I'm 6'7 or so. My '62 182 is completely roomy, even though my other half is only a bit shorter than I am. The 4" make an enormous difference for comfort to me, and also makes carrying the bikes and pooch and kitchen sink all pretty comfy. I notice the difference every time I hitch a ride in a 'Wagon.

Sierra Hotel wrote:....According to the Guide, the early 180 and 182's had the same fuselage with the introduction of the 182 in 1956. In fact, the '56 and some '57's still had the gearbox for the 180's main gear installed.......

I've heard this said of the early (1956) c172's also, as well as the early C150's. But I've never talked to anyone who's actually seen the forward gearbox assemblies installed in a 172 or 182. IMHO it's an urban myth, or the aviation equivalent. I will go so far as to admit that the bulkheads might be drilled for the gearbox parts, I was told that was the case with an early C150 that was converted to tailwheel gear a year or so ago by the guy who did all the work.