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 Post subject: steering wheels wooden?
PostPosted: January 14, 2017, 3:25 pm 
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I am looking at purchasing an decent steering wheel for my build. I have gone for an older 40s style look and am thinking of wooden rimmed wheels in the 13.5 inch range. I dont really plan on any track days (but it is an option at some time), it will likely hit the drag strip a few times though. Any ideas on decent steering wheels that are comfortable in the hand.

Also I am putting this on an 1972 mgb shaft, or the hub from the original steering wheel which is not usable. I dont know if anyone still makes an adapter for the 72 shaft but I should be able to make a plate from the center of the original wheel.

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Dale


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PostPosted: January 14, 2017, 6:16 pm 
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Location: British Columbia, Canada
Do you like any of the offerings from Grant:

http://grantproducts.com/products/brows ... utomotive/

If so, there is some discussion on installation hubs:

http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,631994

http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,767491

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PostPosted: January 14, 2017, 10:31 pm 
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Dale, I think you are in Ontario if my memory serves. If so check the building regs - you may not want to install that wooden wheel until after the car is inspected and licensed. Wooden steering wheels may not satisfy the tech inspector.

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PostPosted: January 14, 2017, 10:38 pm 
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Speed boat steering wheels are a good option and typically cheaper than car ones event though they are basically the same thing.

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PostPosted: January 16, 2017, 1:22 am 
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Thanks
I will look into the marine ones, I have looked at the grants when I was a one of the summit racing stores (big one the size of a walmart in Ohio) but the less expensive ones just did not quite feel finished or comfortable. I have been looking at "forever sharp" wheels which seem to have decent reviews. I think I will have to make an adapter from the hub of my original wheel.
Dale


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PostPosted: January 16, 2017, 12:56 pm 
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I know you aren't going to do track events, but if you do I seem to recall that wood steering wheels aren't legal due to their failure mode.

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PostPosted: January 16, 2017, 10:40 pm 
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Joined: March 30, 2011, 7:18 am
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Location: central Arkansas
All the "wood" steering wheels I ever owned, or noticed in other cars, were a flat steel ring with wood riveted to it.


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PostPosted: January 17, 2017, 6:05 pm 
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Location: Novato, CA
I have a 13" wood rim Moto-Lita on my 1972 MGB steering shaft. It replaced a 15-1/2" wood rim wheel that was built from the original MGB wheel. The Moto-Lita was a huge improvement in size, however like most wood rim wheels it's thin. I pretty much have to wear gloves all the time to get a decent grip.

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PostPosted: January 17, 2017, 7:12 pm 
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Older wheels were thin. I think for an older style car like ours, it looks right. I even prefer the thinner grip of the older wheels. Nick's wheel is gorgeous. Like his, a wood wheel needs some matching wood elsewhere to complete the theme IMO. I do prefer one without the rivets though. Like this one that I restored and later sold. I wish I still had it. I think it came from a special edition MGB GT circa 1967. Not sure though.


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PostPosted: January 17, 2017, 11:44 pm 
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I just ordered this one today 13.75 inch. Just a touch bigger than I was going to go for but the cut down one I have been working with is 12.5 and its a bit too small.

I quite like the look and hopefully the feel.
The first bit of bling but I have been considering doing the car in two tone copper and satin nickel. The dash is copper painted and the gauges are similar to the old criss craft mahogany boots of the 30s era so I thought the wheel appropriate.


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PostPosted: February 4, 2017, 5:16 pm 
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got the wheel in but I think it might just be a bit easier to get in and out with a quick release. I do like the feel better than the 12.5 I was testing with. this is 13.75.

Thinking of laminating wood over the drive shaft tunnel when I get there.
Dale


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