Steering wheel suggestions?

kevfra · Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 1:57 pm Post subject: Steering wheel suggestions?

My '73 has the new style steering column and wheel - which I don't like. Lots of plastic, big wheel center piece. I would love to get rid of the locking steering column and put a basic ignition on the dash, but that may be asking too much. However I really want to get rid of the steering wheel.

I see some custom wheels out there but they lack the depth that must be needed because the stock wheel has maybe five inches of depth before it hits the column. What are you guys doing for this issue, and what wheel might be suggested?

Schwankster · Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 3:50 pm Post subject:

I felt the same about my 73 wheel. I recently installed a Grant "Challenger" style wood wheel with a Grant #2001 wheel security system. The wheel is a little smaller than the factory wheel so it is easier to get in & out of the Thing, and the extra clearance makes it easier for me to operate the clutch without having my knee bent at an uncomfortable angle. The new wheel seems to be in about the same place as the factory wheel so the controls (blinker, wiper, high beam) are easy to use. I like the extra peace of mind when I remove the wheel & lock the cap over the column - it is almost impossible to turn the wheels with the wheel removed. As an added bonus, when working inside the Thing it is nice to be able to pop the wheel off instead of working around it. Grant makes a lot of different styles, but I've always liked the wood-rimmed Challenger in my vintage VWs.

NOVA Airhead · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 6:51 am Post subject:

I have a Grant steering wheel as well but a padded rim, not wood. It is also slightly smaller than the stock wheel but as indicated makes access easier, etc.

I bought it at Pep Boys. I was suprised they had an adapter kit right on the shelf. Works fine and clears the stalks on the column. IIRC it cost about $50 for everything. Here is a photo:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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cecil · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 9:25 am Post subject:

I modified a '65 steering column, transferred ignition switch to dash, custom steering wheel (a Grant would do just fine). I will be at Bug-O-Rama and Classic if you want to see and touch./Users/peggypugh/Desktop/102_0183.JPG

crofty · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 9:37 am Post subject:

VW Accessory wheel
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norcalmike · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 10:49 am Post subject:

also a VW wheel. same frame as a sport wheel but the grips are rubber instead of foam. PO said it was an option on an Early rabbit, but i used a sportwheel hub to make it fit on a 73 spline

mikeyj007 · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 4:19 pm Post subject:

I also went with a Grant wheel. I used a spacer for looks not realizing it was needed for depth. I love the size and feel of it. Gave me a little extra leg room. That is until I added the duckboards. I got the Corsa GT model from Jegs.com. If you happen to use these links double check that I gave you the correct spacer. The bolts got rusty on mine so I need to look into fixing that. I ordered their super cheapo steering wheel puller and ended up not being able to use it or need it.

Wheel:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Grant/470/1020/10002/-1
Spacer:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Grant/470/5565-1/10002/-1
Horn button:
http://www.jegs.com/i/Grant/470/5870/10002/-1

citroen · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 4:28 pm Post subject: steering wheel

i use a racemark wheel with no offset painted to match the car i ground the rivets off a stock thing wheel and drilled holes to match the racemark wheel i put scrap leather from the seats in the center of the steering hub mine is a 73

sixty9fasty · Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 5:40 pm Post subject:

Here's what is in my Thing, it's an old Momo Prototipo, not sure of size, but it has an adapter. Gotta love the Porsche emblem, makes it feel sporty to match the 944 seats. Glad it's backed up with a 914 2.0L.

Hooking · Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 10:58 am Post subject:

I needed more room getting in and out . went with the TTS 73 replacement . love it .

[email protected] · Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 5:27 pm Post subject:

This is a nice one if you can find it for a 74
Its a Formula Vee Accessory steering wheel

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New and Used VW Thing Parts Free advice
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kevfra · Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 7:58 am Post subject:

Mikeyi007 tell me about that glove box door you have there - nice job!

Semper_Dad · Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 8:26 am Post subject:

kevfra · Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 8:39 am Post subject:

Ah yes it does. But it also looks like the door off an old, maybe 1970 or so, bus. I wonder if it is as easy as that?

mikeyj007 · Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject:

Semper Dad guessed it. I was going to have a buddy cut one with his plasma table but between our two hectic schedules didn't work out so I got it from The Thing Shop. Still working on door pocket panels though.


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