Steering wheel fitment

[slim]

I found out the hard way that the 2401 adapter does not work. Its too big in diameter for the hub. I measured the steering wheel diameter (the part that fits over the hub) and it seems to be almost exactly 5/8" in diameter. The 2401 adapter is at least another 1/16" in bigger. Drat. I ordered mine from LTB motorsports and they said they never have carried the 4603 adapter. So, I have to try other alternatives.

Scott

[donsladek]

Slim,

This might work for you, they don't list the MOMO part number, but it is for Isuzu:

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOMO-Steering-Wheel-Hub-Adapter-Kit-

Don Sladek

[Elanlover]

Hi folks, I'm late to the party on this one but I'm considering swapping out the old wheel for a newer, airbag equipped one. Is the Raid the likely option for this feat? I haven't been able to locate much in the way of airbag equipped wheels.

Sounds expensive to replace but, if I did it, I'd probably look to see if one had stereo controls on the wheel as well. Anyone come across something like that? Thanks!

[Don.Hasi]

Sorry it took so long to get back to the list but as promised here's the shot from the drivers position.

Marie: Thank you for your picture with the driverview. No I have an elise-wheel beside me So the last question: How have you darkened (?) the middlefoam?

Kind regards

[lotusgirlmarie]

I covered it in charcoal grey leather. The whole rubber center cover just wasn't doing it for me. I put a similar wheel in Kjeld's car a few weeks ago. He ended up covering his in red leather. I must admitt it is a great upgrade to the Elan's intereior. The HUGE Pontiac steering wheel was just not working.

[Enright]

I'm feeling pretty chuffed because I've just won a beauty on eBay - take a look at THIS!
How cool is that going to look in my Pacific Blue Elan!

But will it take some special boss or something to adapt it to fit the Elan's steering column?

Also can anyone tell me if their old one was tough to remove, and if the difference in diameter between old and new makes the steering feel wierd?

Thanks.

[lotusgirlmarie]

I love my wheel and would never go back to the huge truck wheel that came with the car. I think Kjeld would agree being the only other Elan with an Elise wheel at the Mo..... I think.

[lotusgirlmarie]

+ on the Fed cars its gust one less GM part and one more actual Lotus part.

[John_W]

Neil,
Looks good. I hope you can get it fitted without too much trouble.
John

[Enright]

Yes, not much trouble at all in fact - apart from the usual headache of getting the bloody wheel off in the first place, and even that wasn't too bad thanks to the invaluable instructions HERE.

The boss which is attached by four very short allen head bolts to the original wheel simply unbolted from it, and then bolted straight to the new wheel. I had to use slightly longer bolts and some nyloc nuts.

Then the only thing left to do was to make an earth lead from one of the bolts to the spare terminal on the horn switch.

The new wheel seemed a little smaller. It was - by a good couple of inches.
So you have the choice of moving the column so that the indicator stalk blocks your view of the clock, or the top of the wheel obscures from about 3 to 5k on the rev counter.

On the move it feels great - a little bit more kart-like but not at all heavy or twitchy.

And as for the looks, I couldn't be happier.
The old wheel always looked a bit "down in the mouth and dismal" with it's droopy side spokes.
This is far more inkeeping.

All-in-all, a recommended low maintenance mod.

[lotusgirlmarie]

WOOOOO HAAAAAA!!!!!!! Now Thats the Mod!!! Three and counting for the Elise wheel!! Yours was sooo much easier to install than on a Fed car. I'm jealous!! ....and red carpets..... Ooooooooooo

[Ekapol]

And as for the looks, I couldn't be happier.

Hey Neil. Looking very pretty there

[Enright]

Thanks Marie and Ekapol.

I'm still getting used to it and have come to the conclusion that it IS noticeably heavier, but it's not a problem.
And hey, a bit of a workout doesn't hurt!

It seems as though they're not so difficult to get hold of after all - this one went for £79 (ha, more than mine!), and here's a slightly more discreet one for the shyer characters out there...

[RichardK]

Love that wheel !! - My current stock interior definately needs something....getting used to the red carpets now but I think the "down in the mouth" steering wheel has to go.

In for a sneaky bid....

[paulwatkins]

I had to follow the lead of others I'm afraid

I've just installed a Nardi steering wheel from an S2 Elise. It looks like a slightly different design to yours Neil, but the principle of installation was the same. Didn't have to faff about with an earthing lead though

Simply remove the boss from the original wheel, fit it to the new wheel and refit it to the steering shaft. Simple.

I'm happy with the result, and should look even better by the time I change the gear shift knob (and shorten the shaft) and change the handbrake handle.

BTW the flash from the camera makes the shroud appear silver. It is infact a grey colour.

[dapinky]

Paul,

That's the same as the one i got in the post this week!!!!!

Having the centre bit trimmed in leather (Angie wants red, i think black may be more discreet, though - What think you?)

(Mine was a bargain £31 + postage )

[Enright]

Cor you did well Dave, mine was more than double that!

Looking good Paul.

I'll be interested to hear how you both find the feel of them.

[paulwatkins]

£31?!?!?! You did do well Dave! Mine was £60 +p&p

As for the colour, I think you'd just better get used to the idea of red. Convince yourself that red was your idea all along, then you wont mind so much!

Just a tip Dave. Before you actually put the nut on the spindle and tighten the wheel down, check for 12V on one of the horn leads. The 12V slip-ring on mine wasn't making contact properly with the lug (you'll see what I mean). I had to space it off a bit using a circular cardboard cutout.

Cheers, Paul

[lotusgirlmarie]

jiminey Cricket... I think I started a trend here along with Niel Did I not say that this wheel has a better fit and feel than the stocker????

[Elanlover]

I've just picked up a used (but in great shape) Elise, airbag equipped steering wheel and contact ring, short the airbag module. I'll source a new airbag module locally. I plan on working on this over the winter. At first glance, I believe that it will be possible to have a working airbag Elise wheel in the Elan, albeit with a few mods. The airbag looks to have only two contacts; ground and +ve. Will update as the project progresses.