TheSamba.com :: View topic - Steering Wheels

Fri Nov 25, 2016 8:02 pm

Looking to get started on a refurb/upgrade on my T3. Since SA steering wheels are not readily available, looking for alternatives for a nice wheel.

Anyone try a Porsche Cayenne?

Sat Nov 26, 2016 11:21 am

The early T4 model is bolt on. It feels better when driving, much better ergonomy.

Sat Nov 26, 2016 11:39 am

Just about any VW, Audi or Porsche wheel used during the T3 production period can be made to fit. I've had both Porsche 944 and Mk1 Cabriolet wheels on my van; the latter feels the best.

Tue Jul 18, 2017 6:53 pm

Today i'm polling myself as to which one to stay with...

1 - My stock wheel that I double wrapped in leather. A very comfortable and thick grip this way. Feels great, looks nice and gives you the benefits, and drawbacks, of the stock wheel.

2 - I also installed this VW MK1 "GTI" wheel (1985-1988 version) in order to try out an alternative steering wheel. It is a direct, simple bolt on replacement. No mods needed with this wheel. Smaller in diameter by a little. It does block a small portion of the upper corners of your speedo and tach. But my seats (Recaros) sit pretty low so not an issue for me. I'm gonna give it a week or so to see how I like it. A thought is to also "wheelskins" wrap this one, tho it is leather from the factory.

Thanks for letting me share...

Peter

Wed Jul 19, 2017 5:38 am

is there a difference with power steering vs manual :?:

my stock wheel is to big :!: love to upgrade , reduce the size , but still be able to control , and be safe

84 2wd manual everything

Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:19 am

the joker wrote: is there a difference with power steering vs manual :?:

my stock wheel is to big :!: love to upgrade , reduce the size , but still be able to control , and be safe

84 2wd manual everything

Manual steering has a larger diameter wheel, so you can get more leverage, reducing the effort required. These larger wheels feel more like a truck, not a car. Using a smaller wheel from a power steering vehicle would require a lot of effort for slow speed maneuvering, like while parking.

Wed Jul 19, 2017 7:28 am

Good point. My van is equipped with power steering so going to the smaller wheel is not such an issue. Iv'e read that yes, going to a smaller wheel is tough if you don't have ps. I can tell you that it is very nice to have the extra room with the smaller wheel. getting in and out of the van is much easier, tons more legroom.

I may go back to my stock wheel as having it double wrapped is very nice. While I test out the smaller GTI wheel its sitting on a counter in my garage but I keep picking it up and it feels really, really good. Double wrapping with leather is a common Porsche thing, (maybe others too?). I used 2 "Wheelskins."

Wed Jul 19, 2017 7:38 am

OK, color me dumb...what's wrong with the stock wheel. I get along fine with both the camper & synchro stock steering wheels. They're both power steering. My old 83.5 with armstrong steering was tough to wrestle with sometimes, but only when manuvering at slow speeds.
To me it's a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" issue, but to each their own.
Happy Motoring
Tom

Wed Jul 19, 2017 8:40 am

I have a wheel from a 90 GTI. It's one of my favorite mods. The smaller diameter makes the steering faster. Totally changes the feel of the vehicle .

Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:25 pm

I've still never had a chance to own the Porsche 911SC that I've always dreamed of. I thought about installing the 3 spoke 80's Porsche wheel, so I could at least daydream on those long hauls. :lol:

Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:36 am

Make your own 8)

Its still in project form, but you get the idea :wink:

Thu Jul 20, 2017 6:41 am

SteveVanB wrote: Make your own 8)

Its still in project form, but you get the idea :wink:

Gives new meaning to 'Steering Linkage'.

Tom

Thu Jul 20, 2017 6:46 am

That's rad! I'd buy one...after my tetanus shot!

Thu Jul 20, 2017 8:15 am

The 944 wheels fit, the SC don't . Bigger center hub dia

Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:40 am

The 944 wheels do indeed fit. The one i tried stuck out to far for my liking though. It was to tall in the hub area.

Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:42 am

OB Rat wrote: That's rad! I'd buy one...after my tetanus shot!
I plan on having the chain line-x'd. Ya know, for the sensitive hands.

Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:44 am

The 944 wheel I used was just too small of a diameter and obscured the top of the gauges. The Cabriolet wheel is slightly larger and is the Goldilocks solution for me.

Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:14 am

SteveVanB wrote: OB Rat wrote: That's rad! I'd buy one...after my tetanus shot!
I plan on having the chain line-x'd. Ya know, for the sensitive hands.

Be careful with that. Any prospective buyers may suspect that you're just covering up rust :lol:

I'm also happy with my stock wheel - after adding a leather wrap. I like the way the old school style matches the vehicle but the extra girth and softness of the wrap is much appreciated.

Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:50 am

SCM wrote: SteveVanB wrote: OB Rat wrote: That's rad! I'd buy one...after my tetanus shot!
I plan on having the chain line-x'd. Ya know, for the sensitive hands.

Be careful with that. Any prospective buyers may suspect that you're just covering up rust :lol:
Haha! Good point! Im not sure there would be enough demand to start making them for sale. I am making a new center out of black walnut so that may be a game changer 8)

Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:51 pm

it will definitely be a game changer for the thoracic surgeon who has to dig splinters out of you