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Metal Twister
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2013
Posts: 405
Location: licking, MO.
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 Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 7:38 pm Post subject: What is the diameter of the stock Thing steering wheel... |
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Anybody know off the top of your head what the diameter of a stock steering wheel is. I have an after market wheel about 11" across. Seems way small for my liking. Was thinking about finding an original wheel but after seeing the price maybe just an old style aftermarket wheel the same size will work for my needs. Thanks in advance. 
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Metal Twister
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2013
Posts: 405
Location: licking, MO.
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| Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 9:55 am Post subject: Re: What is the diameter of the stock Thing steering wheel... |
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Never mind i found it... 40cm
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kubelmann
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2003
Posts: 3266
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| Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 11:53 am Post subject: Re: What is the diameter of the stock Thing steering wheel... |
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Here is some useful information concerning a 73 vs 74 Thing steering wheel. This information is an excerpt from our Romtoc Thing Data CD
VW 181s, unfortunately, used two different steering columns and steering wheels. The "early type" seen mostly on 73's can be identified by the metal trim around the key switch area, the "late" version, found mostly 74's, has a plastic trim assembly in the same area. Not only is the trim different, but the steering wheel spline is different so most 73 steering wheels won't fit 74 steering columns and vice versa.
The good news is that the "late" style (74's) is identical in spline and other fitments to later VWs. Of Rabbit sports wheels all the splines, compression tubes and even the horn and turn signals align between the VW 181 and the newer wheel. Also other VWs and Audi's steering wheels should fit right in place of the stock wheel.
Link to our Thing CD: http://romtoc.com/romtoc-thing-data-cd.html
For 73 Thing the specs are
21 mm x 40 tooth spline
73 Momo adapter hub #0248
73 steering wheel nut 27 mm
For 74 Thing specs are
17 mm shaft x 40 spline
74 Momo adapter hub #8010
74 steering wheel nut 24 mm |
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Captain Spalding
Samba Member
Joined: February 19, 2005
Posts: 2519
Location: . . . in denial.
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| Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 5:42 pm Post subject: Re: What is the diameter of the stock Thing steering wheel... |
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When I got my Thing it had a tiny steering wheel also, and it took a lot of effort to turn the wheel when the car was stationary or moving slowly. It was clear to me why the steering wheel was so small — the car had baja seats as well, and because of the raised sides of the seat bottom if there were a stock size wheel it would have been very tough to slide into the seat. Ultimately I switched back to stock seats and then swapped out for a 14" steering wheel, which was a huge improvement in terms of ease of steering.
The only reason I mention this is that knowing you are building your Thing for off-road use, if you are going for non-stock seats it might be a good idea to install them before you commit to a stock size steering wheel. |
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kubelmann
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2003
Posts: 3266
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| Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 6:46 pm Post subject: Re: What is the diameter of the stock Thing steering wheel... |
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| As Always, great point Capt.. I have an off road Thing with Race Ready suspension seats and the 355 mm Momo wheel was the right size to clear the signal and wiper swithc arms and easily get in the seat.. On Kublepanzer there are stock seats and a classic 14" Italian Dino wheel (Vi ntage Fiat like Delorto carbs) same adapter as Kubelman on the Dino wheel . Both cars are 73 The 74 can use many of the modern Porsche and VW wheels. There is a nice Italian Dino on sale on Samba for $85 That is a great price for that.. |
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Metal Twister
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2013
Posts: 405
Location: licking, MO.
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| Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 10:25 pm Post subject: Re: What is the diameter of the stock Thing steering wheel... |
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Great points and obviously you both are on the same page as I. I want the leverage of the larger wheel as I wont have the power assist to make picking lines through the rocks easier. I build custom seat frames for a living so getting a steering wheel of the right size that will fit my needs is my first priority and the seating needs can then be taylor made for fit and comfort. I most likley will build something between a stock and off road style seat. But who knows? Might be more stock than off road?
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BJT
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2018
Posts: 187
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| Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 4:14 pm Post subject: Re: What is the diameter of the stock Thing steering wheel... |
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| kubelmann wrote: |
Here is some useful information concerning a 73 vs 74 Thing steering wheel. This information is an excerpt from our Romtoc Thing Data CD
VW 181s, unfortunately, used two different steering columns and steering wheels. The "early type" seen mostly on 73's can be identified by the metal trim around the key switch area, the "late" version, found mostly 74's, has a plastic trim assembly in the same area. Not only is the trim different, but the steering wheel spline is different so most 73 steering wheels won't fit 74 steering columns and vice versa.
The good news is that the "late" style (74's) is identical in spline and other fitments to later VWs. Of Rabbit sports wheels all the splines, compression tubes and even the horn and turn signals align between the VW 181 and the newer wheel. Also other VWs and Audi's steering wheels should fit right in place of the stock wheel.
Link to our Thing CD: http://romtoc.com/romtoc-thing-data-cd.html
For 73 Thing the specs are
21 mm x 40 tooth spline
73 Momo adapter hub #0248
73 steering wheel nut 27 mm
For 74 Thing specs are
17 mm shaft x 40 spline
74 Momo adapter hub #8010
74 steering wheel nut 24 mm |
Anyone know if the 73 Thing steering wheel (size, style, etc) is the exact same as used in any other VWs? |
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obus 
Samba Member
Joined: March 08, 2001
Posts: 11063
Location: just off Garden State Parkway Exit 81
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BJT
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2018
Posts: 187
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| Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 6:19 pm Post subject: Re: What is the diameter of the stock Thing steering wheel... |
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| Thanks, I must be the worst at searching this forum or the forum search engine sucks. I tried searching before I posted. |
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obus
Samba Member
Joined: March 08, 2001
Posts: 11063
Location: just off Garden State Parkway Exit 81
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