Hey all -

One thing that I've been wanting to do ever since I got my FD is to move the steering wheel closer towards me. I'm quite tall (6'6") and have the seat all the way back. With the steering wheel at it's current position, my arms are a bit outstretched and my legs are wrapped around it to some extent. It's not necessarily uncomfortable (actually, I'm quite comfy in the car) but it could be better.

On my old FD I had a Sparco D-shaped steering wheel that was relatively small. Then, I added a spacer that was about a half inch or an inch. It was GREAT - I could have my arms in a proper driving position, and I could actually touch my knees together under the steering wheel.

I'm considering getting an aftermarket steering wheel for the FD at some point. But, since my car is a '94, I'd want to get a hub with the air bag resistor so the passenger air bag still functions. Even better, I'd LOVE to have a later Japanese stock steering wheel with airbag, but move it closer somehow.

Thing is, with the stock wheel, I'm just not sure how it would be possible to safely extend the wheel out a bit. Safety is a HUGE concern, of course - having the wheel come off in your hand while driving just ain't cool .

Has anyone ever contemplated something like this? Any ideas how it could be done?

Dale

 

Just remember that it's illegal to switch out a steering wheel if it has a manufacturer installed airbag. But yeah adjusting the steering wheel is one thing I've always wondered about even though I have no problems with it how it is but it would be nice.

 

I believe it is illegal to SELL the car in that state. But not illegal for use personally, by the sole owner.

 

Anyways it's pretty simple, don't use the stock wheel:



That's with a detachable splined hub + extender.

 

I purchased and aftermarket hub adapter from Finish Line Performance. It's for the 1990 to 97 Miata. It has the resistor and horn adapter wiring built in (about $120). Very easy to install and it fits all kinds of aftermarket steering wheels. I had the same problem as you, 6'3", and my knees always hit the factory wheel. Now I've got the 320mm Monte Carlo, leg and hand positon is excellent, though the wheel feels small, and blocks some of the gauges partially, but not enough for me to worry about. Also purchased a cruise control assy. and mounted it on the wheel adapter so I still have my cruise control intact.

 

Hmm. I looked at some pics of the steering wheel hub, and I think it could be done (ie, moving the stock wheel) but it would require some fancy machine work to make an adapter. Basically, you'd have to extend the stock shaft outwards, and find some way to lock it into place. Then, you'd have a messy gap between the column and wheel that would have to be addressed.

Bleh.

Thing is, I do like the OEM wheels, and I'd like to keep the airbag, but I can really see just going with a good Momo wheel .

Rotoober - you mentioned purchasing a cruise assembly. Care to elaborate? I've added cruise to my R2, and I'd like to add the cruise buttons to the new wheel - just not sure how much fab work would be required. Any more pics or info would be great.

Thanks everyone!

Dale

 

Here's the finished product. I purchased a used button assy. on the parts for sale forum (wanted to keep my stock wheel intact). It has two screws holding it on to the wheel assy., it is easy to remove. I then got out the rotozip and made a matching hole in the adapter wheel cover, and using a small screw, positioned the cruise on the cover, and then used some abs cement (sewer line pipe glue) which just happens to be black. The cover is a slip on piece, so you can position it to go between the spokes of your new steering wheel. This all is probably a 1-2 hour job at the most. I wanted to go your route and keep an airbag, but, I couldn't find anything with a small enough diameter that didn't require a bunch of machine work to fit. I believe some people have modified a miata or protege wheel to fit, but if I remember right, it's diameter is not much smaller and it was a real pita to do.

 

Looks good!

Gave me an idea too - I've seen in some Mazdas in the junkyard the cruise buttons on the steering wheel like the FD's but the button assembly was more compact. That might even fit a bit better. But, your setup is definitely clean!

Yeah, I'm leaning more towards just going with an aftermarket wheel and a spacer. It's safe, sturdy, and will work.

Dale

 

You added cruise?! Ewww.

The stock wheel is a boat wheel. Dump it and get something smaller. The car is too civilized from the factory already. If you have power steering still, any wheel is easy.

 

Um, isn't it like 12:30a.m. your time Dale? Don't make any rash decisions until you get some sleep! And don't get me started on the problem of wearing a helmet in these cars with little headroom.... and then the thing about having small pedals and big feet!

Matt

 

btw, is this seat adjustable, and did it give you anymore headroom? And, after sitting in it for 3 hrs., how confortable does it still feel? I'd like to come buy and take a seat sometime.
AND, where are you calling Nor. Cal.? I'm near Redding, where are you?

 

Hehe Unlike some folks, I actually DRIVE my FD. I take it on long car trips, and I actually drive it every day FOR work. Rackin' up miles, but every mile is good times.

Rotoober, I'm on central time - only 11:38 here right now . I'm not ordering anything tonight, anyhow - just window shoppin'!

Dale

 

The one I'm using is a Smart Racing quick-release hub. I take the wheel with me when I'm not driving the car.

 

This is a very relevant thread for me right now. I'm 6'2" and can't physically heel toe my 93 FD. I am looking for a clean looking alternative to the OEM steering wheel (thinking Mitsubishi Evo IX style steering wheel - Momo Tuner, Race, champion, or similar). I would like the wheel to allow knee/leg clearance, install simply and integrate the horn simply. To provide knee clearance it would likely be necessary to install an extender hub. Lastly, and possibly most importantly, I would need to have an alternate location (or possibly even have an alternate assembly) for the cruise controls mounted on the OEM steering wheel.

-Will a 350mm wheel be sufficiently small to allow my legs to clear underneath?
-What type of hub extender would you all recommend that will mate with the wheels I specified, allow for additional leg clearance, and integrate turn signal shut off?
-What are some other alternatives to dealing with cruise control?


Tuner:


Champion:


Race:

 

I'd love to be a fly on the wall and see the reaction of a would be car thief to a parked call with no steering wheel.

 

i pull my egi fuse when i park in public. imagine that face.

 

i had the same problem, i couldnt heel toe my FD, which made it awkward to drive, just felt like i wasnt in control.

i went with a 330mm steering wheel, works well i think.
as for cruise control, you can drill into the aftermarket unit and mount the buttons yourself. or you can mount it anywhere you want really, all you have to do is move the wires into the place you want and set it up like that.

 

O, use wood shanks and glue.

 

Can someone please recommend an adapter that is compatible with this wheel:

http://www.momousa.com/detail.php?ca...group=39&pic=1

Preferably one that integrates the turn signal shut off.

 

Check this thread:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/fd-steering-wheel-712237/

 

this will fit.. i believe... this is the one that Mahjik and i used
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=770012

 

I used a spacer on my aftermarket wheel to move it back where I wanted it, and it caused two problems:

1. You can't reach the signal/switch stalks with your hands on the wheel anymore.

2. Since the steering shaft is on an angle, the further back you go, the higher the top of the wheel gets. In a race seat, it blocked vision!

The only way I could see this getting done right would be to cut and reweld the steering column and move the whole thing where you want it.

 

The steering shaft unbolts and drops down so you can put longer bolts in there with spacers to get it at the angle you need . Can I cut a wheel spacer for you ,how thick do you need ? a cover can be made to cover the gap or cut the spacer full dia and coat it black .

 

Dale,

Could you heel toe better with the D shaped wheel you mentioned above. I have the same problem being 6-1. My knee as I turn it inward to heel toe pushes on the steering wheel, making the car want to turn to the right so I have to be ready for it and hold against it.

Tim

 

The cruise controls work fine and wire right up?