Need help with a "small" problem

[Sandra H.]

Need some ideas.....have recently discovered that I'm too short to reach the pedals or see over the steering wheel.
Don't know how I didn't notice sooner.
I've heard that a power seat rail could be fitted under the existing seat....or would it be a better solution to have extensions put on the arms of the pedals? Or a better idea? I will probably be tearing the entire interior out this spring and thought it would be a good time to solve this problem too.
Help will be greatly appreciated.
Sandy

[Roy B.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

Need some ideas.....have recently discovered that I'm too short to reach the pedals or see over the steering wheel.
Don't know how I didn't notice sooner.
I've heard that a power seat rail could be fitted under the existing seat....or would it be a better solution to have extensions put on the arms of the pedals? Or a better idea? I will probably be tearing the entire interior out this spring and thought it would be a good time to solve this problem too.
Help will be greatly appreciated.
Sandy

It would be easy to add 1 or 2inch blocks under the seat frame or like in the old days they sold seat cushions to raise your butt higher and again they sold after market brake and gas blocks for little muskiness to reach them.

[Steven B.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

My Mom, about 5'2" had the same problem. She put two pillows/cushions in the car. One to sit on and one behind her back. That did the trick. A couple of pieces of steel and move the seat tracks forward.

[William C.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

Just a couple of thoughts to ponder, coming from someone who leans to the "to big" end of the spectrum, from '56 up. GM made a number of changes over the years to make the drivers seating position more comfortable for larger people. Some of the changes could be "reverse engineered into your car by substituting earlier parts. The steering column was shortened about 4 inches over the years to bring the wheel closer to the dash and improve arm position for taller drivers. Also, the seat back and bottoms were reduced in thickness, thereby lowering the driver and moving the driver back further in the car. You might want to talk to someone at Al Knock interiors, and see if they have ever streatched the newer style seat skins over the earlier cushions and framework. The seat changes alone would get you higher and more foreword in the car, maybe an inch and a half, but might be what you need.

[Sandra H.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

Doesn't look like I need to get more than maybe 2" higher, but getting all the way up to the steering wheel, I still am not able to push down pedals all the way. Certain parts of my (ahem) anatomy that you all don't have to think about, are proving to be a hindrance here.
With a combination of several of your suggestions, though, I think there may be a solution in there.
Is it possible to also install a smaller steering wheel? Are they more or less universal, or will I have to look for something in particular?
Thanks, Sandy

[William C.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

Smaller steering wheels can be used, I had a '60 many years ago that came to me with a Jaguar wheel, smaller than Corvette. You just have to work with a local shop that can find what you need, all options are available, including diameter and dish depth to suit your needs. I'd look for a Street rod shop in your area to work out the steering wheel.

[Steven B.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

Sandy, go to www.grantproducts.com and select Corvette steering wheels. The have a selection of 14 3/4 inch diameter wheels, wood and non-wood rims with 3 spokes with 3 holes in each spoke similiar to Corvette. They also have installation kits. I believe a number of Corvette parts suppliers have 14+ inch wheels also.

Good Luck!

Steve

[Sandra H.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

As I recently sold my old Jaguar, the web site you mentioned, Steve, will be the way I will go.
To my eye, the steering wheel in my Corvette looks too big anyway.
Thank you all......with a combo of these solutions, I think I can solve the problem.
Cheers, Sandy

[Patrick H.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

Sandra,

Corvette Central also makes a smaller Corvette wheel that you could look into. It is 15 inches across instead of the larger size used originally. They have painted, unpainted and leather covered ones available.

Patrick

[Robert R.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

Sandra,
Keep in mind though that as the wheel gets smaller, the arm effort will increase due to the lack of power assist on your model year.
Bob

[Sandra H.]

Re: Need help with a "small" problem

This problem with the steering getting harder with a smaller wheel did occur to me.
I actually had to lift weights to be able to shift a 6-speed dually 1-ton truck that I was using for awhile.....found out that shifting with both hands, trying to steer, and work pedals wasn't the safest thing in the world. If I have to work on arm strength again to drive my Corvette, then that is what I will do.
The 15" wheel might work as the wheel only needs to be about an inch lower for me to see completely over it.
The main problem will be getting close enough to reach pedals, but with a smaller wheel I think I might be able to get far enough up under it to make this work.
I will just start with some easy solutions and work my way down the list if need be.
Thank you, Sandy