Restoring 240Z Steering Wheels

[bpilati]

1970 Dashboard

Original Dashboard & Steering Wheel - the correct steering wheel for the 1970 240Z did not have the cut-outs in the spokes. The center was painted a semi gloss black and the faux wood rim was also a semi gloss. There is the mysterious indent above the hazard switch, and the speedo zeroes at 20 mph. Note the AM radio in the center console and the flip up door to the fusebox. The 4 speed's shift knob is genuine wood. The slot next to the choke was for cars equipped with a throttle control. :cheeky:

[Bambikiller240]

He was the interior designer - I think you are correct Carl. I seem to remember Kats saying that it was a very new process and something the team was proud of. Real wood combined with "fake wood" (resin, plastic whatever) on the outside.

That's what I remember, who wants to find the thread!

Yes Alfa, That is what I remembered also.

Thanks to MikeW (aka Super Sleuth) for finding the thread.

Quoting from the thread:

"By the way, Mr.MATSUO told me steering wheel is made of wood and plastic. I saw this topic on the web before,"real wood or plastic?" He said this technology was a very special of another japanese company, they use real wood over the metal core and pooring lickid plastic then pressed with very strong forece. So the steering wheel is made of real wood,but same time made of plastic.

[hls30.com]

Thanks MikeW!

Ok we know the materials are right.

Will

[240 in OZ]

The mysterious cutout above the hazard light switch in the dash is for the optional driving light operation switch.

FWIW

Joseph

[bpilati]

Yes, and I've never been able to find one. Tried Canada, thinking they got one, but apparently not. Maybe Europe got the option.

:mad:

[240 in OZ]

Ive only seen two cars here in Australia that had them fitted as factory option and both were early series 1 cars (ie vents in rear hatch etc).

There is a good discussion thread somewhere on it, with pictures posted. I think Wick glosses over it in his HTR book as well.

Regards

Joseph

[bpilati]

I'd love to have one of those switches for my 71 because it would look great with driving/fog lights.

[Z Babe]

I don't mean to resurrect a dead thread, but just to clarify about the "wood" steering wheel, according to Sport Z Magazine's Fall 2001 issue, it's not wood, it's polymer.

BTW, I restained mine with MinWax (stain and polyurethane combined in 1) Bombay Mahogany Satin - looks really nice!

[26th-Z]

The stock North American export steering wheel is compressed wood fiber in a resin base. The correct answer is "both".

[Bambikiller240]

You tell 'em Chris! We got it straight from the Chief Designer's (Mr. Matsuo) mouth! SportZ got it wrong.