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Swapping steering wheel

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C

clyderedmond

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I would like to replace the stock steering wheel on my 1978 MGB with a sportier looking one. Has anyone here done this? Any special tools required? Any special cautions? I'd be glad to have any feedback.
Thanks,
Mike
 
Check Moss (and our own Tony Barnhill) -- they've got some nice bolt-on options. The Moto-Lita and Tourist Trophy have nice ratings around here, and are nice looking. Tony can get you deals...
 
First step will be to find a second set of hands. Loosen the center nut holding the wheel in place and undo it 'till the near face of the nut and the column shaft are flush with one-another (This is so you don't get a face-full of steering wheel as you follow the next step). Sit in the drivers' seat, place your knees behind the wheel and right hand at a 12 o'clock position. With equal force pulling the wheel back have the second set of hands strike the center of the nut/column sharply with a *BRASS* hammer. Should have it off with the first or second blow. Be aware: you do NOT want to use any steel BFH. That will trash the threads or the column itself.

A puller to do the job may be available at a local "Auto Zone" for rent at a reasonable fee... That would be the "better way".
 
I can get the Tourist Trophy in about 4 or 5 days - only have one on the shelf & its promised to a ocal club member...pm me & we can discuss
 
Yep - I ordered it y'day also
 
Is it tougher to steer with a smaller wheel?
 
Nope, you don't even notice the difference between a 15" & a 14"...I'm slowly putting 14"-ers on all my cars!

Nice thing about a TT wheel is that, while the wheel itself is in the exact same place as the OE wheel, because its dished differently on the rear side, there's more room between your hands & the stalk switches so you're not constantly hitting them under hard driving conditions...plus, that inch difference in circumference is more space between the wheel & your legs.
 
Or belly, whoops who said that.

Also makes it easer for old folks to get in the car.
 
I've got a 14" Personal in the GT and a spare I might put in the Roadster.
 
I know that Personal wheel quite well. The one I have is now on its third MGB. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif
 
Ah yes I remember. When I first got the GT I was missing some center pieces and you sent me some pics. I've rebuilt it but since then have come across several wheels and centers. The one I just picked up is NOS and will go on the GT. The GT wheel will then go on the roadster.
 
Tony,
The steering wheel arrived 5 minutes ago. Wow!!!Beautiful piece - I am almost tempted to frame it and put it on a wall. Seriously though, it looks great and for a guy who didn't have one in stock it got here in very good time. Only thing I noticed is that there are no mounting instructions, but it appears to be simple enough. Unfortunately, my experience is that things always look easier to do than they actually are so if you or any others have any advice or guidance, I would appreciate it.

Cheers,
Mike
(P.S. Thanks for the cap!)
 
Mike - yep, I love those Tourist Trophy's - post a photo when you get it installed....pretty simple: attach the hub to the wheel using the little bolts they provide then out the wheel on the steering column...nonly thing you might need to make sure of is that your 'spokes' line up level when car is pointed straight

& I don't know why there's no instructions.
 
Thanks, Tony.
No instructions seems to be fairly SOP with anything I have ever bought from Moss Motors. I guess they figure everyone they sell to is experienced.

-Mike
 
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