Steering wheels; leather wrap...

[SteveInOakland]

I wish I could keep my original wheel as-is, but I just don't enjoy steering with that thin wheel. Spoiled by various (thick) Momos and newer OEM wheels.

Someplace, maybe Too Intense, lists a leather wrap that they say is somehow custom for the Z wheel. Is anybody using it?

What about after-market wood wheels? There are some terrific-looking Nardi wheels available (thicker). But the spokes don't have the receding, dished shape found on the Z wheel. So I wonder if it would end up too far from the driver? Or maybe the hub for those wheels is deeper.

Thanks for any ideas,

Steve

1973 240Z

[2-4-T-Z-MAN]

I found a nice mahogany wheel at Advanced Auto Parts. It's made by Grant and the hub places it in a nice comfort area.

[v12horse]

I have been in a car with a Nardi steering wheel and it is not too far from the driver. They look beautiful and they are very popular for Z's in Japan and among many enthusiasts. A friend of mine has a Nardi in his car and he absolutely loves it. I think they are really a classic design as well, however, I prefer the leather wrapped Nardi Classic. Good luck on your search.

You could try to find a Datsun Competition steering wheel on yahoo japan auctions. They are basically impossible to find in the states, so you would have to talk with a member from Japan to get a hold of one. It is well worth the effort if you do. I have one in my car and it is a little thicker than stock, slightly smaller in diameter, but not as deep as a standard steering wheel. I love it.

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=14510&cat=3117

- Ben

[Arne]

You might also look into a Wheelskins brand leather cover. They are semi-custom fit by the diameter of the wheel and of the grip. I used one years ago on the factory (very skinny) rim of my MGB wheel, and it was a nice improvement. Makes the grip a bit bigger without any permanent modifications.

[Z Excellence]

check out american-stitches.com, they will fatten up your old wheel and make it like new or even better.

[montoya_fan01]

You might also look into a Wheelskins brand leather cover. They are semi-custom fit by the diameter of the wheel and of the grip. I used one years ago on the factory (very skinny) rim of my MGB wheel, and it was a nice improvement. Makes the grip a bit bigger without any permanent modifications.

I bought one of these from MSA a few years ago. It was easy to install, adds a fair amount of thickness (and comfort) to the wheel. Price was reasonable (and cheaper than a new steering wheel) too.

[jmark]

I have been in a car with a Nardi steering wheel and it is not too far from the driver. They look beautiful and they are very popular for Z's in Japan and among many enthusiasts. A friend of mine has a Nardi in his car and he absolutely loves it. I think they are really a classic design as well, however, I prefer the leather wrapped Nardi Classic. Good luck on your search.

You could try to find a Datsun Competition steering wheel on yahoo japan auctions. They are basically impossible to find in the states, so you would have to talk with a member from Japan to get a hold of one. It is well worth the effort if you do. I have one in my car and it is a little thicker than stock, slightly smaller in diameter, but not as deep as a standard steering wheel. I love it.

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=14510&cat=3117

- Ben

Anybody got any connections for picking up a Datsun Comp steering wheel?

[Jeff G 78]

If you do go the wheelskins route, make sure you get the single seam model. They make a three seam model that is not nearly as thick and isn't worth using IMHO. The single seam version is actually very nice and has a good feel. Make sure you wear VERY heavy leather gloves when installing it, as the lacing will tear up your hands.

[Pop's Z]

I called them to re-do a 75 280 Z wheel. Their quote was $300. I thought that was a bit much and ordered a Wheelskin from MSA. Very satisfied with the outcome and I second the heavy gloves use to install...the thread will tear your hands up.