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E-Body leg room, or lack of... #1416184
04/07/13 07:23 PM
04/07/13 07:23 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Got the Cuda to the point for the first time where I could actually sit in it with seats, steering wheel and the whole works

Well so my surprise these things really were made for really short people!!! I am 6'3" and I have to sit spread legs in their and try to get the the clutch is a real pain. I can't believe they were designed that pourly, I can bearlly get my leg between the seat and steering where. Worse the getting in the 69 Vette, but that is comfy once you get in.

Any way what are my options. I know the Tuff wheel is a little smaller, but I don't know if that is going to be enough. And it looks like they never came with tilt.


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416185
04/07/13 07:28 PM
04/07/13 07:28 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 27,347
Today? Who Knows?
1_WILD_RT Offline
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Six way seat slightly tilted back...
Or I've known of guys to knock the studs out of the seat track & relocate them to shift the seat rearward... This requires some minor fab work...


"The Armies of our ancestors were lucky, in that they were not trailed by a second army of pencil pushers."
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416186
04/07/13 07:32 PM
04/07/13 07:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,328
Toronto (YYZ) Ontario
YYZ Offline
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There are a number of adjustments that you can make; an E-body has lots of room. I'm 6'6", big, and that's one of the reasons that I've stuck with Cudas & Challengers over the years

- make sure that your seat tracks are going all the way back and are not getting hung up near the end of travel

- you can adjust the angle of the seatback by moving the catches - even elongate the slots if you need to to get more room

- spacers: thicker spacers under the front seat track studs and thinner ones under the back will also help with driving position (though I've not had to do this personally

- Tuff wheels do provide some extra room. 5 minutes and 3 nuts later and you can swap back to a woodgrain or rim-blow for show purposes

etc

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416187
04/07/13 07:36 PM
04/07/13 07:36 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,916
central P.A.
HEMIDOG 70 Offline
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I have the same problem. I'm 6'2" and I have to slide in under the wheel it's tight and I have a tuff wheel on my 70 Challenger. I would like to locate the seat rearward for more room. Anyone have specifics on the best way to do it? I thought of moving the studs as stated is this the best way to go?

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: YYZ] #1416188
04/07/13 07:47 PM
04/07/13 07:47 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Wisconsin
Thanks for the idea, I might look at moving the seat back.

Shims wouldn't help, probably make it worse moving the front of the seat up.


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416189
04/07/13 08:57 PM
04/07/13 08:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 381
Rhode Island
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jml19621 Offline
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Rhode Island
I am 6-1 with a bad right knee, I have had serious issues at times getting in and out of the 70 Cuda. For awhile I thought maybe the seat was in wrong, but I have found out the people in the 70s were just smaller.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: jml19621] #1416190
04/07/13 11:02 PM
04/07/13 11:02 PM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,193
NEW JERSEY
AARCONV Offline
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NEW JERSEY
it's worst when you have a bench bucket seat like my cuda..

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416191
04/08/13 05:41 AM
04/08/13 05:41 AM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 22
Indiana
R
RagtopChallenger Offline
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Indiana
All your seat problems will go away as soon as you pound on the gas pedal!

Rusty

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: RagtopChallenger] #1416192
04/08/13 07:33 AM
04/08/13 07:33 AM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,554
Maryland
wally426ci Offline
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Maryland
6-way seat is the only way I can go. My father's 74 Barracuda is without and I hate the seat position. My 71 is super comfy.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: wally426ci] #1416193
04/08/13 09:39 AM
04/08/13 09:39 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,875
albany ny
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modify the seats tracks to mount them farther back

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: wally426ci] #1416194
04/08/13 10:22 AM
04/08/13 10:22 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Wisconsin
Wondering how exactly the 6 way helps? All it does is raise and lower the front and back of the seat correct? I don't see where either would help unless it drops the seat down in the front further, but I don't think that is possible.


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416195
04/08/13 01:54 PM
04/08/13 01:54 PM
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 223
Oreland Pa
clonedshaker+6 Offline
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Oreland Pa
im 18, 6'4 and 170lbs , I got my challenger this time last year, I was so happy that I got the car I didn't even care to notice the leg room issues and the car is a shell so I cant check, but being that I never plan on getting rid of the car and race motocross im going to be a sore old man so these seat modifications will be necessary, its a good thing I read this know


71 challenger 440 sixpack shaker *CLONE* (71challenger 440+6 shaker clone FAST/my HS grad present)
03 mustang Mach 1 (daily driver)

11.35 @ 121.5 4 SPEED on F60-15s w/ 6/32 tread
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416196
04/08/13 02:19 PM
04/08/13 02:19 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,361
St. Louis, Mo
3
318 Stroker Offline
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St. Louis, Mo
Quote:

Wondering how exactly the 6 way helps? All it does is raise and lower the front and back of the seat correct? I don't see where either would help unless it drops the seat down in the front further, but I don't think that is possible.




I put a 6-way in my 73 Challenger, and it adds a lot of legroom. I'm 5'10 with short legs and with the standard seat tracks, I had my seat all the way back. With the 6-way addition, I have the seat about halfway forward. Also, by adjusting the front of the seat up, and the back down, you will gain headroom. I also have a Tuff wheel.

I've had some of my large size Mopar friends sit on the 6-way, and they are amazed at the additional head and leg room.

Find someone with a 6-way and ask to try it. You will be pleasantly surprised...

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 318 Stroker] #1416197
04/08/13 04:37 PM
04/08/13 04:37 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Quote:

Quote:

Wondering how exactly the 6 way helps? All it does is raise and lower the front and back of the seat correct? I don't see where either would help unless it drops the seat down in the front further, but I don't think that is possible.




I put a 6-way in my 73 Challenger, and it adds a lot of legroom. I'm 5'10 with short legs and with the standard seat tracks, I had my seat all the way back. With the 6-way addition, I have the seat about halfway forward. Also, by adjusting the front of the seat up, and the back down, you will gain headroom. I also have a Tuff wheel.

I've had some of my large size Mopar friends sit on the 6-way, and they are amazed at the additional head and leg room.

Find someone with a 6-way and ask to try it. You will be pleasantly surprised...




I am going to have to look for one. I have looked a little bit and they seem really spendy!!!

Also I noticed mension on one place that the braces under the floor might be diffrent for the 6 way, I can't imagine they used a different floor for them.


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416198
04/08/13 04:43 PM
04/08/13 04:43 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,361
St. Louis, Mo
3
318 Stroker Offline
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318 Stroker  Offline
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St. Louis, Mo
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Wondering how exactly the 6 way helps? All it does is raise and lower the front and back of the seat correct? I don't see where either would help unless it drops the seat down in the front further, but I don't think that is possible.




I put a 6-way in my 73 Challenger, and it adds a lot of legroom. I'm 5'10 with short legs and with the standard seat tracks, I had my seat all the way back. With the 6-way addition, I have the seat about halfway forward. Also, by adjusting the front of the seat up, and the back down, you will gain headroom. I also have a Tuff wheel.

I've had some of my large size Mopar friends sit on the 6-way, and they are amazed at the additional head and leg room.

Find someone with a 6-way and ask to try it. You will be pleasantly surprised...




I am going to have to look for one. I have looked a little bit and they seem really spendy!!!

Also I noticed mension on one place that the braces under the floor might be diffrent for the 6 way, I can't imagine they used a different floor for them.




Yes they are spendy...

They are being re-popped. Some of the originals get worn, like mine is. Sometimes when I'm driving, it likes to "self-adjust" backwards a notch, on its own... The new re-pop probably wouldn't do that.

As for the underfloor braces, the regular seat tracks don't have any. Just the 6-way has the braces...

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 318 Stroker] #1416199
04/08/13 04:50 PM
04/08/13 04:50 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
enthusiast
Mopar_Mudder  Offline OP
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Wisconsin
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Wondering how exactly the 6 way helps? All it does is raise and lower the front and back of the seat correct? I don't see where either would help unless it drops the seat down in the front further, but I don't think that is possible.




I put a 6-way in my 73 Challenger, and it adds a lot of legroom. I'm 5'10 with short legs and with the standard seat tracks, I had my seat all the way back. With the 6-way addition, I have the seat about halfway forward. Also, by adjusting the front of the seat up, and the back down, you will gain headroom. I also have a Tuff wheel.

I've had some of my large size Mopar friends sit on the 6-way, and they are amazed at the additional head and leg room.

Find someone with a 6-way and ask to try it. You will be pleasantly surprised...




I am going to have to look for one. I have looked a little bit and they seem really spendy!!!

Also I noticed mension on one place that the braces under the floor might be diffrent for the 6 way, I can't imagine they used a different floor for them.




Yes they are spendy...

They are being re-popped. Some of the originals get worn, like mine is. Sometimes when I'm driving, it likes to "self-adjust" backwards a notch, on its own... The new re-pop probably wouldn't do that.

As for the underfloor braces, the regular seat tracks don't have any. Just the 6-way has the braces...




Is their any problem with not using the under floor brace? The car is done and painted on the underside so I am not about to change it. I am guessing they were spot welded to the under side of the floor.


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416200
04/08/13 04:55 PM
04/08/13 04:55 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,361
St. Louis, Mo
3
318 Stroker Offline
master
318 Stroker  Offline
master
3

Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,361
St. Louis, Mo
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Wondering how exactly the 6 way helps? All it does is raise and lower the front and back of the seat correct? I don't see where either would help unless it drops the seat down in the front further, but I don't think that is possible.




I put a 6-way in my 73 Challenger, and it adds a lot of legroom. I'm 5'10 with short legs and with the standard seat tracks, I had my seat all the way back. With the 6-way addition, I have the seat about halfway forward. Also, by adjusting the front of the seat up, and the back down, you will gain headroom. I also have a Tuff wheel.

I've had some of my large size Mopar friends sit on the 6-way, and they are amazed at the additional head and leg room.

Find someone with a 6-way and ask to try it. You will be pleasantly surprised...




I am going to have to look for one. I have looked a little bit and they seem really spendy!!!

Also I noticed mension on one place that the braces under the floor might be diffrent for the 6 way, I can't imagine they used a different floor for them.




Yes they are spendy...

They are being re-popped. Some of the originals get worn, like mine is. Sometimes when I'm driving, it likes to "self-adjust" backwards a notch, on its own... The new re-pop probably wouldn't do that.

As for the underfloor braces, the regular seat tracks don't have any. Just the 6-way has the braces...




Is their any problem with not using the under floor brace? The car is done and painted on the underside so I am not about to change it. I am guessing they were spot welded to the under side of the floor.




Could be a big problem if you don't use them. The 6-way is heavy, and you could rip thru the floor with the stud mounts on the 6-way. The braces are re-popped. Either B,E A or RestoRick has them, I forget which.

They do not weld to the floor. Just paint them to match the underside, hold them in place as you drop the 6-way studs through, put the washers and nuts on, tighten them, and enjoy...

Disclaimer: Maybe they were welded from the factory, But I didn't weld mine. I just installed them as I described.

Last edited by 318 Stroker; 04/08/13 05:02 PM.
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 318 Stroker] #1416201
04/08/13 05:12 PM
04/08/13 05:12 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Wisconsin
What about the height of the 6-way set-up. I have been searching some and it looks like it adds some height to the seat, reducing head room. This would make sence I guess as their must need some height for all the mechanics under their. I guess if all I am gaining is that the 6-way will slide back further (do they) I might as well try to mod my standard brackets to go back further......


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416202
04/08/13 05:21 PM
04/08/13 05:21 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,361
St. Louis, Mo
3
318 Stroker Offline
master
318 Stroker  Offline
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St. Louis, Mo
Quote:

What about the height of the 6-way set-up. I have been searching some and it looks like it adds some height to the seat, reducing head room. This would make sence I guess as their must need some height for all the mechanics under their. I guess if all I am gaining is that the 6-way will slide back further (do they) I might as well try to mod my standard brackets to go back further......




Yes they do add some height, but by adjusting the rear of the seat downward, you you not only get a liitle bit of recline, but regain the height you lost with the higher 6-way unit. My tall Mopar friends have plenty of headroom that way.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 318 Stroker] #1416203
04/08/13 06:23 PM
04/08/13 06:23 PM
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,916
central P.A.
HEMIDOG 70 Offline
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central P.A.
Will the 6way all the way back set you lower than standard tracks? I have unlimited head room in the vert but I already look at the top of the windshield frame and would like to set lower and further back than the standard tracks let me.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 318 Stroker] #1416204
04/08/13 06:57 PM
04/08/13 06:57 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 438
Scottsdale A.Z
7
71cudaddict Offline
mopar
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Scottsdale A.Z
I am 6"3 230lbs have re drilled the seat and moved the tracks forward about 1.25 inch so you still use the stock holes in the floor. I can completely stretch out now very nice to drive not cramped up any more I have done this to all my ebodies my wife is 5"2 seat still goes far enough forward for her,only thing is you have to remove or mod the plastic piece on the l/s seat belt. I drive my cars all the time so comfort is a big factor. You may want to shim the rear studs for the most comfortable spot .It takes me about 1-2 hours to do. all you need is some 5/16 bolts & nuts 5/16 drill bit & washers.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 71cudaddict] #1416205
04/08/13 07:48 PM
04/08/13 07:48 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,582
Rust Belt, SW PA
Silver70 Offline
I Live Here
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Rust Belt, SW PA
I'm 6'5" 250ish and I never really had a problem in them. Although I have driven stealths and other smaller cars and got used to it. Although I am using after market buckets in my 70, so I'll move them back for more leg room.


68 Road Runner, 69 Belvedere, 71 Challenger Vert
340 barracuda, 01 Ram CTD, 95 Ram, 04 Ram, 85 Daytona turbo Z
66 GTO, 06 Magnum RT AWD. 07 Ram CTD, 07 Ram
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Silver70] #1416206
04/08/13 08:06 PM
04/08/13 08:06 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,345
Marysville, O-H-I-O
70Cuda383 Offline
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Marysville, O-H-I-O
6'4" here, my legs are a 34" inseam though, so I'm mostly torso.

I never noticed a lack of leg room in mine. I was glad that I fit so well in the E-body. I was afraid sitting in it would be like sitting in a late model corvette, viper or mustang...I do NOT fit in any of those cars as they were delivered from the factory!


**Photobucket sucks**
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 318 Stroker] #1416207
04/08/13 08:51 PM
04/08/13 08:51 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,304
WI
RestoRick Offline
top fuel
RestoRick  Offline
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Posts: 2,304
WI
Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Wondering how exactly the 6 way helps? All it does is raise and lower the front and back of the seat correct? I don't see where either would help unless it drops the seat down in the front further, but I don't think that is possible.




I put a 6-way in my 73 Challenger, and it adds a lot of legroom. I'm 5'10 with short legs and with the standard seat tracks, I had my seat all the way back. With the 6-way addition, I have the seat about halfway forward. Also, by adjusting the front of the seat up, and the back down, you will gain headroom. I also have a Tuff wheel.

I've had some of my large size Mopar friends sit on the 6-way, and they are amazed at the additional head and leg room.

Find someone with a 6-way and ask to try it. You will be pleasantly surprised...




I am going to have to look for one. I have looked a little bit and they seem really spendy!!!

Also I noticed mension on one place that the braces under the floor might be diffrent for the 6 way, I can't imagine they used a different floor for them.




Yes they are spendy...

They are being re-popped. Some of the originals get worn, like mine is. Sometimes when I'm driving, it likes to "self-adjust" backwards a notch, on its own... The new re-pop probably wouldn't do that.

As for the underfloor braces, the regular seat tracks don't have any. Just the 6-way has the braces...




Is their any problem with not using the under floor brace? The car is done and painted on the underside so I am not about to change it. I am guessing they were spot welded to the under side of the floor.




Could be a big problem if you don't use them. The 6-way is heavy, and you could rip thru the floor with the stud mounts on the 6-way. The braces are re-popped. Either B,E A or RestoRick has them, I forget which.

They do not weld to the floor. Just paint them to match the underside, hold them in place as you drop the 6-way studs through, put the washers and nuts on, tighten them, and enjoy...

Disclaimer: Maybe they were welded from the factory, But I didn't weld mine. I just installed them as I described.




6-way seat braces

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: HEMIDOG 70] #1416208
04/08/13 10:17 PM
04/08/13 10:17 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,361
St. Louis, Mo
3
318 Stroker Offline
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St. Louis, Mo
Quote:

Will the 6way all the way back set you lower than standard tracks? I have unlimited head room in the vert but I already look at the top of the windshield frame and would like to set lower and further back than the standard tracks let me.




It will sit you lower if you adjust the rear of the seat downward, which also gives you a bit of recline with the same maneuver.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 71cudaddict] #1416209
04/09/13 09:35 AM
04/09/13 09:35 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Wisconsin
I think I will start with trying to move the stock seat brackets to let the seat go back further, that is the cheapest and easiest route to go. From their I will try a Tuff Wheel, hate to give up the original wheel. And if all else fails I might try the 6 way. I will let you know how it turns out, might be a couple of weeks though.


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416210
04/09/13 01:24 PM
04/09/13 01:24 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 401
California, USA
filmsurgeon Offline
mopar
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Posts: 401
California, USA
When I recently pulled my seats out of the Challenger, I found these bolted to the bottom of the driver's seat tracks. This was the previous owner's solution to relocating it further back. They measure 2-7/8". I'm gonna try the seat without them, but will reuse them if I find that I'm too far forward. I have a Tuff wheel going in the car, and I am 5'-11", 190 lbs.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: filmsurgeon] #1416211
04/09/13 07:45 PM
04/09/13 07:45 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 401
California, USA
filmsurgeon Offline
mopar
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California, USA
Here are some photos of how the brackets mount (seat tracks are currently disassembled for cleaning/painting/lubing). These brackets relocate the seat almost 3 full inches back. All hardware should be Grade-5 or better.

The seat tracks in this photo are upside down to show how the brackets are attached. The rear brackets are attached to the seat tracks, the front brackets are attached to the seat frame; all using the same mounting holes for the tracks to the seat frame.


The next two photos show the rear of the tracks in position on the seat frame. The same track-to-frame bolt (5/16-18x3/4" bolt not shown) is used to attach the bracket to the seat frame.



The next two photos show the front of the tracks in position on the seat frame. Use 5/16-18x3/4" bolts with nuts/lock washers to attach the seat track to the front bracket (mounting hardware not shown).


Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: filmsurgeon] #1416212
04/09/13 09:25 PM
04/09/13 09:25 PM

A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A



the primary problem that I have with our chally is the fact that sliding my leg under the steering wheel is usually the issue. I wish there was a way to either raise the steering column or lower the seat to the floor.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: ] #1416213
04/09/13 10:09 PM
04/09/13 10:09 PM
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Crook County, ILL
Mastershake340 Offline
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Crook County, ILL
I'm 6'4" 215# and have owned Challengers for over 3 decades and also one cuda. My first Challenger, a '70 T/A with a 4 speed, was uncomfortable for me as my left thigh always hit the steering wheel while using the clutch. I never felt like headroom was a problem and other than my left leg and the steering wheel, I never felt like legroom was bad.
My '71 cuda had an automatic and I did feel it was a little lacking in legroom. I questioned if the shorter wheelbase took away a couple inches of front legroom?
My '70 Challenger convertible has an automatic and has a 6 way seat. It's always been a very comfortable ride for me, top down or up (though I prefer down!)
A couple years back I bought a '71 Challenger 4 speed with leather seats. Bought at an auction with no chance to test drive before buying. After I won the bidding, I'm thinking, WTH did I do that for, this damn car will be as uncomfortable as the T/A to drive! But I was pleasantly surprised to find it is pretty comfortable. The front seats in the '71 seem to sit lower than the '70's? Whatever the case, I have no complaints.
I'd be interested in trying out a 4 speed cuda, I suspect that combo might not work for me at all.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: ] #1416214
04/09/13 10:17 PM
04/09/13 10:17 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,582
Rust Belt, SW PA
Silver70 Offline
I Live Here
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Rust Belt, SW PA
Quote:

the primary problem that I have with our chally is the fact that sliding my leg under the steering wheel is usually the issue. I wish there was a way to either raise the steering column or lower the seat to the floor.




That's the only problem I ever had.

As far as the relocation brackets above, my grandfather did the same in a 70s horizon he had and it definitely made it more comfortable to drive.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Silver70] #1416215
04/11/13 06:55 AM
04/11/13 06:55 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,756
London, England
Gavin Offline
top fuel
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London, England
For me (6' tall) the only issue was ever the standard steering wheel - I agree it is too low and def too close to the driver. My solution 20 years ago was a Grant wheel - no crush can so much closer to the dash, and a smaller wheel to boot. Completely fixed the comfort problem. Of course if you want to keep the standard wheel this does not help

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Gavin] #1416216
04/11/13 10:23 AM
04/11/13 10:23 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,052
GA
roadrunninMark Offline
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GA
Hey Film, those look great. What is the thickness of the metal? I wonder can you mount them on the "inside" of the track as well so you don't raise the height of the seat by the thickness of the metal?

I am 6'3 as well, with a good size foot. I just switched out the m/c to an aluminum unit (manual brake car) and I noticed that the brake pedal is closer to the driver then the gas pedal. I made an aluminum spacer (3/8 or 1/2", I can't remember off hand) to move the brake pedal away from the driver. It put it more in line with the gas pedal. The car is apart so I don't know yet if the pedal will bottom out to the floor under heavy braking. Just sitting in the seat and pushing the pedal hard it does not hit the floor (though rug isn't in yet either).

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: roadrunninMark] #1416217
04/11/13 11:18 AM
04/11/13 11:18 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 949
Indiana
6
68_661charger Offline
super stock
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Posts: 949
Indiana
Does a bench seat cuda with automatic provide less room than a bucket automatic car?

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: roadrunninMark] #1416218
04/11/13 02:32 PM
04/11/13 02:32 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 401
California, USA
filmsurgeon Offline
mopar
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California, USA
Quote:

Hey Film, those look great. What is the thickness of the metal? I wonder can you mount them on the "inside" of the track as well so you don't raise the height of the seat by the thickness of the metal?

I am 6'3 as well, with a good size foot. I just switched out the m/c to an aluminum unit (manual brake car) and I noticed that the brake pedal is closer to the driver then the gas pedal. I made an aluminum spacer (3/8 or 1/2", I can't remember off hand) to move the brake pedal away from the driver. It put it more in line with the gas pedal. The car is apart so I don't know yet if the pedal will bottom out to the floor under heavy braking. Just sitting in the seat and pushing the pedal hard it does not hit the floor (though rug isn't in yet either).




The brackets are 3/16" thick. They cannot be used on the inside of the track; primarily due to the fact that the holes in the brackets are centered (width-wise), and the holes in the tracks are offset (not centered width-wise).

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: HEMIDOG 70] #1416219
04/11/13 04:38 PM
04/11/13 04:38 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,206
M
MoreParts Offline
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MoreParts  Offline
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These aren't mine. A member of a Pontiac Forum I frequent uses these. May be worth a look.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-1981-Firebi...615&vxp=mtr

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: MoreParts] #1416220
04/11/13 04:41 PM
04/11/13 04:41 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 401
California, USA
filmsurgeon Offline
mopar
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California, USA
Quote:

These aren't mine. A member of a Pontiac Forum I frequent uses these. May be worth a look.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-1981-Firebi...615&vxp=mtr




I saw these for sale on YO website.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Gavin] #1416221
04/11/13 05:45 PM
04/11/13 05:45 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,198
Harrisburg, Pa.
screamindriver Offline
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Harrisburg, Pa.
Quote:

For me (6' tall) the only issue was ever the standard steering wheel - I agree it is too low and def too close to the driver. My solution 20 years ago was a Grant wheel - no crush can so much closer to the dash, and a smaller wheel to boot. Completely fixed the comfort problem. Of course if you want to keep the standard wheel this does not help



6'2 and 250 lbs and no the car does'nt lean to one side when I'm in there... Seriously though. I added the aftermarket wheel for comfort also...Set the 6-way up for more room and even added a few shims on the passenger side to lean it back a touch for the riders...Big difference with little effort...

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: screamindriver] #1416222
04/11/13 11:29 PM
04/11/13 11:29 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 401
California, USA
filmsurgeon Offline
mopar
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California, USA
So many of you E-body owners are 6+ feet tall and 200+ Lbs. The guy that built my engine, is a BIG guy, and he said he can't stand the "tightness" he experiences in the E-Bodies. He's a B-Body man.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416223
04/12/13 01:04 PM
04/12/13 01:04 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 536
Charlotte, NC
Kowal Offline
mopar
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Charlotte, NC
As mentioned by a few above.

I am 6'5", I have had two e-bodies, the b's aren't much better as the space between your knees and the dash is pretty tight. I put spacers with the front two mounting studs and none under the back. Made a big difference.


'69 Hemi Charger 500, ‘70 U code Challenger R/T
(These and a bunch others at www.dkowal426.com)

P.J. O'Rouke: "The old car ran perfectly, right up until it didn't."
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: HEMIDOG 70] #1416224
04/13/13 04:32 PM
04/13/13 04:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 28,731
Shopping @ HoBo Fright
340SIX Offline
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Shopping @ HoBo Fright
Man they always feel large to me like i am sitting on the floor and the seat is up {not all the way up towards the wheel but up some}
Being small has benefits 5'4" 125 or less pounds lets me work under cars well, and under a dash as well
Sounds like Ya need a 6 way seat
Even the back seat was ok with me in a friends challenger's


[img]https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee87/fast340six/sig%20pics/2840886-340SIX-1.jpg[/img]
VP of the MPM in New Orleans
73 Dart Sport 340/ 70 challenger vert. That may still get built, If I live long enough
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: screamindriver] #1416225
04/15/13 01:17 PM
04/15/13 01:17 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,023
pa.
D
dan9 Offline
super stock
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pa.
So someone could use a Grant aftermarket wheel and still use a crush can?

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: filmsurgeon] #1416226
04/15/13 05:40 PM
04/15/13 05:40 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 401
California, USA
filmsurgeon Offline
mopar
filmsurgeon  Offline
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California, USA
Some of you have sent me PMs asking questions. I have responded to all, but I also like to share the info with those who have been following this topic. Here are some more photos and info. Take note: each photo's file name is unique, and the photo(s) will be preceded by a description.

Let's start with the bracket/screw.
Each bracket has a front and rear hole drilled for a 5/16" screw/bolt. Only one side of one hole is countersunk for the 5/16-18 flathead hex stainless screw. The bracket measures 2-7/8" long (it can be made longer if desired), and is 1" wide and 3/16" thick.









My seat tracks are currently disassembled for cleaning/painting/lubing. Fortunately, this helps to better see how the brackets work with the seat tracks/seat frames. Photos are of the driver's seat bottom and upper track halves. When using these brackets, there is NO drilling required into the floor, seat frames, or seat tracks. This means you can go back to stock easily and without any molestation to your car, seats, and tracks. They only work between the seat track and the seat frame. Trying to make brackets work inside the track opens up a whole host of issues to overcome. There is no interference with the travel of the seat tracks when the brackets are located between the seat frame and seat track.

Inboard Track:

First is without brackets, and second is with brackets.




Outboard Track:

First without brackets, and second is with brackets.




With the countersunk hole and the flathead screw, there is only an increase in seat height of 3/16". That's because of the bracket being located between the track and seat frame. The following photos show how/where the brackets are attached. This is done BEFORE the tracks are mounted to the bottom of the seat. You can't do it any other way.

Brackets attached to FRONT of seat frame:




The next 4 photos show how the front of the tracks are attached to the front brackets.






Brackets attached to REAR of seat tracks:




The next 4 photos show how the rear brackets are attached to the seat frame.






I believe the original bolts used to attach the seat tracks to the seat frame have a 7/16" hex head. I only had these bolts on my passenger seat (I used them to attach the rear brackets to the seat frame for the photos). Standard 5/16-18 bolts ALWAYS have a 1/2" hex head. If you use standard bolts, it will be difficult to get a socket into the seat track and onto the 1/2" bolt head to tighten it. That's probably why the manufacturer used bolts with a 7/16" head. No problem with using a socket on this. The previous owner used standard 5/16-18 bolts with a 1/2" hex head on the driver's seat. I had a very hard time finding 5/16-18 x 3/4" bolts with a 7/16" hex head. Then I stumbled across these bolts in the following photo. They are cheap for a set of 10 and they are hardened steel.




One other note: You should file/grind down the two nubs behind the mounting hole on the front of the seat track. This will allow the bracket to be flush with the track when mounted. The following shows the front of the passenger's seat tracks. These nubs are NOT filed down, but they are on my driver's seat tracks.


Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: dan9] #1416227
04/15/13 10:02 PM
04/15/13 10:02 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,198
Harrisburg, Pa.
screamindriver Offline
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Harrisburg, Pa.
Quote:

So someone could use a Grant aftermarket wheel and still use a crush can?


Actually it's grant's E-body adapter{can} for their wheel..They even offer a "plymouth" center cap...

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: filmsurgeon] #1416228
04/16/13 07:53 AM
04/16/13 07:53 AM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,052
GA
roadrunninMark Offline
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GA
Thanks for the great tutorial, Film. I've got it now!

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: screamindriver] #1416229
04/16/13 11:17 AM
04/16/13 11:17 AM
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pa.
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dan9 Offline
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Thank you for the info!

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: dan9] #1416230
04/17/13 06:47 PM
04/17/13 06:47 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 297
Oklahoma
T
TinCuda Offline
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Oklahoma
Nice write up.


.,


(O O {]{]{]||[}[}[} O O) 1971 Plymouth 'Cuda 440-6 {||O||} 2000 Yamaha V-Max (O O [========= SRT] O O) 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 . Making as big as a carbon footprint as I can!!!
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: screamindriver] #1416231
04/18/13 02:17 PM
04/18/13 02:17 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 27
Michigan, Planet Earth
4cruzin Offline
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Michigan, Planet Earth
Quote:

Quote:

So someone could use a Grant aftermarket wheel and still use a crush can?


Actually it's grant's E-body adapter{can} for their wheel..They even offer a "plymouth" center cap...




I used the grant wheel and the regular crush can with minimal work . . I like the look and the wheel is a little smaller than the regular tuff wheel so getting under it is not that hard. I also am a large person at over 260 and 6'4" and I don't feel jammed in the car at all??


Mopars Rock
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: 4cruzin] #1416232
04/23/13 09:59 AM
04/23/13 09:59 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Wisconsin
I made brackets just as filmsurgeon posted, I made them 2" from hole to hole so I would gain 2" in seat placement.

Well it all seemed like a good idea but their is a problem. You can not slide the seat back that much further because it hits the seat belt retractor. I think all I gained was about 1" until it the retractor. Looks like I am going to have to go to a smaller wheel.......


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416233
04/25/13 03:00 AM
04/25/13 03:00 AM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 401
California, USA
filmsurgeon Offline
mopar
filmsurgeon  Offline
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California, USA
Interesting. I hadn't experienced that issue when my seat were in the car. However, the prior owner did NOT have seat belt retractor covers installed, and I found that he had relocated the driver's belt retractor almost a full 2" closer to the door.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: filmsurgeon] #1416234
04/25/13 10:10 AM
04/25/13 10:10 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Wisconsin
Quote:

Interesting. I hadn't experienced that issue when my seat were in the car. However, the prior owner did NOT have seat belt retractor covers installed, and I found that he had relocated the driver's belt retractor almost a full 2" closer to the door.




If the covers were not on it was probalby not a problem. But with the covers on it will be an issue.

I don't see any good way to move the retractor back now. Would be easy enough before the car was all painted, but not now.


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416235
04/25/13 12:40 PM
04/25/13 12:40 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,200
Sec.414,seat 12,White Sox Park
swapman Offline
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Sec.414,seat 12,White Sox Park
Quote:

I made brackets just as filmsurgeon posted, I made them 2" from hole to hole so I would gain 2" in seat placement.

Well it all seemed like a good idea but their is a problem. You can not slide the seat back that much further because it hits the seat belt retractor. I think all I gained was about 1" until it the retractor. Looks like I am going to have to go to a smaller wheel.......




I understand you are rebuilding a 1971. If so, just make a new backing plate with bolt hole. Weld to bottom of floorpan two inchs farther back. That is what I did.

Now if it is a 1970 with the plastic covers, a lot more difficult, especially if it has carpet already.

On my 1971 cuda we cut the floor board and moved the whole section back 3 inches. The part that was removed we welded in front of seat area. Worked great. I can now drive from near the back seat if so desired.

On my 1970 cuda I will have to make some more modifications because of what you say. Good luck.

Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: swapman] #1416236
04/25/13 12:50 PM
04/25/13 12:50 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
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Wisconsin
Quote:

Quote:

I made brackets just as filmsurgeon posted, I made them 2" from hole to hole so I would gain 2" in seat placement.

Well it all seemed like a good idea but their is a problem. You can not slide the seat back that much further because it hits the seat belt retractor. I think all I gained was about 1" until it the retractor. Looks like I am going to have to go to a smaller wheel.......




I understand you are rebuilding a 1971. If so, just make a new backing plate with bolt hole. Weld to bottom of floorpan two inchs farther back. That is what I did.

Now if it is a 1970 with the plastic covers, a lot more difficult, especially if it has carpet already.

On my 1971 cuda we cut the floor board and moved the whole section back 3 inches. The part that was removed we welded in front of seat area. Worked great. I can now drive from near the back seat if so desired.

On my 1970 cuda I will have to make some more modifications because of what you say. Good luck.




Not very practical when the car is all painted and done. Now if I had known this before the fact I would have moved it back when I was replacing the floor......


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416237
04/25/13 02:20 PM
04/25/13 02:20 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,693
Motor City
6
6PKRTSE Offline
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6

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Motor City
My 70' Challenger does not have stock seats. I have Kirkey racing seats & we made brackets to move the seats all the way back to the cage main hoop & we made a customer longer tubular steering column to move the wheel further back to my liking, also adapted the factory woodgrain wheel to the removeable adapter. This helps making getting in & out & may help out larger drivers as well even without a cage.


1963 Belvedere 440 Max Wedge Tribute
1970 Charger R/T S.E. 440 Six Pack
1970 Challenger R/T, 528 Hemi
1970 Charger 500 S.E. 440 4 BBL
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 383
1974 Chrysler New Yorker 440
1996 2500 RAM 488 V-10 4X4
2004 3500 Dually Cummins 4x4
2012 Challenger R/T Classic.
Re: E-Body leg room, or lack of... [Re: Mopar_Mudder] #1416238
05/06/13 10:01 AM
05/06/13 10:01 AM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 374
Wisconsin
Mopar_Mudder Offline OP
enthusiast
Mopar_Mudder  Offline OP
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Wisconsin
Quote:

I made brackets just as filmsurgeon posted, I made them 2" from hole to hole so I would gain 2" in seat placement.

Well it all seemed like a good idea but their is a problem. You can not slide the seat back that much further because it hits the seat belt retractor. I think all I gained was about 1" until it the retractor. Looks like I am going to have to go to a smaller wheel.......




Wanted to update that this week end I pulled the seat belt retractor off and was able to drill anther hole in the retrator that moved it 1" further to the rear of the car. This let the seat come back another 1". Now between the two mods I think it is accepteable with the oringinal wheel still on it and I can drive it. Smaller wheel would be better yet but I want to keep the original.


1971 Hemi Cuda 2005 SRT-10 Regular Cab Flame Red. 12.771 @ 109.67<---TIME SLIP--Video
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