Projects 49 mercury steering wheel

So I’m 5’1 and I’m struggling to find seats that will work with the original steering wheel on a chopped mercury. I’m not able to see well over it. I originally wanted to have original seats but I’m thinking it won’t be possible. does anyone have ideas to make this work?

thanks!

 

Sure. My bud and I chopped a '50 Merc coupe some years back, he was 5'2. I told him to just sit lower, and look thru the wheel. "Play the role!" He was not amused.
So, I did what I was going to do:
Where the steering mast jacket (round tube that encomp***es steering shaft) attaches under the face of the dash, just loosen the bolts and let it drop a little, 'til it's comfortable to see over. Make an aluminum bloch as a spacer and use some longer bolts. (5/16" diameter, 24 threads per inch?)
If it is going to work, loosen the bolts at the steering box to frame, just to let the box 'relax' in its slightly altered position. Now tighten it all back up.
IF the wheel is too close to the seat now, buy a smaller diameter wheel. (no smaller than 15.5") For leverage & aesthetics.
Hope this helps! Welcome to the HAMB... Do an intro, please...

 

In my 49 chopped Buick I cut down the stock seat frame. The cushions are all stock as they were already re upholstered by a previous owner.

 

I’ll have to take a look when I get back home to see how I can make that work. I’d love to use the original. It just looks so good



thanks! This is an awesome page. I’m excited to learn from everyone

 

How much did you take off?

 

I chopped the top 2.5", and cut the seat frame until it sat on the floor.

 

on a 49 ford rag with a 4" chop that I am working on I used a 57 Ford seat bottom and the 49 Ford seat backs. The owner is 6'2" and now he will be 4' closer to the floor.