MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => General => Topic started by: Mr2highpeak on July 9, 2022, 22:11

Title: Steering wheel options
Post by: Mr2highpeak on July 9, 2022, 22:11
Hi all I'm looking for a steering wheel smaller in diameter than the original one. This is because I'm quite tall and I'm finding it difficult to drive the car without catching my legs with the steering wheel. My question is what do I need to change it and where's my best bet finding a suitable replacement.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: J88TEO on July 9, 2022, 22:24
This one?https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134111953119?fits=Plat_Gen%3AMK+III%7CModel%3AMR2&hash=item1f39b200df:g:5L8AAOSwLpZh8oKK&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA8H8icwB5JDhv5yxd3Y7pMiRg63NY1rgJauhaCw1V6YJwXpCqdCI8zeOVn9ptMHCI%2FdIbV9Agz%2FeteOCT7JpiyY90Q2HTLCZmft%2BHl5Juim4A0sPLVTkCuioEsOWVp0KCIZW4e%2BySgY%2Fl8Axs0%2Fm5Fxb7QXp3pnx%2F%2FVqdwqN4q850fFgoJqymglvU5qCMao3DVuC6iCDQDWTuS8Fv5nzz8lBhtndSNp8%2BY%2BwfCFDJmDVP5ia3Ba5xweeNrS0AHCRT6Xhl1J0FFxHy%2BQmaTqJQeSMTuwDI9AXfq8coV22M89wm2ZGn0JJeYooF3DEG7sPt4g%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9Lqws28YA
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: SuperArt on July 9, 2022, 23:33
I am not that tall at 5'11" and also despair at the lack of knee room.
The worst part is the non-telescopic steering wheel which means once I get my legs the right distance away from the pedals so they are neither too bowed nor too stretched, I'm having to sit bolt upright so I'm not having to drive with my fingertips.

Go knows how six footers get around this problem, I'd like to know as this is one of the most fun cars on a short drive but also one of the worst cars to drive anywhere for longer than 30mins.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: 1979scotte on July 9, 2022, 23:49
Somebody paid to have the stock wheel flattened. On the bottom. Supposedly helps the taller folk.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Alex Knight on July 10, 2022, 00:07
350mm wheel in mine is perfect.

IIRC, the standard wheel is 360mm.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Topdownman on July 10, 2022, 06:33
Flat bottom carbon ones here;

https://t4cs.co.uk/shop
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Mr2highpeak on July 10, 2022, 07:22
Quote from: SuperArt on July  9, 2022, 23:33I am not that tall at 5'11" and also despair at the lack of knee room.
The worst part is the non-telescopic steering wheel which means once I get my legs the right distance away from the pedals so they are neither too bowed nor too stretched, I'm having to sit bolt upright so I'm not having to drive with my fingertips.

Go knows how six footers get around this problem, I'd like to know as this is one of the most fun cars on a short drive but also one of the worst cars to drive anywhere for longer than 30mins.
well I'm 6'4 and I love the car but unfortunately struggling to drive it longer than 30 minutes before my back hurts and lack of leg room. The last throw of the dice is to change the steering wheel for a smaller on to see if that helps.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Mr2highpeak on July 10, 2022, 07:25
Some nice options above, but too expensive for me and they are not smaller in diameter. When I turn the steering wheel my hands will still catch my legs.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Topdownman on July 10, 2022, 08:52
I have heard people take off the door handle to give more room, you could take off the door card and see if this works for you before spending time trying to design a new handle?
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Petrus on July 10, 2022, 10:10
I am 185 and have no issues despite not sitting all that far backwards. My steering wheel is Sparco San Remo (355 mm) on a (standard hight) Momo hub.
Depending on your preferred seating position; if you sit a bit backwards, it may help to get a steering wheel which protrudes a bit closer towards you.

(https://myalbum.com/photo/cy5H69ymDBcc/1k0.jpg)
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Iain on July 10, 2022, 10:18
Momo steering boss, comes with horn and airbag resistor wiring. Most aftermarket wheels will fit it.

I went down to a 330mm, perfect for me.

Be aware it does make the steering heavier the smaller you go.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Petrus on July 10, 2022, 10:21
Quote from: Iain on July 10, 2022, 10:18Be aware it does make the steering heavier the smaller you go.

Try delete the p.a.s.  ;D
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Gibla on July 10, 2022, 11:31
Quote from: Iain on July 10, 2022, 10:18Momo steering boss, comes with horn and airbag resistor wiring. Most aftermarket wheels will fit it.

I went down to a 330mm, perfect for me.

Be aware it does make the steering heavier the smaller you go.

Snap to the above, what I did find though is that I was unable to see the top of the instrument panel especially the indicators. As our cars seem to have a particularly silent indicator warning buzzer I installed something along these lines to augment that
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252651891201 < works perfectly,such that a smaller tactile steering wheel complements the driving experience (I have a combo of Momo, Nardi, Personal wheels in use)
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: SuperArt on July 10, 2022, 12:12
Have a read of this. You can gain leg room a different way.
http://www.eatsleeptinker.com/2013/05/25/lotus-elise-seats-in-a-toyota-mr2-spyder/
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Iain on July 10, 2022, 13:48
Quote from: Gibla on July 10, 2022, 11:31Snap to the above, what I did find though is that I was unable to see the top of the instrument panel especially the indicators.

This is a very valid point. Not being able to see speedo/revs etc on a daily would be a problem or annoyance. Mine is just for track work and i can see the red line which is all that matters 😃
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Bossworld on July 11, 2022, 15:35
I went 300mm, was a beautiful weighted feel albeit a little like an old arcade cabinet. I'm 6' 2" and a (lazy) triathlete and the MR2 + running was absolutely killing my hip flexors, if that's the right muscle name, because the need to tilt your foot to brake.

If you're going to swap, usual caveats about removing a safety device like an airbag, although at ~20 years old it's debatable as to whether it'll still fire as expected.

Please buy a proper branded boss, not the cheap crap from AliExpress or similar, you want something that would collapse in a crash.

Momo boss and OMP Trecento Uno wheel

(https://i.ibb.co/jyftgy1/IMG-0327.jpg)

Hmm my IMGBB links aren't showing, try https://i.ibb.co/jyftgy1/IMG-0327.jpg
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Mr2highpeak on July 11, 2022, 16:22
Quote from: Bossworld on July 11, 2022, 15:35I went 300mm, was a beautiful weighted feel albeit a little like an old arcade cabinet. I'm 6' 2" and a (lazy) triathlete and the MR2 + running was absolutely killing my hip flexors, if that's the right muscle name, because the need to tilt your foot to brake.

If you're going to swap, usual caveats about removing a safety device like an airbag, although at ~20 years old it's debatable as to whether it'll still fire as expected.

Please buy a proper branded boss, not the cheap crap from AliExpress or similar, you want something that would collapse in a crash.

Momo boss and OMP Trecento Uno wheel

(https://i.ibb.co/jyftgy1/IMG-0327.jpg)

Hmm my IMGBB links aren't showing, try https://i.ibb.co/jyftgy1/IMG-0327.jpg
Now that looks good.
Dont suppose you could send me a link for that particular steering wheel?
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Ardent on July 11, 2022, 16:46
Have bought a hkb boss. A wheel is on its way.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Mark A on July 11, 2022, 17:33
I think mine is 280mm

https://photos.app.goo.gl/C9ZcYWmojE2smSr77
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Bossworld on July 11, 2022, 17:36
Quote from: Mr2highpeak on July 11, 2022, 16:22Now that looks good.
Dont suppose you could send me a link for that particular steering wheel?

My review appears on this page but it looks like Amazon may have updated the enlisting to accommodate several models. Model name is in my post above though, might be worth shopping around to see if it's cheaper elsewhere

OMP OMPOD/1989/NN Steering Wheel, Black https://amzn.eu/d/7SQMTyu
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Petrus on July 11, 2022, 20:01
Quote from: Ardent on July 11, 2022, 16:46Have bought a hkb boss. A wheel is on its way.

Which one did you pounce on in the end?
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Ardent on July 11, 2022, 21:36
I prefer yours but have gone with this.
(For now)
https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/14-wood-rim-steering-wheel-70mm-pcd
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Petrus on July 12, 2022, 08:25
Quote from: Ardent on July 11, 2022, 21:36I prefer yours but have gone with this.
(For now)
https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/14-wood-rim-steering-wheel-70mm-pcd

NICE!!! Jason  8)
I really REALLY like the wooden steering wheel in the Spyder.

Here´s another snap of mine with the chrome accents and tonneau dash studs; does not get more classic no?!

(https://myalbum.com/photo/cxEcY6PFWQST/1k0.jpg)


Looked at those you link to (and other wood ones) as well. Just about same diameter as the stock one.
Very attractively priced but the thinner rim and higher placed spokes on these ´classics´ had me spend the extra on the San Remo. The perspective is that I deleted the p.a.s. so am a tiny bit more demanding on the feel of the rim  :-*

Hope you like it!
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Ardent on July 12, 2022, 08:41
HAve gone for the 14" option. Nearly ordered both 13 and 14.

It's the rim diameter that is the biggest ???

This is where online fails.
What does it feel like in the hand.

Same with cameras.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Petrus on July 12, 2022, 09:26
Quote from: Ardent on July 12, 2022, 08:41What does it feel like in the hand.

Fingers crossed. Figuratively  ;)
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: steveash on July 12, 2022, 09:56
I know of this reach extension sold on eBay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293871425987 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293871425987)

I don't know of anyone who has tried it though. It does allow you to keep using the airbag of the standard wheel which should be fine for a tall driver but someone sitting closer to the wheel could be at risk.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Petrus on July 12, 2022, 10:38
Quote from: steveash on July 12, 2022, 09:56I know of this reach extension sold on eBay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293871425987 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/293871425987)

I don't know of anyone who has tried it though. It does allow you to keep using the airbag of the standard wheel which should be fine for a tall driver but someone sitting closer to the wheel could be at risk.


It is the equivalent of a deep dish while keeping the airbag.
Thanks for sharing. It sure is a useful alternative option!

Bringing it closer is imo not needed with the OEM diameter and assisted steering. You máy, probably, want the arms more bent at the elbow for more purchase in competition with seriously reduced diameter or p.a.s. delete.

On the airbag there are two opposing thoughts. Légally, though not mandatory persé, it is a must on the road if fitted OEM. This too illustrates the conflicting aspects.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Mr2highpeak on July 15, 2022, 07:55
Update, I've bought a motamec formula race steering wheel d shaped to fit. Once its installed sometime next week, I will post a picture of it and let you taller drivers how it feels with the hopefully extra space for my legs.
Thanks for all your input on the matter it's much appreciated.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Gaz mr-s on July 15, 2022, 08:21
There is a mod that can be done to the height adjuster to gain extra. I don't need it due to height, but altered it to suit view of the dials with a different steering wheel.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Mr2highpeak on July 22, 2022, 15:51
Quote from: Gaz mr-s on July 15, 2022, 08:21There is a mod that can be done to the height adjuster to gain extra. I don't need it due to height, but altered it to suit view of the dials with a different steering wheel.
well I fitted the steering wheel and didn't like it for a couple of reasons. One it blocked the dials and the other was my hands kept hitting the indicator/wiper stalks. So I would be interested in the above mod you mentioned.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Gaz mr-s on July 22, 2022, 18:48
@Mr2highpeak

It's ages since I did it, so I won't get all detail, but if you have a drill & a round file it's pretty straightforward. Take off the plastics surrounding the column, & I think the flat one below.
Operate the steering column height & you'll see that it's limits are set by a slotted bracket. If you drill/file some of the metal out of the top it allows the column up further, by a surprising amount.

I did it because I changed the wheel & it obscured the top left of the speedo.
Title: Re: Steering wheel options
Post by: Mr2highpeak on July 22, 2022, 21:12
Cheers I will take a look at that.