Custom Fitting Sports Steering Wheel
My latest mod to my Zephyr has been a sports steering wheel
and gear change cover refit. I looked around for a while and found the
wheel I was after on E Bay, just an ordinary sports wheel with no
boss kit, but at the right price. So I knew I had to do a bit of work to
get it fitting right.
First I cut the spokes of the original steering wheel (gasp
I hear!) then shaped the hub by filling and sanding it into a
perfect round hub. I drilled six holes (two in the factory cross
bar), through the hub to align with the steering wheel mounting holes.
Six stainless steel bolts were then installed through the back
of the finished hub.
After refitting the completed hub to the steering
shaft, I fitted up the sports steering wheel. Then I bolted down the horn
button crown with the domed nuts and it was finished.
I removed the lower gear change arms at the base of
the column, and then cut off the gear change tube. The top gear change
cover I filled with mesh and filler then sanded it back to a smooth finish.
Then I painted the upper and lower covers to match the rest of the
interior. After drilling a couple of holes through the top cover to
place my tacho in a visible position, I was all done.
It sounds easy but it took me 2 weeks of night
work to get it right.
Note: The mileage is correct on the speedo, 84,000 it's
just getting run in, he he. The gear change I put in (from a early 60-65
Ford Falcon) is faultless; I never miss a gear change.
Cheers,
Graeme Rogers.
Disclaimer: The advice and guidelines given in these
articles are given in good faith. The owners and managers of the Galeforce
Zephyr site will take no responsibility for any injuries or
loss sustained while carrying out the described tasks and procedures or
any consequences arising. Please read the Safety First Article