Ok so let me start out by saying I really appreciate any help I can get with these questions because although I have spent quite a bit of time researching and collecting info I thought it might be better to consolidate everything here and hopefully get some feedback and maybe some suggestions from the forums.

I've had my Explorer since 2000 when my father was looking to get rid of it to upgrade to a new truck. The Exp. has served me well for the last 13ish years but its finally time for me to move on because of some needs I have for work. I'm a general contractor in LA and I need something thats better suited to carrying around materials and tools to job sites. I've been looking at newer (07+) F-150's and although I would like a newer truck I cant bring myself to drop a bunch of money on something that is just going to lose value over the next few years. Which brings me to the F100. My grandpa had a 1960 F100 when I was a kid back in Hawaii but as our family grew he was forced to sell it in favor of something more practical...a Datsun wagon blah. Anyway I've always loved that truck and I swore to myself that one day I'd have one of my own. The problem is I'm a big dude, like NFL lineman big 6'4 x 280 lbs and I'm not sure that a regular cab F100 is the best call for what will essentially be a daily driver.

The mods I've found that seem to be the best bet would be: relocating the gas tank, adding a tilt column with a smaller diameter wheel and a shorter mount to bring the column closer to the dash, and some lower profile seats (I'm thinking 64-66 Mustang seats and center console).

My question is will these mods be sufficient to make the cabin more comfortable a big guy friendly? What other things should I be looking at to free up additional space?

Thanks in advance and I eagerly await some feedback

-SS

 

Welcome to FTE

When I spotted LA .. I wondered...is this the abbreviation for Louisiana or do you live in LA LA Land?

Profile sez CA = LA LA Land.

1965/66 F100/250 Rangers came with (1965/66 Mustang) bucket seats, many have a center console, same as 1964/65 Falcon Sprint (see pics below).

Special brackets are necessary to raise and level the seats, reproduced by FTE member Bill W

But, if you think that relocating the in-cab fuel tank will give you additional leg room...it won't.

A member of this forum just bought the rarest of the rare, one owner F250 Ranger Camper Special. He lives in WA .. found/bought it in our backyard...Murrieta.

Custom Cab bench seat same as Standard Cab, but the vinyl upholstery is slightly different.

Since you're about my size (6-5 325, but probably much younger), you'll find that these trucks have tight cabs. I bought a new '65 F100 8' Styleside @ Stockton Quincy Ford in Westwood...when I was 20 (6-5 180).

Sold it 11/2009 because I could no longer fit in the cab (age, added girth, back problems, arthritis).

btw: The Escape in my sig is much easier for me to get in/out of, than my prior vehicle: 20' elephantine behemoth 2011 F150 Lariat Stupor Crew that had a HIGH step-in height with no left side grab handle available.

Left (lower): Ranger Bucket Seats / Right (lower): Center Console.

 

I've got a "base" seat in my custom cab temporarily. It seems to offer more room, I think because the foam is thinner in both the seat cushion and the seatback. Maybe not enough improvement for you though. Remember that if you shorten the column the steering wheel will be closer to your knees so a smaller wheel may be necessary.
Eric

 

If you want a 60 and need the leg room, you can go this route. These are out there, it just depends on what your willing to spend and what end results your looking for.
lost the front bumper
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You should be able to locate some trucks with custom seats in your area to try out. Check Clist and evil bay. You may find exactly what you need.

The pickups with the gas tank behind the seat may offer you some extra room by pulling the tank and installing a tank in the bed or under the frame. There are some nice tank / toolbox combinations out there.

 

Beautiful picture. nice enough for a calendar. How do you lose a bumber? Did Big Foot get it?

 

My tank is behind the seat. But the top of the seat touches the rear of the cab. There is virtually no room to be found by moving the tank unless the custom seats take up extra room there.
I'm 6'3 and significantly less girthy. The only thing that cramps my style in the old fords is the big steering wheel. Not a big deal at my size, but it could be if I was larger.
I think a mild stretch on one of these cabs would look neat. Not a full backseat, but just 4" or so. People would certainly have to look twice.

 

Look for a 67 to 79. Dents and Bumps. The last of the classics IMHO.

 

Cool, love the truck. That looks expensive to drive. What, 4 mpg. ;o)