I have a small problem I am looking to correct concerning driver adjustments. At 6'4" I am rather tall for my balt.

I can sit in the car comfortably but because I have theh seat all the way back i have to reach forward for the wheel and it is slightly uncomfortable for longer trips.

What I would like to do is find some way to have and extension machined for the steering column to give me a couple more inches back. This would make my arm position more comfortable.

Does anyone know where I might find someone that can fabricate a part for this application.

Thanks
okblue07

 

Bump

Still waiting for someone with a clue as to where I might be able to have this done

 

To bad you dont live closer I could machine one at the shop but I would have to take your stering wheel apart and your in Oklahoma. Just find some one on here close to you Thats a machinest.

 

ehh... doubt it's possible... the steering column is one of those "safety related" things that you can't really change...

you could go with an after-market steering wheel and probably throw some washers on there or something to make it an inch further out or so. Though you would lose your airbag, cruise, and any radio controls...

 

Looking at the column without a wheel on the Whitfield Racing site it looks like something could be machined, but I don't know a thing about fabrication so I'm not sure How hard it would be. I want to keep my stock wheel and airbag but nothing is impossible. I just have to find someone with the know how to get it done

 

i know what you mean...im also 6'4"

my seat is all the way back and reclined so that i can sit with my legs/feet comfortable but my arm is almost extended completely. not bad until you are driving for a few hours then it bugs you.

im used to it by now though

 

Yes, this is the major downfall of the car.

I'm a tall driver as well and especially for performance driving.. the wheel position is horrible. I would like it about 4-5 inches closer.

 

Well I'm going to be out of the counntry for a few months so if anyone finds out how to make this modification happen please keep me in the loop cause I'll no doubt want to do it when I return.

I have gotten used to driving the car and have modified my body position but it would still be way better to have the extension so I could sit back in the seat where I want to.

Some folks just don't realize how hard tall people have it sometimes. Cars and clothes aren't made with the tall in mind.

 

I bet I'm not the only one that would be interested in this modification

okblue07

 

^^ 6ft 5

sammmmeee thing haha

 

No offense guys because i too am tall standing at 6'6"... But knowing we are that tall and we all test drove the car if it was that uncomfortable why did you buy?? Myself I am fine with it but i also adjust my driving style and position accordingly..

 

I'm 5'8" and i sit with the seat all the way forward, lol

 

None taken. Its true we bought the balt knowing that it was a bit small but of all the small tuners I looked at it actually has the most room. I would just like to adjust it to suit my seating preferrence. Look closely at a true race car. the wheel is set very close to the driver for ease of operation and comfort. No reason why I can't get something machined to extend the wheel. only issue I'm worried about it warranty.

You know how easy it is to void the warranty with mods

 

Must be nice to be AVERAGE

Just kidding

I bet it's nice and comfy having some adjustment room

 

im 5'11" and its perfect for me . I love being in a tiny bit taller then average.

 

I'm 6'8" so I beat all you bastards out! But I'm worried because the SS/SC has no armrest! But I sat in a manual LT and I did fine room wise, but I hope they change that small issue for the 08' and 09' models, one of which I will likely own. To anybody who thinks being tall is great, wait until your not freaking rich and need to buy a car.

 

lol im just about 5'10" and I sit medium distance. I can see how these tall guys could have probs tho, even sitting like middle of the distance from full forward, my arm is still pretty extended to the wheel. If you learn to drive with your hands holding the bottom of the wheel it works out a lot better.

 

alot of the time i actually use 10 and 2 lol, but when im crusing i use one hand on the bottom

 

Yea I have the same problem as I'm not as tall but I wish GM would have offered a teliscoping heel & I often wonder if we could install one off another GM model as I get my seat just right for the gas & clutch & the shifter feels good & then you have to reach for the wheel.

I'd have to say this is the only problem I have with the comfort of the SS Balt as I drove a base model for a renal & I didn't have that problem but it was a Auto with arm rests & my guess is the seat was farther forward as it really didn't matter that much as it does for the clutch.

 

That's not a bad idea. I might check and see if GM has any idea if a telescoping column is a possibility. Never know till you try

 

The telescoping wheel would be nice addition but i have a slight problem with that.. See my wife is only 5'3" and she has to sit with the seat all the way up and as it stands right now we fight about it because i have to move the seat back and the height adjustment all the way back down... So that would just add one more thing to list... lol

 

What a midget. Just kidding...

 

Did a search with "steering wheel extension" in quotes and was quite surprised that I got a hit. I guess I was spoiled by my '02 VW GTI w/tilt and telescopic steering and the most comfortable seats in any car I've ever driven. I'm only 5'11" tall and cannot get comfortable in my '06 Cobalt SS Sedan. I bought mine used and was stuck with the stock seats which are uncomfortable and too high even when lowered all the way. I sit with the seat two clicks from full back for comfortable leg positioning and the seat back one notch back from being straight up. The steering wheel might as well be in another county. If I can't find a part, will see what I can do about having one made and get back with y'all. I found this:

http://store.racinglab.com/spwstwhqureh.html

which gives a 2.25" extension, but has to be used with an adapter and aftermarket steering wheel. I don't want to lose airbag, cruise, etc. either.

L8r,
Jeff

 

Wow this blows... That is the real disappointing thing about the car. When I test drove mine it felt wierd, but I thought that was because I got so used to the cramped escort. I was blown away by how much leg room there was, I realy didn't think much about the steering wheel placement until I realized I was driving around pretty much without my back touching the seat!

I am 6'2" and I feel like I haveto sit in the car like a grandma scrunched up with the back nearly verticle. It realy pulls the magic out of that "fast car" feeling.

I realy wish someone would make a batch of extensions. Safety? well as long as it is a good design it will win my money.