posted by Scott on May 31
Removing a steering wheel and lock plate is reasonably easy these days with new tools that are available.
Like to know how to remove your steering wheel, leaving your index fingers intact on each hand?
The first step is to remove the steering wheel by taking the nut off of the steering column, and then pulling off your steering wheel using a steering wheel puller.
Without the steering wheel removed first you cannot remove the lock plate, as it sits under the steering wheel. It is so much easier with a lock plate remover than bothering with pliers, and is bound to save some swearing.
Read this article from Skywaytools which describes the process of steering wheel removal, and shows some special tools.
http://www.skywaytools.com/autopg1.html
Here is a great article on how to remove a steering wheel from a Porsche:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mult_Steering_Wheel/Mult_Steering_Wheel.htm
posted by Scott on May 28
Many classic sports cars came with wood steering wheels as standard, such as Porsche and Ferrari.
Click the links to see larger images of these cars…
www.theignitionpoint.co.uk
posted by Scott on May 25
There are a few different things to consider when upgrading to a new steering wheel.
Older cars will have steering wheels that are easier to remove and do not require special tools, where newer cars will have a locking plate and an airbag, requiring more expertise to change.
If an airbag is installed on your car, then the laws in most countries will prevent you from installing a steering wheel that does not provide for an airbag.
These replacement steering wheels are designed to allow fitment of the original airbag.
When choosing a new steering wheel you will need to consider such things as the diameter of the wheel and reach from the dashboard, which is mainly determined by the steering wheel’s dish; Some wheels are deeper ‘dished’ than others, so this will also affect the steering wheel’s distance from the driver.
If you choose a smaller diameter steering wheel than the original, then you will need to consider the reduced leverage that you will have to turn the wheel, especially if the vehicles tyres are wide or power steering is not installed. Race cars usually have small steering wheels due to space in the cabin, and also because they will have high-ratio steering racks that will move the steering wheels through a wide range with little movement of the steering wheel. At low speed (such as daily commuting) a small steering wheel will require increased effort to turn, and may quickly become tiring.
You will also want to make sure that the new wheel does not block your view of the dashboard instrumentation, and that you can still access the indicator, light, and window washer controls.
posted by Scott on May 19
Could your car do with an interior upgrade?
Easy – replace that boring rubbery plastic steering wheel with a purpose-built wood steering wheel.
Imagine driving along an open country road with your hands gripping a beautiful hand rubbed mahogany wood steering wheel with aluminum spokes polished to a brilliant mirror finish – oh yeah!
The steering wheel is the one device that makes us truly feel connected to the road, visually inviting us to jump in the driver’s seat and take that car for a spin. Though it you can feel every aspect of the road’s surface, and why not do it with something that draws the gaze of your eye, and feels thrilling to touch.
Any true enthusiast would consider customising their prized machine with something more befitting than the original steering wheel, transforming the interior and bringing out the true character of the beast within. Classic car manufacturer’s started installing wood steering wheels on their muscle cars years ago, and you will find them in the likes of Corvette’s, Chevy Camaro’s, and Mustangs.
- Amazon.com
Many modern luxury cars use steering wheels that combine leather and and wood to create a sublime atmosphere, and tie in the look of a woodgrain panelled dashboard, giving the feeling of opulence and luxury.
An average car interior will gain an instant lift with the addition of a classy mahongany or walnut wood steering wheel, and will be transformed into something that begs to be driven. As any luxury car owner knows, a well positioned and proportioned steering wheel enhances driver comfort, and increases driveability of the vehicle.
Here at the Wood Steering Wheel Guide we have links to articles about classic and modern cars with wood steering wheels, repairing old steering wheels, replacing steering wheels, and adding dashboard kits. We aim to give you ideas on how you can transform the console of your favorite car.
–
–
‘Streetwires’—–Camaro/Cheville/El Camino/Impala—– Dark Wood
