Steering wheel purchase

cameron02 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2004, 11:13 PM

Hi

I have been looking to purchase a steering wheel. So far I have not been able to find anybody in Melbourne that stocks 15 inch Steering wheels. They mostly stock 14's.

Does anybody know of a Melbourne supplier!

Rebel1 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-10-2004, 12:42 AM

Cameron...

I had same trouble in Brissy....I wanted a reaonable priced 15"wheel that approximated the Cobra Mono Lita wheel.

Found a 14"in Autobarn I think it was...cant remember the brand but was a well known one.

Unfortunately...only 14""

Soooo..off to Don Pilling to buy a Mono Lita 15"...not a bad wheel but costs an arm and a leg....well..was mainly the hub what costs heaps.

However..I'm somewhat disappointed I paid so much for such a poor wheel. Dont get me wrong..it's the original thing but frankly, the quality sucks.

The 14" whateveritwas brand had 3 chrome cobra like spokes but with holes...not slots. It also had a beautifully finished..( gloss epoxy wood grain) rim which was a more comfortable thicker rim.

The MonoLita rim is a bit too thin for my liking.

The whateveritwas brand was heaps...and i mean heaps cheaper.

Only my inner thoughts mate...hope it is of some help.

Cheers

Cameron Parsons · #3 (**permalink**) 09-10-2004, 02:47 AM

Sorry to hear about your MotoLita experience. I have a 15" on my current car, and have special ordered the same for the SPF.

I really like it, authentic and looks great. I also haven't had quality issues. My car spends a lot of time on the road and in the sun... still looks new!

I am sure if there are problems MotoLita would replace the wheel.

Cameron

P.S - A little off thread, sorry. Try George V at Python Cars in South Melbourne.

750hp · #4 (**permalink**) 09-10-2004, 03:02 AM

Les - if you bought the Mona Lisa version, you must have been shopping at the wrong place.... Seriously though, the Moto Lita wheel on my (Frank's) old car was beautiful looking, but it could be easily deformed if you straightened your arms while holding the wheel. Obviously, they're not designed to accept that kind of load, but I find from time to time that I need to push the car out of the garage while turning the steering wheel. The cheap wheel on my current car is fine to take a bit of the load, but I couldn't do it with the Moto Lita.

So, back to the topic...... Ummm, yeah - try George, or get Don Pilling to post you one.

Cameron Parsons · #5 (**permalink**) 09-10-2004, 03:10 AM

You gorillas need to ease up... It's only a poor steering wheel, not a multi gym

750hp · #6 (**permalink**) 09-10-2004, 03:42 AM

Mate, you've seen me. With an expanding waistline like mine, I'll take any form of exercise - even if it is at the expense of the perfect round shape of my steering wheel !!!

Jack21 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-10-2004, 12:06 PM

I have a LeCarra 14" steering wheel and it looks, feels, and works great. LeCarra makes a boatload of styles, some specifically for Cobras. Believe they are made in France, and sold all over the world. Your street rod shops should carry them.

Batman · #8 (**permalink**) 09-10-2004, 08:43 PM

Just had a quick look on the LeCarra site and found this

http://www.lecarra.com/mk3.shtml

Bottom right corner, available in 14" & 15"

They might mail order

Cheers
Batman

BMK · #9 (**permalink**) 09-11-2004, 07:26 PM

Hi all.

I also went for the Mota Lita wheel. Purchased it from Don Pilling.

It arrived all wrapped in bubble plastic. Great job Don. Cost was slightly more than the Finishline item but I was nervous about having one sent out from Enzo there as the Customs may have lashed me.

You can see the wheel on my gallery. I went for the slightly different alloy centre - the multi drilled effect rather than the slotted type.

Looks great and adds to the authenticity...

Cheers

Bernie

traindriver · #10 (**permalink**) 09-11-2004, 07:31 PM

Cameron,

I have a 15" Mk3 from a Superformance for sale. I just finished as a no sale on ebay. Price is $125 USD + shipping. The wood, and spoke asr in perfect condition. There are a couple of small marks on the hub that will normally be covered up by the center cap.

traindriver · #11 (**permalink**) 09-11-2004, 07:33 PM

here's a close up...

BMK · #12 (**permalink**) 09-11-2004, 08:07 PM

Cameron

If you buy from overseas have the sender mark the value down to avoid the higher percentage % add on by Customs.

I have noticed that they appear to have a $150 or thereabouts value in Australian dollars. Then they kick in and add the duty.

You will make it here with the $125 US value.

Bernie

REPTYL · #13 (**permalink**) 09-11-2004, 09:01 PM

Very good advice Bern'

I was stung 25% on a $500 item from the States last month, and then once the 25% is added on you pay the 10% GST on top of that.

If that isn't incentive to buy Aussie; I don't know what is.

Cobra.au · #14 (**permalink**) 09-12-2004, 02:28 AM

Hi guys

Two things

1. Regarding the LeCarra have a look in my gallery for the pic of mine installed if you want to see one on a car

2. If I import any thing (with in reson) from overseas I get them to mark it as a warranty item then there is know add on by customs.

cheers
Craig W

Fred Douglass · #15 (**permalink**) 09-12-2004, 08:01 AM

....which many people consider the best (I have no grounds for comparison) then get ahold of Ron Butler at 4585 Casitas Pass Road, Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 649-6000 or FAX (805) 649-6806.

Good Luck,

cameron02 · #16 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 04:54 AM

Thanks for all the help guys.

Train Driver, your steering wheel looks great. Unfortunately I will have to go for a black centre as Chrome in a convertible will not pass Ausrtalian Design Rules.

Pretty sure I am going to settle for a 14 inch autotecnica.