getting the steering wheel closer

[dan farmer]

Does anyone have some words of wisdom on getting the steering wheel of my '73 GTV closer to the driver? I'm all legs and find it tiring to be reaching so far for the wheel. A 2-inch spacer would do me a world of good. I found reference to an Australian outfit called flying performance, but their eBay store is gone. I am thinking of going with a smaller Nardi wheel to alleviate the thigh/steerng wheel/gear lever crowding, but I still would want the wheel closer.

Any tips are much appreciated.

TIA-
-df

[bjfrantz@charte]

Years ago a friend ordered a new steering box/shaft for his GTV and received instead a unit for a Berlina, which was 1-2 inches longer. It did leave a gap between the steering wheel and the clam shell trim, but he loved the closer wheel. Keep in mind that when you switch to a smaller steering wheel, the steering effort goes way up. I spoiled the steering on a TI by going with a cool-looking smaller wheel. I don't recommend it, especially if you have tires wider than stock.

Good luck,

Barry

[JoeCab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan farmer DI am thinking of going with a smaller Nardi wheel to alleviate the thigh/steerng wheel/gear lever crowding, but I still would want the wheel closer.

[Kilgore Trout]

Momo makes spacers which fit their hubs - 12mm and 25mm IIRC, and they come with the required longer fasteners. I use a 12mm on my '87 Spider, simply because the wheel was almost touching the turn signal stalk.

[Alfajay]

bjfrantz@charte had written:

"...a friend ordered a new steering box/shaft for his GTV and received instead a unit for a Berlina, which was 1-2 inches longer. It did leave a gap between the steering wheel and the clam shell trim, but he loved the closer wheel."

yea, I guess that would work - but, what did that friend do about the cancelling mechanism for the turn signal switch? It would seem that the switch would now be mounted too low on the (new longer) steering column to wrap its spring around the inner shaft. I guess you could cut and weld an extension into the cast aluminum piece that supports the column and provides the mounting holes for the TS switch (as well as the plastic shroud). That would make for a neat installation, but it would require some fabrication. Plus, you need to find a good Berlina box + column.

An easier solution seems to be the one that Kilgore Trout recommened: stack some spacers between the wheel and the hub adapter (assuming the wheel is a Nardi, Momo, or similar), and use longer bolts to sandwich the whole assembly together.

[papajam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan farmer Does anyone have some words of wisdom on getting the steering wheel of my '73 GTV closer to the driver?

[Chris1750]

I have the same problem (tall with long legs) and some years ago replaced the standard Hellebore wheel on my coupe with a deep-dished Nardi similar to the one above but wood-rimmed. Eventually I got over it all and for the sake of originality put the Hellebore back on. Eventually you 'personalise' your driving position so your legs aren't too splayed, you can reach and turn the steering wheel safely and your head isn't rubbing the hood lining. The upshot is that you are the only one that can drive the car and that has to be a bonus.
Chris

[bjfrantz@charte]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfajay bjfrantz@charte had written: "...a friend ordered a new steering box/shaft for his GTV and received instead a unit for a Berlina, which was 1-2 inches longer. It did leave a gap between the steering wheel and the clam shell trim, but he loved the closer wheel." yea, I guess that would work - but, what did that friend do about the cancelling mechanism for the turn signal switch? It would seem that the switch would now be mounted too low on the (new longer) steering column to wrap its spring around the inner shaft. I guess you could cut and weld an extension into the cast aluminum piece that supports the column and provides the mounting holes for the TS switch (as well as the plastic shroud). That would make for a neat installation, but it would require some fabrication. Plus, you need to find a good Berlina box + column. An easier solution seems to be the one that Kilgore Trout recommened: stack some spacers between the wheel and the hub adapter (assuming the wheel is a Nardi, Momo, or similar), and use longer bolts to sandwich the whole assembly together.