Were there any tall people who drove a WWII jeep?
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- Sergeant Major of the Gee
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Were there any tall people who drove a WWII jeep?
Hello all,
Without having to endure any sarcastic "get shorter" or "lose weight" comments. I would like to know how in the world someone 6 feet 2 inches tall and 250+ pounds is supposed to drive my 1943 MB?
Was there a period correct way of moving or adjusting the seat? Obviously the pedals and steering wheel are not going anywhere.
If there are no mechanical solutions I guess I WILL have to modify myself.
I have not had this jeep long, and when I got it was already disassembled. I am currently restoring it a piece at the time and putting it back together. I have recently come to the unpleasant realization that you have to either be a pretty little fellow or a contortionist to get in and drive the thing.
Are there any constructive and open minded suggestions?
Without having to endure any sarcastic "get shorter" or "lose weight" comments. I would like to know how in the world someone 6 feet 2 inches tall and 250+ pounds is supposed to drive my 1943 MB?
Was there a period correct way of moving or adjusting the seat? Obviously the pedals and steering wheel are not going anywhere.
If there are no mechanical solutions I guess I WILL have to modify myself.
I have not had this jeep long, and when I got it was already disassembled. I am currently restoring it a piece at the time and putting it back together. I have recently come to the unpleasant realization that you have to either be a pretty little fellow or a contortionist to get in and drive the thing.
Are there any constructive and open minded suggestions?
- Chuck Lutz
- Gee Addict
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Being a little over 6' 4" tall myself (1,94 cm I think) and about 210 lbs, I feel your pain....first off, if you can set the clutch and brake pedals LOWER, that will help a LOT! On the Ford pedals there are TWO notches you can set the pedal height on the arm with.
That extra inch will be helpful....also, forget about combat boots....any shoe or boot with a WIDE sole is hard to get on the clutch without hanging up on the FE or the brake...
Beyond that, you can get a driver's seat that is modified with a back that is further to the rear if you torch out a hunk of the wheel well....neither of which I would do.....but LONG rides do bring about some stiffness and some sore legs!
That extra inch will be helpful....also, forget about combat boots....any shoe or boot with a WIDE sole is hard to get on the clutch without hanging up on the FE or the brake...
Beyond that, you can get a driver's seat that is modified with a back that is further to the rear if you torch out a hunk of the wheel well....neither of which I would do.....but LONG rides do bring about some stiffness and some sore legs!
Chuck Lutz
GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947
GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947
- illustr8r
- G-Second Lieutenant
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Never seemed as though creature comfort or ergonomics were "A" items.
Regardless of stature, hitting the dimmer's a trick without knocking your extinguisher loose.
Have seen smaller dia. steering wheels buy some belly room, which might be worth considering in tandem with an airborne quick release / full-sized alt. wheel on standby.
Not that I have a problem with the stock wheel dimensions personally.
Keith
Regardless of stature, hitting the dimmer's a trick without knocking your extinguisher loose.
Have seen smaller dia. steering wheels buy some belly room, which might be worth considering in tandem with an airborne quick release / full-sized alt. wheel on standby.
Not that I have a problem with the stock wheel dimensions personally.
Keith
'44 GPW 192067, 4/1/44, U.S.N.
http://www.g503.com/serial-numbers/view ... rd_id=2897
'44 Bantam T3 #49202, 8/17/44, (#0704670 est.)
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'44 Bantam T3 #49202, 8/17/44, (#0704670 est.)
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- G-Command Sergeant Major
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Any suppliers of these smaller dia wheels as I am in same boat (thats what is wrong it should be a jeep lol) and don't want to cut body away etc
Even better if there was one in UK
Gary
Even better if there was one in UK
Gary
G A Wallace
Utrinque Paratus
Ford GPW DOD 9 Dec 1943 #164960
Part owner of a 1943 CMP Chevy C60L twin boom long wheelbase Wrecker
Part owner of a 1919 Light Car Patrol Model T Ford desert vehicle
Why complain -listen -get even -revenge is sweet
my jeep http://www.wdrg.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; into photos page
Utrinque Paratus
Ford GPW DOD 9 Dec 1943 #164960
Part owner of a 1943 CMP Chevy C60L twin boom long wheelbase Wrecker
Part owner of a 1919 Light Car Patrol Model T Ford desert vehicle
Why complain -listen -get even -revenge is sweet
my jeep http://www.wdrg.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; into photos page
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- Sergeant Major of the Gee
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There's an idea! Does anyone make a smaller steering wheel? That may be useful info. My wheel is in wonderful shape though. Original with no cracks.
I have also seen the fender well cut out, but I do not want to do that.
I think my pedals have two notches as well. I'll have to check.
Seems like I have a mission now. If anyone knows of a smaller wheel let me know. If I find one, I'll post it here.
I have also seen the fender well cut out, but I do not want to do that.
I think my pedals have two notches as well. I'll have to check.
Seems like I have a mission now. If anyone knows of a smaller wheel let me know. If I find one, I'll post it here.
- Glen
- G-Lieutenant Colonel
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The multiple notches in the pedals is a good thing. You could modify a set with a rat tail file easily enough.
I saw a jeep with a small steering wheel. It was a modified original steel spoke wheel with electrical tape to cover the sectioning splices. You could do the same thing with an old or repo wheel and use JB Weld, paint and even a steering wheel wrap to cover up your handy work.
I saw a jeep with a small steering wheel. It was a modified original steel spoke wheel with electrical tape to cover the sectioning splices. You could do the same thing with an old or repo wheel and use JB Weld, paint and even a steering wheel wrap to cover up your handy work.
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- USMC Sergeant
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Chuck, what about cutting the steering wheel column back a few inches. Is this at all possible? I'm 6'-1" 260 pounds. Although, I'm about a few years from getting my MB in the road this subject is very much on my mind also.
Semper Fi
dick dobs
Semper Fi
dick dobs
43-? MB jeep
Date of purchase 5-08
currently info gathering
very soon full resto.
Date of purchase 5-08
currently info gathering
very soon full resto.
- Chuck Lutz
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Dick...while I can see where shortening the steering column would benefit those who are heavier than a 19-year old 135lb GI.....my own belief that modifications are a sin keeps me from doing that to my jeep!
You can remove the steering box/column (and rebuild the box and the draglink) and at the same time have the wormgear shaft shortened and then shorten the tube the same length and that will work.
I would suggest that before trying to replace the steering wheel....that can be seen as a non-matching item 20 feet away, but a shortened column will not be quite so obvious.
The guys with bent back seats and cut up wheelwells chose another option.
You can remove the steering box/column (and rebuild the box and the draglink) and at the same time have the wormgear shaft shortened and then shorten the tube the same length and that will work.
I would suggest that before trying to replace the steering wheel....that can be seen as a non-matching item 20 feet away, but a shortened column will not be quite so obvious.
The guys with bent back seats and cut up wheelwells chose another option.
Chuck Lutz
GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947
GPW 17963 4/24/42 Chester, PA. USA 20113473 (USA est./Tom W.)
Bantam T3-C 1947
- Mark Tombleson
- MZ Radio Operator
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Don't tell anyone about how someone got his jeep on the cover of Army Motors, came in 2nd in restored class at Portland and still manages to get his fat body into the driver's seat and drive around. 1-3/4" is about right.dick dobs wrote:Chuck, what about cutting the steering wheel column back a few inches. Is this at all possible? I'm 6'-1" 260 pounds. Although, I'm about a few years from getting my MB in the road this subject is very much on my mind also.
Semper Fi
dick dobs
Ah... I don't know nothing about any stinking modifications as my jeep is perfect in every way.
MB-NAVY-MZ-1 352625 - 07/20/44 (DOD est.)
U.S.N. 133818
2nd place Restored Class 2008 Portland Convention
MVPA Hall of Fame - 2013
U.S.N. 133818
2nd place Restored Class 2008 Portland Convention
MVPA Hall of Fame - 2013
- Bob at Warsaw
- G-Major General
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- Sergeant Major of the Gee
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The norwegian army has measured height of recruits since 1705. In 1925 the average height was 172cm. In 1940 - 174cm and 1985 and up 179-180cm. Over 100 years the average heigh has increase 10cm or 4 inches. So since 1940 til now average height has incresed by 2 inches. These numbers are from norwegians.
regards
Torfinn
regards
Torfinn
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- Sergeant Major of the Gee
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Andy,
Here is a way that I overcame the problem for a fellow years ago. Effectively I increased the size of the Steering colum dash recess. Attached is a photo. Disregard the RHD conversion. The same principle applies for LHD. The owner was a tall fellow as well. He was more than happy with the modification. Good luck with whatever method you choose.
Regards
John W.
Here is a way that I overcame the problem for a fellow years ago. Effectively I increased the size of the Steering colum dash recess. Attached is a photo. Disregard the RHD conversion. The same principle applies for LHD. The owner was a tall fellow as well. He was more than happy with the modification. Good luck with whatever method you choose.
Regards
John W.
GPW 135997
M29C 7333
M29C 4338
M29C 7333
M29C 4338
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I believe General Mark Clark was 6'5" and is seen in many photos riding in his Jeep with one foot resting on the fender.
2011 MVPA PIONEER AWARD - MVPA #1064
HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
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HONOR GRAD-WHEELED VEHICLE MECHANIC SCHOOL 1960 - US ARMY ORDNANCE SCHOOL(MACHINIST) ABERDEEN PG 1962 - O-1 BIRD DOG CREWCHIEF - 300,000+TROUBLE FREE M-38A1 MILES
LIFE MEMBER AM LEGION-40/8-DAV
7 MIL SPEC MAINTAINED MV'S
COL. BRUNO BROOKS (ARMY MOTORS) IS MY HERO
- Minnhawk
- Sergeant Major of the Gee
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Andy: I go 6'2" and 235. A year ago I was 260. One of the reasons for the diet was so I wouldn't die young (56), the other was so I fit in a jeep better. No snide remarks, but it can be done without too much work.
I am still 6'2" and I like it.....my feet reach the ground just fine and I am used to the view at this elevation. Here is the best fix I've seen without chopping the body or going with a dune buggy wheel:
http://www.1945gpw.com/Driverchair.asp
If you do not have the welding expertise for the seat modification, I doubt if the local welding shop would charge too much for doing it.
Otherwise, do what many HMV big boys do, and buy a DODGE. I love the comfort of my Command car........
I am still 6'2" and I like it.....my feet reach the ground just fine and I am used to the view at this elevation. Here is the best fix I've seen without chopping the body or going with a dune buggy wheel:
http://www.1945gpw.com/Driverchair.asp
If you do not have the welding expertise for the seat modification, I doubt if the local welding shop would charge too much for doing it.
Otherwise, do what many HMV big boys do, and buy a DODGE. I love the comfort of my Command car........
Last edited by Minnhawk on Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
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1942 WC-56
1943 GPW Louisville in restoration, on hold
1944 GPW Louisville-matching #'s in restoration
1945 MB Original
1945 DUKW (sold)
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