Removable steering wheel option

[lippy]

ERA offers a removable steering wheel option, but it is pricey at $400. I think this would be an excellent theft deterrent, so I am considering it. I also know there are several removable wheel options from Summit Racing and others that usually cost $50-85, but they require a simple weld of the "nut" to the steering column. Has anyone chosen either the ERA option, or another removable wheel? If so, I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by lippy

ERA offers a removable steering wheel option, but it is pricey at $400. I think this would be an excellent theft deterrent, so I am considering it.

I have it -- very cool it is -- totally invisible. It adds no additional distance from that of the non quick release hubbed wheel, nor does it add "slop" to the steering. It allows you to work behind the dash 1000% easier. It allows you to orient the wheel to your liking so that you can see the gauges that you want to see. It is a theft deterrent, as well.

[lippy]

Thanks. Photos are very helpful!

Did you consider some of the other less expensive options?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by lippy

Did you consider some of the other less expensive options?

No. If I was smaller, and did not care how the Moto-Lita looked after the installation then I may have. At 6'4" the guys at ERA spent some time measuring me to get everything just right, and their quick release hub added no length to the connection (so the wheel was no closer to me than in a non-quick released hub setup). Plus I wanted the wheel to look absolutely stock with no sign of a QR hub at all (I think you're more likely to have your steering wheel stolen than to have your car stolen).

[Hotfingrs]

I use the Flaming River quick disconnect on mine.

[lippy]

Or maybe one like this...

SRK-400CF - Thin Version Quick Release Kit, Carbon Fiber | NRG Innovations

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by lippy

Or maybe one like this...

SRK-400CF - Thin Version Quick Release Kit, Carbon Fiber | NRG Innovations

Nice. Now at one time the ERA steering columns were Triumph Spitfire jobs. I don't know if the new ones that ERA makes are clones of the old Spitfires or are something different, as mine is the only one I've ever really looked at, to tell you the truth, and the ERA columns have the hubs built in, I believe (QRs obviously being optional). Before I spent the $150 on that piece I'd have a heart to heart chat with Bob P. and find out if it will work with the wheel you want and the steering wheel center button that you want.

[RICK LAKE]

lippy Somestates don't allow removeable steering wheels. State inspection office needs to be called. I know in NJ it's a problem. The issue is spearing of the driver in an accident. If you have your 5 point selt belts on right, no problem with this but if you are running just a lap belt,. I cracked my sterman from a CJ5. Almost same setup, I did bend the steering wheel in half and cracked 3 ribs to boot. Being drunk saved my life. Been dry for 36 years and yes I saw the light. Good luck Ps other side note, I love the look of the wooded steering wheel but at times it gets slick when your hand sweat. Normal driving it's OK. Rick L.

[strictlypersonl]

Our new columns have a Mustang II spline into the hub. (Try to find a broach for the Triumph spline...)

Our setup is more complicated (and expensive) because we wanted the addition to be almost invisible compared to our visually-accurate original design. We were also able to include a self-cancelling feature. We really like to keep the overall design looking and working "like a real car".

[*13*]

If it's completely invisible how would state inspection know it was removable?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by *13*

If it's completely invisible how would state inspection know it was removable?

They wouldn't. The only way an inspector is going to spot this QR is if he's specifically familiar with ERA steering columns and Bob's QR design and he goes looking for exactly that piece. Now, on the one in a billion chance that happens, then you just buy a $75 Mustang II wheel on Ebay and put it on, temporarily of course, with one big-ass bolt and washer and then thank the inspector for pointing out your deficiency and for being so thorough during the safety inspection.

[strictlypersonl]

Just to be more clear, the spline is the same as a Mustang II steering gear pinion input. Their steering wheel might not be the same.

[DanEC]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

Our new columns have a Mustang II spline into the hub. (Try to find a broach for the Triumph spline...)

Our setup is more complicated (and expensive) because we wanted the addition to be almost invisible compared to our visually-accurate original design. We were also able to include a self-cancelling feature. We really like to keep the overall design looking and working "like a real car".

Bob - is the removable set up adaptable in any way to the regular column or is it essentially a completely different column, hub, etc? I'm sure the inner shaft and of course the wheel are changed out but does the steering shaft housing and hub have to be changed out also? I'm pretty slim so I probably won't need one when ever I managed to get mine complete - but I'm not exactly young anymore either.

[strictlypersonl]

It's pretty much a complete redesign. I suppose you could modify what you have but it's a losing proposition. The hub must be hollowed out. In the process, the exterior is going to take a beating from the lathe jaws, plus you'll need new powdercoat. About the only thing that isn't changed is the column housing.

[PDUB]

Here is another potential option...

http://sterlingreplicars.com/content...d-product.html

It is what I have, and it works great!