Steering wheel adapter

[DonsMG]

I am nearing completion of a Fiberfab Ford kit. After installing the seats I find that the steering wheel is too close for comfort. I’m hoping to find a different steering wheel adapter or modify the one that came with the kit. If not I will be on a diet this winter.

I have been looking through the photo gallery and have seen adapters that put the steering wheel a couple inches closer to the dash.

I am including a picture of the setup I have now. Any suggestions?

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[ray10]

I was Just wondering if you could flip it over ?

TDREPLICA Map

http://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=7f9174ad614e43b680deba085b0abf48

[edward ericson]

You should be able to do better, Don. I’d say 2-3 inches less column is possible.

This is a “classic” (3-bolt) Grant to a Ford Pinto/ Mustang II column, right?

This ebay listing looked promising until I realized that the photo is the same as my VW adapter. I think it’s mislabeled. But something like this must exist for your column.

edsnova40820.3230555556

[Paul Mossberg]

On of these has got to be the right one for you…give Grant a call and tell them what you have.

http://www.grantproducts.com/products/browse/installation-ki ts/automotive/

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Bill Gould]

I have no suggestions on your steering wheel situation, but I do have a question about your dash: How did you manage those labels on your switches? Very slick! 

1981 Lafer TI
1600 cc Type 1 engine

[DonsMG]

Paul, I checked out the Grant website and it looks like they may have what I need. I will give them a call.

Bill, I bought a Dash Decal Set Self Adheasive OEM Style CMC SSK/TD from MG Magic Inc. for $8.95. They went on very easy and look great.

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[Bill Gould]

Thanks, Don. I’ll check that out right now!

1981 Lafer TI
1600 cc Type 1 engine

[DonsMG]

I found what I needed on the Grant website and gave them a call. They confirmed that a standard installation kit for Ford (3249) plus their One Inch Reducer Kit (4001) to bolt up to my 5 bolt steering wheel is what I should order. Grant distributes through many auto parts stores. I ordered at my local Auto Zone and had the parts in two days.

I gained a precious 1 3/4″ of belly room . I have included a photo of the new set up.

Thanks for the suggestions,

Don

Don Loveless
Ford Pinto Fiberfab
Rochester, MI

[Dan Rosa]

 LOOKS BETTER  Dan

[edward ericson]

THAT’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout.

[Paul Mossberg]

Glad we could help!

A double win, more room…and it looks much better too!

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Anonymous]

It looks good. 

[wingsman]

Don,

Thanks for the post I was just having the same issue and your thread saved me a ton of headache. I just ordered my part and can’t wait to move that steering wheel closer to the dash.

Thanks again,
Burnie

[Gregg Strain]

I had a similar problem with my VW adapter.  I took it to a machine shop and they shortened it by two inches. Cost was $20. I also changed to the VW van turn signal assembly because the stalk sticks out straight and is not angled like other models. I felt the switch was going be too close to the wheel and I would hit it while turning.

its all good! Gregg

[secretagentcat]

I didn’t like the way my VW Column looked all together, so I took it out and put all the electrical on the dash. I replaced the column with a steering rod and had a welder custom weld a release bolt just above the Crash Basket. Now it’s just a chrome rod that is mounted through a steering mount I bought from Socal Speed Shop! It works like a charm and looks nice. It’s much closer to the dash and I added a flat Banjo style wheel from Forever Sharp!

[wingsman]

Don,

I installed the shorter adapter on mine and it really helped. On a side note I cut the turn signal lever off shorter and made a new knob for the end. The wood wheel is a smaller diameter than the stock wheel was and with the wheel closer I kept banging my knuckles on the level when turning. Works great now and look better too.

Thanks again,

Burnie

[billnparts]

The short tilt wheel release lever found on older car columns fits as a turn signal lever. No modification required.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

[Bob Sturtevant]

I need a steering column.

Did anyone use an Ididit shorty tilt steering column?

[secretagentcat]

Hey Gang

I still like my steering column renovation…Just like I previously wrote, I took out the old VW steering column and traded it for a steering rod. All the electric gets moved to the dash! It looks much more authentic and I have all the room me and my ageing pot belly need! LOL!

I could’ve run the shaft all the way to the steering box but I had the original “Crumple Fitting” from the column so I had it welded into the steering rod…Just in case I’m in an accident and my chest goes into the steering wheel…I’ve heard of people dying from a steering column that wouldn’t collapse…Just something to keep in mind while you’re working on the project…

I don’t chime in often but I value every member here…

Be Safe…And Build Safe!!!

Remember…SAFETY FAST!!!

[Author]

Posts