Hello to All, Newbie to the Bumpside forum, Spent 9 years working on a 78 F 150, 4 x 2 , C-6, 460 and just got a new to me 69 F 100, 4 x 2 , 360 F E , C-6. Pretty straight old truck, been parked in a horse barn since 1988. Here is my question, I am a short, stocky fellow and there is no room between me and the steering wheel when I have the seat slid all the way against the gas tank. So if I remove the tank and put it between the frame rails will the seat go futher back than stock? This truck has manual steering now but I am going to convert it to power steering soon as I find a donor truck. My wife says just loose weight. Also is the Mustang gas tank the best fit? I really love my 78 but was hoping the 69 would be my all weather truck.

 

Smaller steering wheel and/or tilt column when you do power steering.

 

Think skinny thoughts pop's

 

No room will be gained by removing the gas tank from inside the cab.
Tilt column, smaller diameter steering wheel or sit-ups.

 

I went from buckets to a bench because I was sitting too low, and had real issues with how high I had to lift my feet to get to the brake and clutch (manual brakes, so lots of travel required).

Since I'm tall, the seat is all the way back and my problem was with new upholstery I had no room between the top of the seat and the wheel to get under it. Went from the 17" to a 15" wheel. don't think it will help with depth!

 

Mine's a '66 but this might apply to yours: I replaced a thrashed custom cab seat with a good standard seat. The "base" seat has a lot less foam than the deluxe version so I gained quite a bit of head and belly room.
Eric

 

I think the only way to fix the problem is with a tilt column. You could shorten the column but that also brings the steering wheel lower.

 

Go with a 15-inch steering wheel and power steering.

Start an exercise regimen and monitor your caloric intake. You'll have more energy and feel better too.

 

That's basically why I sold my 86 Toyota pickup and went with my 69!
Had to stop drinking beer because of blood sugar. Getting old's a b1tch, but it beats the alternative.

 

I went to great extremes to add more room to the inside of my truck. What I did made a HUGE difference and I get compliments all the time on how "big" the cab of my truck is. Basically, I removed all the spring structure from my seat, fabbed up some sheet metal inserts, and used modern foam for the cushion. I used 2 inch foam on the bottom and 1/2 inch foam on the back. It feels like a modern car now when you sit and really opened up the cab. I also moved my steering column forward one inch and I will be using a Econoline steering wheel. They are about 2 inches "flatter" than the stock f100 wheel.

 

When I put in power steering I changed to a 12" wheel. Looks kind of dorky but I have plenty of room now. Being tall I still don't have any leg room but hey the truck is cool....

 

My 71 has power steering, and at over 6' still seems cramped. A smaller steering wheel is really cheapest way to get more clearance or liposuction....ouch!!

 

smaller steering wheel with minimal dish will get you more stomach room

 

f100today - that is pretty cool, have you had it on the road yet? I find that my head is already pretty close the back glass, looks like you might have your head resting on it.

 

BTW - I don't think this will hijack the thread - a buddy of mine with a '68 told me that he had seen somewhere that someone was making a wheel that looked like a stock FXXX wheel but it was only 15 inches. I have a Grant wheel in mine and it is ok, but I'd really like to go back to a stock looking wheel.

Anyone heard of this?