Steering Wheel OEM
 

Hello,

I have an 82 GSL. As far as I know it has the original 4 spoke steering wheel. The wheel has a torn leather cover and has a larger grip area than other non GSL 7's I have had.

I want to keep my 7 original.
I purchased one off of ebay and have another from a junk 83 GSL. Both seem to have a rubber feel look like leather cover but its not the same as the 82. Its smaller diameter and does not feel like leather.

Question: Was there different steering wheels in these years ?

Thanks

Hey pt-
early RX7s (79-83) had 2 versions of the 4-spoke wheel. The standard GS cars had the "rubber" version, which had fake stitching embossed; the Limited (79) and LS (80) and leather-optioned GSLs had real leather as you describe. Diameter was the same. Thickness was virtually the same too. I have both types of wheels and that seems to be the only diff: the leather.

Used leather wheels that are worth actually having are virtually unobtainable. I have hunted ebay for _years_. Brand new leather wheels are NLA and, since they retailed at an eye-watering $900, I don't think they will be missed!

I have sent off one of my wheels to be re-covered in leather to this outfit in TX:
www.craftcustoms.com
$250 + shipping and looks legit. Guess I will find out shortly. ;)

And here is a NOS leather steering wheel, as a reference.
regards
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

Hey this is off topic but i was wondering what NOS stands for (not NOS nitrous) I know NLA is no longer availiable but dnt kno what nos is

New Old Stock...

Thanks very much Stu. Looks like a great web site as well.

Very timely link Stu. Thanks for sharing. Please post follow-up when you receive the finished wheel.

Cheers!

Mike - Arrived today - looks fab! will post to new thread once installed...
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

Perfect timing. I have a extra LS steering wheel that has many broken seams that I'll send them, now that I know your satisfied.

Thanks!