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jcerier
Samba Member
Joined: November 05, 2024
Posts: 40
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 Posted: Wed May 14, 2025 8:26 am Post subject: Smaller diameter "stock" steering wheel |
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| Probably a long-shot, but: Is anyone aware of a smaller diameter steering wheel that looks like the stock wheel, and maintains the stock horn ring and horn button? I'd like a smaller diameter wheel, to lessen the "I'm driving a school bus" feeling, but want to maintain the stock look. Like I say, probably a long-shot, but thought I'd ask. |
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Dad...Dad...Daddyo
Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2022
Posts: 1
Location: State College, PA
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 6:15 am Post subject: Dad...Dad...Daddyo |
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That large-diameter steering wheel is there to give you some leverage. It helps in the absence of any power assist to the steering.
Even so, steering effort is classically high, especially when the vehicle is stationary. You'll notice it in parallel parking situations, for example.
It just comes with the territory...
_________________
1974 Super Beetle Sun Bug
State College, PA |
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jcerier
Samba Member
Joined: November 05, 2024
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 6:55 am Post subject: Re: Dad...Dad...Daddyo |
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| Dad...Dad...Daddyo wrote: |
That large-diameter steering wheel is there to give you some leverage. It helps in the absence of any power assist to the steering.
Even so, steering effort is classically high, especially when the vehicle is stationary. You'll notice it in parallel parking situations, for example.
It just comes with the territory... |
I do realize all of that - thanks. Lots of people use smaller diameter wheels on their VW, I was just asking about whether there's a stock looking one.
The unassisted steering on my 91 Miata is heavier than in a Bug or Karmann Ghia, especially with the camber max'ed and sticky, wider than stock tires, and it has a smaller diameter wheel than the VWs. It's all a matter of tradeoffs - heavy steering in parking lots for a higher performance feel at speed. That's a tradeoff I am willing to make. |
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baldessariclan
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2016
Posts: 1961
Location: Wichita, KS
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 8:24 am Post subject: Re: Dad...Dad...Daddyo |
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| jcerier wrote: |
| I do realize all of that - thanks. Lots of people use smaller diameter wheels on their VW, I was just asking about whether there's a stock looking one. |
I've only ever seen custom or accessory steering wheels in diameters smaller than stock -- none that look like the original (stock) steering wheels, AFAIK.
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1971 Standard Beetle — fairly stock / driver
baldessariclan -- often in error, never in doubt... |
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runamoc 
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2006
Posts: 6028
Location: 37.5N 77.1W
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 10:30 am Post subject: Re: Smaller diameter "stock" steering wheel |
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Don't ask me how I know this, but to pass inspection in Virginia the steering wheel diameter must be at least the diameter of the front wheel. 
_________________
Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 45 yrs - Plan B: '72 Ghia
Yard Art: 2 Sandrails
Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs- '80 Rabbit Diesel
VW Wiring = It's just wires |
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jcerier
Samba Member
Joined: November 05, 2024
Posts: 40
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 11:03 am Post subject: Re: Smaller diameter "stock" steering wheel |
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| runamoc wrote: |
| Don't ask me how I know this, but to pass inspection in Virginia the steering wheel diameter must be at least the diameter of the front wheel. |
Weird. VA law 19VAC30-70-110. Steering and suspension states:
B. Inspect for and reject if:
14. Any modification or replacement has been made to the steering wheel that affects proper steering. The steering wheel shall be rejected if the outside diameter is less than 13 inches unless original factory equipment. |
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Buggeee
Samba Member
Joined: December 22, 2016
Posts: 4893
Location: Stuck in Ohio
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 11:34 am Post subject: Re: Smaller diameter "stock" steering wheel |
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| jcerier wrote: |
| runamoc wrote: |
| Don't ask me how I know this, but to pass inspection in Virginia the steering wheel diameter must be at least the diameter of the front wheel. |
Weird. VA law 19VAC30-70-110. Steering and suspension states:
B. Inspect for and reject if:
14. Any modification or replacement has been made to the steering wheel that affects proper steering. The steering wheel shall be rejected if the outside diameter is less than 13 inches unless original factory equipment. |
no more chrome chain mini-wheels 
_________________
Big Time 1988 Vanagon Westy
Release the Krankenwagen! 1966 Sportsmobile Camper
Dr. Kompressor 72 Super Duper
61 Turkis Pile (adopted out) |
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runamoc
Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2006
Posts: 6028
Location: 37.5N 77.1W
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| Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 1:40 pm Post subject: Re: Smaller diameter "stock" steering wheel |
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| jcerier wrote: |
| runamoc wrote: |
| Don't ask me how I know this, but to pass inspection in Virginia the steering wheel diameter must be at least the diameter of the front wheel. |
Weird. VA law 19VAC30-70-110. Steering and suspension states:
B. Inspect for and reject if:
14. Any modification or replacement has been made to the steering wheel that affects proper steering. The steering wheel shall be rejected if the outside diameter is less than 13 inches unless original factory equipment. |
Could be, it's the lie they told me on why they rejected it. Besides who decides if the replacement steering wheel 'affects proper steering'?
_________________
Daily driver: '69 Baja owned 45 yrs - Plan B: '72 Ghia
Yard Art: 2 Sandrails
Outback: '69 Ghia - '68,'69,'70,'72 Beetle - '84 Scirocco, GTI - Pair of '02 Golfs- '80 Rabbit Diesel
VW Wiring = It's just wires |
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