Steering wheel question

[tweetdriver63]

Anybody: I have a line on a replacement GM airbag steering wheel, cheap. My OEM wheel is in bad shape, and one option I have is one from a 1990 Corvette. Standard GM splines, etc, so I think it should work.

That's not the question I have though. The problem relates to the fact that where our wheel has "Lotus" embossed on the airbag, this one has "Corvette." Can that part of the wheel be re-covered so it doesn't say Corvette on it?

The one I have available looks like the pic below. Marginally better than our OEM airbag wheel, I think.

[TheBard]

Hi Chris,

I'd expect the 'Corvette' branding to be part of the airbag and charge component, and therefore you'd probably be stuck with it, since replacement would mean replacing the airbag module. There is a chance that the replacement airbag module is unbranded, but that'd be pricey too. Please remember I've no actual evidence of this, just a best guess!

Looks like the horn buttons would work a lot better than the do on the stock Fed wheel, let me know how it turns out mate!

Cheers,

Ian

[tweetdriver63]

I'm hoping I can cover the airbag module with something, alcantara, etc, without impeding the airbag's function. Maybe I can fill in the depressions of the corvette letters with something, paintable silicon caulk maybe, then paint the module.Surely there's some way to cover it up.

[BFG in the BRG]

I would be a bit scared at doing anything with the airbag or it's surround. The initiator they use is a substance called Sodium Azide which is basically an explosive - it has to be to inflate the bag fast enough. They originally wanted to use TNT but decided not to because it didn't burn fast enough!

There are also capacitors in the system which are designed to hold a charge and actuate the bag in the event of a battery disconnection early on in an accident. If you do anything on the airbag ensure the following
1) Don't use any heat sources
2) Disconnect the battery at least 2 hours before working on it
3) don't use anything which can create sparks

The more I think about it - actually - don't go there. If you do put anything over the top of the mechanism - bear in mind it may well become a projectile if the bag actuates.

[klassykappa]

Hey Chris,

Before I modified my wheel with a non airbag one, i got a replacement pontiac firebird airbag from a 91. I threw it away. I should have saved it and given it to you. Anyway. It often bothered me that it said PONTIAC on it. People thought I had a kit car. You can get it covered but it may stop the airbag from functioning properly. You can get one from an esprit because it will say Lotus but the cheapest bet is to fill it in and color match spray the airbag. The final option is an elise steering wheel, momo adapter to nardi connector but that gets pricey. So, get some puddy, fill'er in and get'er sprayed! Good luck!

[tweetdriver63]

Hey Chris,

Before I modified my wheel with a non airbag one, i got a replacement pontiac firebird airbag from a 91. I threw it away. I should have saved it and given it to you. Anyway. It often bothered me that it said PONTIAC on it. People thought I had a kit car. You can get it covered but it may stop the airbag from functioning properly. You can get one from an esprit because it will say Lotus but the cheapest bet is to fill it in and color match spray the airbag. The final option is an elise steering wheel, momo adapter to nardi connector but that gets pricey. So, get some puddy, fill'er in and get'er sprayed! Good luck!

If I go with the Vette wheel, that's what I'm going to do. I'm still trying to get the guy to send me a picture of the back of the Momo Evo wheel, but he says it doesn't have a bolt pattern, that the hub is built into the wheel. Whatever that means.

[donsladek]

Is the 'vette wheel leather? I'm fed up with the vinyl crap on the stock fed wheel, it gets sticky when warm!

The Elise wheel might be the way to go...

Don Sladek

[tweetdriver63]

Is the 'vette wheel leather? I'm fed up with the vinyl crap on the stock fed wheel, it gets sticky when warm!

The Elise wheel might be the way to go...

Don Sladek

Yeah, the Vette wheel's leather. i'd love an Elise airbag wheel, but hard to find, and ka-ching!!

[donsladek]

I'm thinking of having the vinyl on my Fed wheel replaced with leather - this route retains the airbag system.

I purchased a '90-'92 Camaro wheel off of fleabay to install while I had my wheel out for recovering, but I discovered that the Camaro splined shaft has a larger diameter than the Elan wheel. I guess this dispels the idea of using a Camaro/Firebird steering wheel adapter on the Fed cars.

Lotus wheel hub 3.jpg

Camaro-Firebird wheel hub.jpg

Don Sladek