Fitting Behind the Wheel- Fat Guy
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
Fitting Behind the Wheel- Fat Guy
Hey Guys, I'm looking at picking up a 68 F250 that's come my way. It's a state away but one of those things that might be too good to pass on. Question- without any steering wheel adjustments can a guy who is 6'2" 330lbs like myself fit in it ok? I'm not super fat but have some cushion up front.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
I'm on the slimmer side so I can't say if you will or not. but these trucks don't have much room from the bench seat to the bottom of steering wheel. Lots of times that has been brought up in threads. I've seen others ask the same question if there's enough room. With the behind the seat gas tank gives it even less room in the cab. These problems can all be overcome to allow a bigger fellow to ride in comfortably. But all I volve modification of some sort. You can go mild to wild on making more room just depends what direction you want to take. You can swap in a 78-79 tilt wheel steering column, modify your existing column I think I saw someone move the wheel closer to you giving more leg room but then the "cushion" might start rubbing the steering wheel. You can swap steering wheels to a smaller diameter. That will mean more effort to turn the wheel though. Get an aftermarket column like an ididit or similar. Also you can remove the in cab tank and relocate it under the bed to allow the seat to go back farther. I've seen others modify the seat frame/springs so you sit lower to the floor. Many ways to overcome it. If the truck is worth it don't let a small issue like that stop you from getting it.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
I found one locally today that had an aftermarket seat in it and it was tight! It was far more forward but raised the concern for me.
There is a few issues I ha e , its a manual truck so you have to be able to shift on the collum, and it's a manual steering so you need to be able to crank on it.
I'm not worried about modifications. Truck is already a dual tank truck so if I have to remove the in-cab tank that's ok. Anyone done that to gain the room that has a write up/ pictures? I would hate to get all the way over there and barely be able to squeeze in there for a test drive.
There is a few issues I ha e , its a manual truck so you have to be able to shift on the collum, and it's a manual steering so you need to be able to crank on it.
I'm not worried about modifications. Truck is already a dual tank truck so if I have to remove the in-cab tank that's ok. Anyone done that to gain the room that has a write up/ pictures? I would hate to get all the way over there and barely be able to squeeze in there for a test drive.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
Lots of us are running there trucks with no in cab tank. Pretty straight forward remove tank redo your fuel lines to delete the in cab supply. Do you know if the other tanks are run from a dash switch or do they run off a fuel selector valve on the floor right beside the seat? Someone should chime in with pics of there tank removed. Showing the extra room.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 344
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I don't have any idea on how this ones setup but modifications are not an issue. Its not going to be a daily driver, more a project.
Anyone have pictures or measurements of what space is gained with the tank out?
Anyone have pictures or measurements of what space is gained with the tank out?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,308
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From: Las Vegas, NV
I am not as tall as you but I am a large fellow, around 300lbs. I fit in mine with the stock seat and wheel and have no trouble with a floor shift an no PS. Just don't put wide tires on the front or swich to a smaller wheel unless you have PS.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 947
Likes: 6
From: Manitoba, Canada
I don't think removing the tank helps much. The top portion of the seat is already back to within an inch of the cab. There was a thread on here where a guy removed the springs from the seat and replaced them with a metal pan, then put foam over it. (insert pic) There was some gain in room for the driver by doing that but I'm not sure how much. A couple of inches of head and back room maybe? You can also go with a smaller wheel if you have power steering.
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 344
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From: Phoenix, AZ
There we go. I appreciate the feedback. I am planning on a power steering upgrade possibly so that could help with the smaller wheel. I'm not new to fitting into a smaller ride. My civic and wrangler were both fine, even with the seat back up.
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 344
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Gorgeous seat. Just factory recovered or thinned out?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,650
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From: DFW Texas
What I did to that seat made a HUGE difference in how much room is in the cab. I also put an 1970 econoline steering wheel in which is not as dished as a stock wheel. It is probably 1.5 inches shallower.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
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From: PA
F100 yours is one of the modified seats I was referring to. just couldn't remember exactly who it was. Yours stuck out because of the beads rolled in it. Came out smoothly and I like how you kept a bench seat in your build. 
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: San Antonio, TX
Hey Guys, I'm looking at picking up a 68 F250 that's come my way. It's a state away but one of those things that might be too good to pass on. Question- without any steering wheel adjustments can a guy who is 6'2" 330lbs like myself fit in it ok? I'm not super fat but have some cushion up front.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
that's ok, us skinny folks can more easily fit behind the wheel or get up under the dash to work on stuff under there. 