More Seat Room?

[FloridaPhil]

My 1968 Ford Ranger short box has the in-cab gas tank. I'm 6 feet tall and the seat won't go back any further because the gas tank is in the way. I would like to have more leg room, but don't want to cut the side of my truck for an auxillary tank. I'm thinking about installing a smaller steering wheel, which should help a little. Any other options? Thanks!

[elgemcdlf]

Quite a few guys use a Mustang fuel tank under the tail of the truck. You could set 1 of the taillights to open hiding the filler behind it. The other option is to put the fill on the inside of the bed. Another possible solution if you have the headroom is to raise the seat a bit.

[basketcase0302]

Phil,
Put a tilt column and a dent era seat in-life will be good then.

[FloridaPhil]

What year Mustang fuel tank is used for this swap?

[FORDification]

The tank isn't blocking the seat from sliding back. If you look closely, you'll notice that even with the seat back as far as it'll go, it's not touching the tank...though the top of the seat-back does touch (or come close to touching) the back cab wall. So removing the tank won't allow the seat to go back any farther. There just simply isn't as much room in the cab of these trucks as the newer vehicles have, and so other than adding a tilt column and/or smaller-diameter wheel, there isn't much you can do about it. And that only gives you extra room for your tummy....there really isn't anything to do for more legroom.

[FloridaPhil]

Sounds good. It's not that bad, just not as much as I am used to. I've installed power steering and plan on using a smaller steering wheel. We'll see...

[jzjames]

I put in a smaller steering wheel, 14" I think. It helps.
I wouldnt mind shortening the steering column by about 1 1/2".
Im 6" tall as well. I can *just* straighten out my left leg when driving long distances, if I put my foot up high on the top left corner of the firewall. My arms to the steering wheel is still a little too close.

Also I think the seats out of the 73-79 F150's are a little more 'ergonomic' on the lower back and helps a little with the legroom.

[basketcase0302]

Also I think the seats out of the 73-79 F150's are a little more 'ergonomic' on the lower back and helps a little with the legroom.

and mine raised me up about 2" more than my original bump seat-giving me more leg room.
It was very tight to squeeze under the steering wheel-until I added the tilt.