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Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:36 am

A recent post about South African steering wheels for the Vanagon reminded me of my thoughts about getting one. As much as I'd like one, it's a little too expensive for me. I did, however, get a Wheelskin brand cover for my '85 Westfalia, and I love it. It is real leather, matches the color, and has a really nice feel to it. I'm going to get one for my '87 Wolfsburg Vanagon as well, which is my daily driver.

So if you want a more comfortable steering wheel, but don't want to go for the SA wheel, I'd recommend Wheelskins.

Ed in CT

Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:32 am

Ed,

You can also get the European T4 wheel, which is very like the SA wheel. It is not leather wrapped. I got mine for cheap on eBay Germany and put a wheelskin on it. Ended up being about $80 for the whole thing. I do agree the wheelskin is a nice accessory for any wheel.

Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:43 am

Since we are on the subject of stearing wheels. I have seen a Vanagon with a smaller one. It looked like one from a Scirocco/jetta/rabbit. with the 4 horn botton's on it. It is obviously smaller.
Is placing a smaller diameter stearing wheel on the vanagon dangareous in any way?

Wed Aug 27, 2008 9:50 am

Not dangerous, really, just can be an odd fit. I have one of the steering wheels that you described, out of an early model GTI, hanging on a hook in my garage. I tried it for a while, but with my own personal sitting position (combination of my height, and how I position my seat) the top rim of the wheel fell right across my sightline to the middle of the of the instruments. Your positioning will vary. Let me know if you're interested, I'll sell if for what I paid for it. :lol:

Wed Aug 27, 2008 12:39 pm

I don't know about the rest of you, but given Winston's manual steering, I'm pretty happy with the big, 'bus' wheel he's got. I've found myself using every bit of mechanical advantage that big circle gives me.

I know DP's got power steering, which is an entirely different situation. But those without... You may need the grip.

Best!

Wed Aug 27, 2008 12:43 pm

I drove an '83 air-cooled about 40 miles a while back. I did like the large diameter of the steering wheel, although I thought it was kind of thin. I thought it might be nice on my '85 with PS, but with a wheelskin on it to make it a little thicker.

Ed

Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:03 pm

So aside from the SA wheel and the T4 are there other stearing wheels that use the same diameter as the Vanagon that can be used? I know that with Mk1's the spline diameter is an issue unless special hubs adapters are use..... I think that is for the birds, but that is just me....

Wed Aug 27, 2008 1:07 pm

Neptuno wrote: I know that with Mk1's the spline diameter is an issue unless special hubs adapters are use..... I think that is for the birds, but that is just me....

That spline adapter is a factory VW part. If a major vehicle manufacturer feels it is safe for the general public, I'm pretty sure that it would safe to use on your Vanagon.

Wed Aug 27, 2008 5:18 pm

Neptuno wrote: So aside from the SA wheel and the T4 are there other stearing wheels that use the same diameter as the Vanagon that can be used? I know that with Mk1's the spline diameter is an issue unless special hubs adapters are use..... I think that is for the birds, but that is just me....

Porsche 924/944 928 earlier 911, overal dia is a little smaller than the stock (late vanagon) PS wheel. you have to swap your stock horn ring over to the Porsche one

Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:34 pm

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=296362&highlight=steering+wheel