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Many of you are likely aware of these, but in case some are not…
You can get aftermarket Quick Steering Kits for VWs that essentially extend the length of the pittman arm on the steering box, making the steering respond much quicker to steering wheel movement. It essentially reduces the steering wheel movement required by about 1 full turn.This may be of interest to some of you who want to use 15″ or larger steering wheels to retain a more authentic look, yet not want to have the steering feel like a truck where you have to really crank the steering to get the front tires to move. They come in two different versions because VW changed the size of the tierod ends in 1969:Installation is quite simple — just unbolt the tierod ends from the steering box, bolt this on, and bolt the tierods back on to the new holes. Note that the length of each tierod will need to changed and consequently you’ll need the front end aligned to set the toe-in back to where it should be….A few notes:1. Though these are labelled for offroad use only (due to not being NHTA or SEMA certified), I’ve used them on several street cars with no problems — even passing state inspections. If you have state inspections, you may want to paint it black so the modification doesn’t catch someone’s eye…2. Make sure that you use high grade bolts, lock washers and Locktite to bolt them on. Then check them for tightness after driving for a while — you certainly don’t want a bolt to come loose…3. Though I’ve used them with small steering wheels (13.5″), they may not work to your liking in that situation because the effort required to turn the steering wheel when sitting goes up significantly… They work great with 15″ or the larger factory steering wheels make the responsiveness similar to using the small steering wheels. Because of how they mount, there shouldn’t be a problem using them on a TDr at all.4. Because these increase the distance that the tierods move, it may now be possible to turn the steering wheel far enough for the tires to rub the inside of the fenders or fender wells. Experiment and adapt your driving accordingly…I’ve purchased a FS 15″ Euro style wheel for my TDr (thanks Roy for all the pics and test fits!) to replace the old Grant Challenger-style 13.5″, and may end up adding one of these — that’s why I went researching them to make sure they’re still available…KentT 2013-12-09 15:32:59 Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...Kent, I also am looking at the FS 15″ steering wheel. Please post a pic when you get yours and let us know how it works from the driver’s clearance,turning, etc. perspective. Thanks.
Sam
juneybug wrote:why do you think they post off road use only?Pure CYA to avoid lawsuits. These aftermarket parts haven’t been tested and certified by the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) nor were they a part of the stock vehicle originally tested by the federal government…It’s easier for them to post this disclaimer, and let the buyer beware, rather than pay for the testing or risk the lawsuits.Most engine performance parts use a similar disclaimer if being sold in an area where there’s smog testing for example.Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...Sam,Here’s a couple pics of it temporarily installed just to test the fit. It’s been too cold to do anything out there…This is a 15″ Euro-style, blemished, that I ordered during their Cyber Monday sale. I don’t think the 15″ looks too large — in fact it looks more appropriate than the 13.5″ it replaces… the rivets help give it the vintage look, IMO.
Came with the adapter kit and center cap/horn button for $70 or so, delivered. This shows the fit with the 1″ thick 3-bolt to 5-bolt hub adapter, instead of the much deeper VW hub adapter. I already had a Grant 3-bolt adapter, as shown. Gives about 1″ clearance above the turn signal switch…
Overall, I’m quite impressed with the quality — even on this blemished wheel. There’s a bit of irregular chroming on the side of one spoke, that isn’t even noticeable unless you’re looking for it… Given the overall condition of my car, this is so nice that it will look out of place… 🙂
I’ll permanently install it after cleaning and repainting the steering shaft, etc. come warmer weather…EDIT: I just checked, and I paid $66.49 (including shipping, adapter and horn button) for this on the Cyber Monday sale. At that price, I’m a happy camper…KentT2013-12-13 06:44:45
Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...Kent, I agree that the 15″ looks a little better than the 13.5 wheel and I really like the looks of the wheel with the rivets. One more question, what is the actual diameter of the wheel? I know some are listed as 15″ but are actually 14+” so just interested in what the actual dia. is. Thanks.
Sam
Sam, it’s 15″ from outside edge to outside edge.
Note that these FS wheels are pretty “fat” — as Roy noted. I think the grips are thicker than most I’ve seen — about the same size as the foam grips on the Challenger that was on there…KentT2013-12-12 18:08:29
Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...That’s a nice wheel. I like it. Notice you’ve got a VW Speedo in the dash too. If you want to put a close-sized tach in there, Classic Instruments makes one that’s about 4.75 inches.
Question: is your steering column in upside-down?edsnova wrote:That’s a nice wheel. I like it. Notice you’ve got a VW Speedo in the dash too. If you want to put a close-sized tach in there, Classic Instruments makes one that’s about 4.75 inches.Question: is your steering column in upside-down?I’ll have to check that tach out — thanks! Yes, the builder flipped the steering column, putting the ignition on the left and turn signals on the right. So far, I’ve discovered no clue why! Haven’t checked that out yet to see how easy it would be to flip it back, or whatever…Just one of many weird things about this build..Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...
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