16" Moto Lita Steering Wheel

601HP · #1 (**permalink**) 05-18-2014, 01:17 PM

This is my latest attempt to reduce the fakeness of my fake Cobra.

When this car arrived in my neighborhood in 1994, it had a 15" Moto Lita steering wheel and it steered just fine.

However...the 1960's original big-block cars were assembled with a 16" Moto Lita, so I've leaned in that direction.

Recently I ordered a 16" Moto Lita split-center wheel, but requested it with an un-finished wood rim. Below are some of the steps I used to complete it. On the "how hard is this to do" scale, with #1 being no sweat and #10 is OMG..what did I get myself into, I give this project a 2.

And yes I do have a lot of time on my hands. I retired 15 months ago, which is why I periodically add a new thread to Club Cobra.

The new wheel arrived in an almost-ready to stain condition. I felt a few slightly raspy spots so I sanded with 400 grit and then 600 grit paper. Next I applied 3 coats of Minwax Special Walnut stain. Finally, sealed it with 6 coats of tung oil.

After staining and sealing.

A side-by-side comparison of old and new wheels.

Installed.

LMH · #2 (**permalink**) 05-18-2014, 02:34 PM

Beautiful Job! The 16" wheel is that way to go for sure and you have the perfect car to make more original.
Larry

NewYorkGuy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-18-2014, 02:45 PM

so pretty! Forget retiring. Open up a wood steering wheel shop!

madmaxx · #4 (**permalink**) 05-18-2014, 05:51 PM

Nice!! I love the look of a wooden steering wheel.

mickmate · #5 (**permalink**) 05-18-2014, 06:32 PM

Looks great David. Did you find the offset of the new wheel helped keep leg clearance with the 1" diameter increase. That is only 1/2" per side after all.

CSX3183 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-18-2014, 09:26 PM

Great job, looks great, AND it looks like it should. You should be applauded for making it more original. More should do so.

601HP · #7 (**permalink**) 05-19-2014, 05:36 AM

I appreciate the comments!

Nick, the larger diameter is still evident but not a problem for my skinny thighs.

David

1985 CCX · #8 (**permalink**) 05-19-2014, 10:11 AM

Love it!

DanEC · #9 (**permalink**) 05-20-2014, 05:23 PM

Looks great - nice job. What is the reason for the split center section? Was that a feature of the originals?

mickmate · #10 (**permalink**) 05-20-2014, 06:17 PM

I'm glad someone is staying skinny ;-) The amount of dish on the steering wheel makes it necessary to split the spokes. Yes that is one of the features of originals and they also need a top ring to lock the spokes down to the hub and reinforce it over the splits. The top ring is also what holds the steering wheel emblem.