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Steering wheel size?

Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:17 pm
by jagman723
I've fitted a hydraulic power steering conversion to my 1961 3.8 and although I haven't done many miles in it yet it seems to work fine.

The problem I have now though is the (large) steering wheel seems overkill and with a more direct and positive link between my hands and the road wheels any slight movement at my end more readily affects my direction of travel.

The answer I guess is to fit a smaller wheel, but what size? Has anyone done this and if so have any views? I am thinking a 14 inch wheel would be about right for feel, but are there any other considerations I should take into account?

Thanks
John

Re: Steering wheel size?

Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 3:53 pm
by Martec
Hi,
Our car arrived as a wreck with an after market woodrimmed 17" wheel (black and scruffy). After fitting a 420 front axle with there bigger brakes and power steering box I, like you,found the steering very, very light, so increased the castor angle (original settings of positive camber and small castor angle were to lighten the heavy steering) and set it to negative camber.

I then tried several sized steering wheels from scrap cars in the yards until I settled on a nice wood rimmed wheel (14" Les Leston) which I then made the centre boss to fit the already fitted centre horn push and rivetted it in. It clears my thighs better allows better feel. You can buy some very expensive versions specifically for MkII's.

best of luck,

Brian

Re: Steering wheel size?

Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2015 5:05 pm
by jagman723
OK so that sounds positive

Thanks

Re: Steering wheel size?

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 9:03 am
by ecosselynx
Hi

As per Brian's reply, but I use a 15" wheel.