TR2/3/3A Looking for info on adjustable steering wheel - Does a Healy wheel fit?

[Lbp]

I saw an ebay listing for an adjustable steering wheel for a '57-'67 Austin Healy that looks just like the one in my '58 TR3A. I've been looking for a replacement for a year and have come up empty. Does anyone know if the Healy version fits the TR3?

Thanks, Bill

 

[angelfj1]

I saw an ebay listing for an adjustable steering wheel for a '57-'67 Austin Healy that looks just like the one in my '58 TR3A. I've been looking for a replacement for a year and have come up empty. Does anyone know if the Healy version fits the TR3?

Thanks, Bill

Bill: Unfortunately no. At first they do look similar. But that's because they were both made by Bluemels. Although Bluemels manufactured all of the TR and BMC wheels of that era, there are many variations. The TR and AH adjustable wheels have different hubs. The TR turn signal and horn do not fit. Also the steering shafts are different with different splines.

Cheers, Frankeaceful:

 

[dklawson]

I must show my ignorance. What is an adjustable steering wheel? How does it adjust?

 

[charleyf]

Bill,
Have you considered trying to rebuild the steering wheel that you have? I did a rebuild on one a number of years ago and then found a new one at that time. I had to weld the spokes back onto where they had broken off and then used black epoxy to replace the missing material. I thought at the time that it came out looking good. But I did replace it later when I saw a new one (more than 15 years ago). I would also guess that there are businesses that will rebuild your wheel for you.
Charley

 

[Geo Hahn]

I must show my ignorance. What is an adjustable steering wheel? How does it adjust?

Some TR3s had a steering wheel that could adjust fore & aft.

Popular comment was that they could be adjusted through the full range of 'too close' all the way to 'much too close'.

The most noticeable difference to the casual observer was that the standard wheel had 3 sets of spokes and the adjustable had 4.

 

[dklawson]

Thanks for the explanation. I guess Standard/Triumph was ahead of the times with that option.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Some TR3s had a steering wheel that could adjust fore & aft.

Popular comment was that they could be adjusted through the full range of 'too close' all the way to 'much too close'.

The most noticeable difference to the casual observer was that the standard wheel had 3 sets of spokes and the adjustable had 4.

I thought they both had three sets, but set at different angles...

 

[Geo Hahn]

I thought they both had three sets, but set at different angles...

Oops -- you are quite correct. The standard was a sort of a droopy T and the adjustable arranged like a Y.

 

[Lbp]

One of the twleve spokes (three sets of four) is broken near the center hub. The wheel feels quite flimsy, like I could easily break it off if I pushed or pulled too hard. I suspect it feels this way even with all twelve spokes intact, but I'd feel better if this were replaced - I don't see how it can be repaired without either leaving an ugly scar or completely rebuilding the wheel and replacing the entire spoke.

Bill

 

[Scotsman]

I also have an telescopic/adjustable steering wheel assembly on my TR3. My understanding is that the grips on these wheels were made of a different material than the standard ones and were prone to breaking. The metal inner ring in my grip broke and came apart as I was driving. Scary!

I plan to have the wheel rebuilt (https://www.pearlcraft.com.au/welcome.htm) but in the mean time I have replaced it with a period correct 15" Moss brand "Touring Wheel" (489-080). You will also have to get a new adjustable Moto Lita hub, also supplied by Moss. (sorry I dont have the part number)

Note:
-The Moss brand of adjustable hub does not accomodate the TR3 horn assembly. The set screws that secure the horn assembly in place do not fit over the metal disc that slides into the stator tube. I learnt this the hard way as they shipped me the wrong one, and I spent quite a few hours taking it on and off (not fun if you have ever tried this) before calling Moss and speaking to a technician. The hole in the steering wheel is also fractionally too small to fit onto the hub and had to be enlarged with a file. No big deal.
-The adjustable hub is secured inplace on the steering column by two bolts rather than a collar as on the original wheel. Also no big deal as once installed I have not needed to readjust (see picture)
-If you get too large of a steering wheel the grip may be closer to the dash than you are comfortable with, as when fully pushed away it is 2" closer to the dash. I think 15" is ideal. A little smaller than the original but still big enough to pull the wheel around. Attached are two pictures of the set up. Hope this helps