Where can i get a smaller diameter steering wheel?

4warned · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2014, 07:38 PM

So as in my other thread, Im looking at purchasing this cobra, its perfect in every way, other then i can barely fit in the car. I either need a tilt steering column or smaller diameter steering wheel, maybe 14in or even a 13inch. Is there any company's that make them?

Tommy · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2014, 08:16 PM

I can't give a specific answer to your question, but I can offer some insight. Most steering wheels attach to an adapter that mates them to the column. There are many types of wheels and many types of columns, so there are also many types of adapters. Some combos are more common than others. If you only want to replace the wheel, note how its attached to the adapter (e.g., 5 or 6 bolts) and look for a suitable wheel with the same bolt pattern. If the wheel you want to use has a different bolt pattern, you may have to replace both the wheel and adapter.

Tim Brewer · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2014, 08:20 PM

Did you try Finish Line?

Paul F · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2014, 08:22 PM

Moto-Lita makes 13" wood wheels. Just sort out what hub you need and contact a dealer or buy one off of ebay.

https://www.moto-lita.co.uk/our-prod...D=38&CR_ID=358

133bus · #5 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 05:14 AM

Are you comfortable once you are in the car...maybe a quick release to remove the wheel while getting in and out would help.
Steve

66gtk · #6 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 133bus

Are you comfortable once you are in the car...maybe a quick release to remove the wheel while getting in and out would help.
Steve

Yes, or change the way you enter and exit the car. I need to extend my right leg over the wheel on onto the floor before positioning myself to get ready to sit down. Use the back of the seat or rollbar with your right hand to support your weight while you are doing this and then just plop in. Reverse procedure for getting out. I'm 6'3 and can do this without an extended wheelbase Cobra and a 15" steering wheel. It helps that I am relatively thin, though.

cycleguy55 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 09:01 AM

My method:
1) Right leg in, on floor about half way extended
2) Support weight using right hand. I typically put my hand on the tunnel behind the shifter
3) Swing butt in and against seat back, roughly 12" above the seat cushion
4) Left leg in, on floor about half way extended
5) Lower self to seat cushion, extending legs forward.

Reverse procedure for getting out.

4warned · #8 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 09:48 AM

well, im 6'3.5 and i weight 200. I can get in no problem, its when i try moving my leg from the gas to the brake, the steering wheel is in the way, so im worried that in a pressured situation i couldnt stop in time. I thought of cutting part of the back wall out and moving the seat back 3-4 inches, then getting a 14inch steering wheel and a flaming river or "ididit" tilt column. The guy that built the cobra is onlt 5'8 and its perfect for him with the seat all the way back lol.

133bus · #9 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 10:29 AM

Sounds like you are going to have to decide if this is THE car for you...it can be made to fit you, just takes time and money...move the front of the foot box towards the front(puts the foot pedals further away from you), lift the steering wheel(tilt or smaller wheel), move the seat back or maybe the back of the seat is quite thick like mine is...and you could thin it out by removing some of the padding, affectively moving you away from the wheel letting you have less bend in your knee...just some ideas...Steve

66gtk · #10 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 10:30 AM

What MFR is your Cobra? Is it a 289 car or 427? Some cars have the ability to adjust the angle and position of the column to get it higher for you. 14" wheels are quite common - you just have to make sure your BOSS and column are all compatible.

buildone · #11 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 11:08 AM

On an FFR, its a very simple task to raise the steering shaft/wheel. You can just put spacers under the upper steering shaft bearing block. I've raised mine 3/4", and it made a big difference. Among a number of other "tall person" mods.

Good luck!

4warned · #12 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 11:12 AM

its a shell valley 427, yea its perfect in every way, its everything i have wanted in a cobra, just the steering wheel is so low. If i could get a tilt steering wheel and a 14 inch steering wheel i would be perfect. How do i measure or check to see what size steering column i need?

cycleguy55 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4warned

well, im 6'3.5 and i weight 200. I can get in no problem, its when i try moving my leg from the gas to the brake, the steering wheel is in the way, so im worried that in a pressured situation i couldnt stop in time. I thought of cutting part of the back wall out and moving the seat back 3-4 inches, then getting a 14inch steering wheel and a flaming river or "ididit" tilt column. The guy that built the cobra is onlt 5'8 and its perfect for him with the seat all the way back lol.

Lowering the seat a bit may help as well. Some people have removed padding not only from the seat backs but also the seat cushion to get lower. If the seat is on sliders those could be removed and the seat bolted to the floor pan.

Rik388 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 05:05 PM

Easy fix if you know manufacturer of wheel,13 inch in my opinion looks too small though

lovehamr · #15 (**permalink**) 12-11-2014, 05:18 PM

4warned, here ya go! Only 13 inches!

Grant Classic Wood Steering Wheel

I know..... I'm an A-hole.... Sorry, couldn't help it!

Clois Harlan · #16 (**permalink**) 12-12-2014, 06:10 AM

I had a SV Daytona Coupe and I know how tight it can be getting in and out. If you are dead set on this Cobra forget about a tilt column and go with a quick release steering wheel adaptor (a good one sells for about $150) and then get you a 13" steering wheel (google "13 steering wheel 3 bolt". There are lots of choices in the $100-$200 range.

Consider the distance from your thigh to the bottom of the dash and the position your legs will be in and if that is comfortable. You can change the degree of your seat and lower your seat but you still need some room to shift (clutch) and brake comfortably.