The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Interiors seat adjustment

just got my newly reupholstered original seat back into my 59 and with the seat all the way back the wheel is to close to my stomach. Any suggestions. I would like to keep the original wheel. Follow link for picture.
Thanks as always.

http://home.comcast.net/~bklyn611/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-2317143.html

real nice seat job, Bob - no way to change anything that'll give ya more room, especially after all that work on the seat!! but if you find a wheel from a 55/6 TF truck it'll give you a couple more inches - the 55/6 trucks had a slightly longer column, so the wheel was flat, rather than the the 'dished' style we got 57-9 - of course you could always cut a couple more inches off the column, or off the driver!

Bill

Loose weight? Just kidding. , Someone had to say it. Nice truck too.

I had the same problem when I put my newly reupholstered seat in. It was pretty awkward at first... our other vehicle is a Mazda Miata sports car! However, after driving her for a few months now, the close steering wheel and the overall diameter is still awkward but I've gotten quite used to it. One of the biggest challenges I discovered is having to change my own mindset... I'm so used to driving modern vehicles that I've come to expect the luxuries. I have to keep reminding myself that my truck is almost as old as I am and man do I ever have a few faults!

So yes, you're right, the wheel is close quarters
and you'll have to make a decision about whether you can deal with it or not. But my advice is to drive her a bit first.

From where i sit, overall the "coolness" factor of driving the old 'Bolt overshadows her idiosyncracies! But I think I'll try and loose some weight anyways!

Might you have had "extra" padding installed during the recover thereby resulting in a "tighter fit"? Seems your size would have something to do with this also. I am 5'8", 195 lbs and have no problem with the clearance even though my seat is not all the way back as yours seems to be. How about your adjustment on the seat back? Possibly different mounting holes at the floor? I can send you pics and measurements of mine if it would help.

I had the same problem with mine...not enough room for my big belly!!! I re-upholstered my seat and when I did I added extra padding to the seat to set up a little higher and tied the springs pretty tight on the back part of the seat making it narrower so I would set back more in the seat. It added a couple inches of room and a lot more comfortable.

Thanks all I do think the loose weight would be the easiest, kinda. I thought I would see what you guys would come up with.