Author Topic: 71 E Body Legroom (Read 3412 times)

Soy bomb · « **on:** September 24, 2017 - 04:58:55 PM »

Hey Guys, Just looking for some additional thoughts here. A regular here on these boards,Mopsquad, has been a HUGE help with this issue of driver comfort/legroom. Big shoutout to him ! Excellent suggestions on modified seat brackets as well as tilt steering. I realize that people have different driving postures and styles. I'm 6'3" as well as MopSquad and will be getting into this portion of the build and wanted to hear from some similarly heightened drivers, 6' 2" and up, to get their input before settling on a plan of attack. I don't want to screw it up. What's been your experience in regard to driving a stock built interior 71' E Body. Stock seats with 6 way option, Stock diameter steering wheel, manual or auto. Has it been Comfortable, Challenging ? Endurable ? No issue whatsoever ? Thanks !!!

340-FOUR- BARRELL · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2017 - 08:36:58 PM »

I am 6'3" tall, 190 lbs. My '73 Challenger has the original manual bucket seats, 727, console, original steering wheel. Visors were blocking my view, and sat to close to the steering wheel. Felt cramped. Got the seat relocation brackets from Year One to gain 2" more legroom.

Soy bomb · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2017 - 07:14:43 AM »

340 4BBL - Did you feel that the 2" was more than enough, or just adequate, wishing you had more ? I'm wondering if adding the brackets alone would be enough... or if tilt steering would make it even better ? I'm 210 lbs. so we're essentially twins. I know the stock steering wheel has a large diameter, but it looks awesome so changing it is not an option. Even with the brackets, does the bottom of the wheel cram the top of your thighs ? Thanks so much for the additional input. Love this site !

340-FOUR- BARRELL · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2017 - 08:43:56 PM »

The bottom of the steering wheel is about 3" from my thighs. The 2" of extra distance from the steering wheel is just enough for me. I do plan on adding shims to the front of the seat to tilt the seat back a wee bit. As said, I'm 6'3" @ 190 lbs. I'm long in the torso. Ideal shirt size is 16 x 37" sleeve length. Slack size is 34 waist/34 inseam. Most people my height do not have these dimensions. I believe if my Challenger had a manual transmission my left thigh would bang into the steering wheel. I wear a 15B shoe and pivot on my right heel to hit the brakes or gas pedal. I had the same fitment problems with a stock 68 Camaro and solved the problem by installing 1988 Pontiac Fiero seats that were reupholstered to match the rear seat. With Fiero seats you gain ~2" more head room, plus they recline.

Soy bomb · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2017 - 01:20:17 PM »

I can definitely see the left leg issue with a manual. Mine is an automatic so no issues there. I think 3" of space would be plenty plus the 6 way adjustable bucket. I'm just wondering if the tilt steering mentioned by Mopsquad would make it that much better

Have you thought about installing a 6 position bucket seat ? You'd get the tilt you wanted without shims.

340-FOUR- BARRELL · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2017 - 07:57:58 PM »

Soy Bomb: I was not aware a 6-way manual seat was available as an Challenger option in 1972-74. I have read that it is a very rare option (C62) on the e-bodies in 1970-71. My research indicates under the floor bracing is needed/required on the 1970-71 e-bodies which requires drilling four 1/2" holes for the brace that goes underneath. Maybe a member who has done this to a 1972-74 e-body will chime in. I would think finding the rare under seat frame is the toughest part of doing the modification.

Soy bomb · « **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2017 - 11:10:20 AM »

340 - 4BBL,

I don't know either and I'm not sure if you keep your car completely OE or OE looking but I don't think the 6 way would look out of place at all. Either way, if no one else chimes in, why not send Mark Worman or Grave Yard Carz a tweet asking him ? That guy is super helpful and willing.

Mopar_Mudder · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2018 - 04:25:37 PM »

Just wanted to chime in on this that my 71 I made my own seat relocation brackets and moved it back as far as I could until it hits the seat belt. I have the stock wood wheel. It is really not comfortable to drive and getting in is even worse. Driving you have to have your legs spread because the wheel is in between them. Mine is a manual so you can get your leg straight to work the clutch, makes releasing a stiff clutch not a smooth process. Getting in the car with long legs and big feet is a pain to, have to get your foot in just the right place or your leg gets wedged under the wheel. Now moving the seat back did help, before that it was pretty undrivable for me. At least I can drive it now but long trips get uncomfortable.

I am actually thinking of putting a Tuff Wheel on as I think they are smaller, I hate to do it because I want to keep it stock. I would love a tilt wheel also, if only that was an option in 71. These cars were made for really short people, I am 6'-3".

70chall440 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 23, 2018 - 07:14:33 PM »

My 70 Challenger RT came with a 6 way seat and while its "better" than the normal one, it isn't all that great if you are using a stock wheel or even worse a rim blow. That said, they sell all the parts to convert to a 6 way if you want to go that route. As for originality goes, only real Mopar people would know or even notice so that wouldn't stop me if I wanted it. I do not think its going to give you the clearance you are after though. One of the reasons that people now offer tilt wheels. A tuff wheel will make it better as far as leg clearance, I added one to my Challenger and it makes a lot of difference. If you are not sure, get one of the cheap Grant ones and just try it out.

jimynick · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2018 - 11:00:58 PM »

I too, changed the wheel to a swap meet Tuff wheel and it helps a lot and I'm only about 5"9'. The trick seems to be to get your butt on the seat and then I put my feet on the floor and reach my right hand back behind the console to allow me to lift myself so that I can get cleanly behind the wheel. Once in, it's pretty decent, but you're never going to do those Dukes of Hazzard entries!

JoeGrapes · « **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2018 - 05:17:16 PM »

I�m 6� 200lbs and with the stock steering wheel and 6 way seat I found it to be just way to cramped. The seat will move back far enough but the 6 way seat base just sat to high so my head was hitting the roof and the steering wheel against my thighs. I took the 6 way base out and now use the standard base with a smaller diameter Grant steering wheel. Much better.

Author Topic: 71 E Body Legroom (Read 3412 times)

Soy bomb

71 E Body Legroom

340-FOUR- BARRELL

Re: 71 E Body Legroom

Soy bomb

Re: 71 E Body Legroom

340-FOUR- BARRELL

Re: 71 E Body Legroom

Soy bomb

Re: 71 E Body Legroom

340-FOUR- BARRELL

Re: 71 E Body Legroom

Soy bomb

Re: 71 E Body Legroom

Mopar_Mudder

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70chall440

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jimynick

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JoeGrapes

Re: 71 E Body Legroom