite similar to the stock in appearance for about $300.00. He wanted me buy a dozen and sell them for him but I passed. The tires made the ride very good. Those skinny 670-15`s were a joke. In fact on any year Vette good tires help. To sum up, they are worth it.

 

[Loren Smith]

I'm 6'6", and look kind of like Fred Flintstone driving my 59. I had Al Knoch do my seats, and had him take a few inches off the springs, so I sit lower. Plus, I bought the Corvette Central 15" steering wheel. So I sort of fit in it now. But I'm not bashing the car; I love the C1s. Just wish they were a little roomier.

 

[Tom Bryant]

Aftermarket Columns

If you are looking for a non-origional C1 to tinker with you might consider a new steering column. Ididit out of Clinton MI and Flaming River out of Cleveland make a variety of retofit columns for about anything plus custom pieces. Flaming River has a straight column for the C1 (and straight or tilt for C2) but one or the other of these I'll bet could put together a tilt for your C1 to keep that wheel off of your legs and make getting in/out easier. Wouldn't hurt to send off an email.

Tom

http://www.flamingriver.com

http://www.ididit.com/

 

[richscorvettes]

I agree with the comments made earlier regarding ways to gain more interior room in a C1. Go directly from a C1 into a C2 sometime and it's amazing how much more head and shoulder-room there is. We lowered the seats, moved the steering column forward and used the smaller diameter steering wheel in our 62 and those changes really helped.

Rich Lagasse

 

[John Mcgraw]

I agree with Rich on this! I am not that tall (6'), but I sit real tall in the seat and my head hits the bows on the soft top on a C1! I have to drive all scrunched down in the seat with my head cocked sideways. I do not drive much wwith a top up, but had to do it for the Performance Verification on my 60 and it was miserable drive. The 59 that I am building now will have custom seats that lower me closer to the floor and willhave power steering, so a small wheel will be in order.

Regards, John McGraw

 

[Toy4Hal]

I agree with most of the comments, except perhaps a retro of the steeing column. That feels a little too drastic. I'm 5' 9" but have had my share of good meals! So, it is a little tough to get into my 62, especially with the roof up. But you sove that by leaving the roof down! :L I still have the 17" steering wheel. But once in there, you feel "in charge"! It's tight, but cosy! Kinda like being in a jet fighter! :cool As someone suggested, a smaller steering wheel would give you a little room. But unless you do weights and have that upper body strong, consider adding power steering with that smaller wheel!

Hal