Amazon: - Steering wheel : flat or dished?

riczito · Feb 13th, 2024, 08:30

Hi,
I'm looking into replacing my 121's steering wheel with something a little smaller, preferably wood-rimmed.

I quite like the look of the Luisi Montecarlo wheel. Luisi also do a hub that fits on the Amazon.

https://evilspeed.eu/products/luisi-...d-spokes-390mm

However, I think I read somewhere that if the wheel is flat, there's a risk of my hands constantly fouling the indicator stalk. Can anyone confirm?

123GT-AMAZON · Feb 13th, 2024, 10:51

Dished to clear switches

142 Guy · Feb 13th, 2024, 15:50

Based upon my experience with the Moto-lita steering wheel in my 142, you will want dished or a spacer under the hub. I didn't have a big problem hitting the turn signal stalk; but, I did repeatedly whack the OD switch stalk on my 140. The biggest problem was with my legs. Even though the Moto-Lita was smaller in diameter, the lack of dish compared to the OEM steering wheel meant that I had less clearance between the top of my legs and the bottom of the steering wheel. Clutch and brake operation required that my legs go out side ways to avoid hitting the wheel. I am 6' with a 33-34" inseam. If you are shorter that might not be an issue for you. A 1" spacer eliminated the stalk fouling and leg hitting the steering wheel problems so a 1- 1 1/2" dish would probably be a good idea. The dish also eliminates the vintage Italian arms straight out steering style which makes for a more relaxed drive.

When selecting steering wheel diameter, remember that smaller diameter = more steering effort. The large diameter steering wheel was Volvo's answer to no power steering assist. If you need to parallel park a really small steering wheel will be painful.

skysurfer · Feb 14th, 2024, 14:56

I bought a smaller diameter Motorlita wheel for my Amazon but found the steering just too heavy so switched back to the larger original. I do run wider Minilite type wheels on my car though which does increase the effort needed over the standard wheels.... .

Derek UK · Feb 14th, 2024, 22:32

15" is about as small as you can realistically go. Shallow dish is fine and should clear the switch levers. If you are very careful they will bend a bit but grip the stalk solidly on the column side before you try.

Feb 13th, 2024, 08:30	#1
riczito New Member Last Online: Apr 18th, 2024 15:06 Join Date: Dec 2023 Location: Bernay	Steering wheel : flat or dished? Hi, I'm looking into replacing my 121's steering wheel with something a little smaller, preferably wood-rimmed. I quite like the look of the Luisi Montecarlo wheel. Luisi also do a hub that fits on the Amazon. https://evilspeed.eu/products/luisi-...d-spokes-390mm However, I think I read somewhere that if the wheel is flat, there's a risk of my hands constantly fouling the indicator stalk. Can anyone confirm?

Feb 13th, 2024, 10:51	#2
123GT-AMAZON 1800necwinner Last Online: Yesterday 10:25 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: East Anglia ,Suffolk , uk	Dished to clear switches __________________ I grew up on classic volvos hence my passion for them born and breed into the lifestyle !

Feb 13th, 2024, 15:50	#3
142 Guy Master Member Last Online: Yesterday 15:46 Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada	Based upon my experience with the Moto-lita steering wheel in my 142, you will want dished or a spacer under the hub. I didn't have a big problem hitting the turn signal stalk; but, I did repeatedly whack the OD switch stalk on my 140. The biggest problem was with my legs. Even though the Moto-Lita was smaller in diameter, the lack of dish compared to the OEM steering wheel meant that I had less clearance between the top of my legs and the bottom of the steering wheel. Clutch and brake operation required that my legs go out side ways to avoid hitting the wheel. I am 6' with a 33-34" inseam. If you are shorter that might not be an issue for you. A 1" spacer eliminated the stalk fouling and leg hitting the steering wheel problems so a 1- 1 1/2" dish would probably be a good idea. The dish also eliminates the vintage Italian arms straight out steering style which makes for a more relaxed drive. When selecting steering wheel diameter, remember that smaller diameter = more steering effort. The large diameter steering wheel was Volvo's answer to no power steering assist. If you need to parallel park a really small steering wheel will be painful.

Feb 14th, 2024, 14:56	#4
skysurfer VOC Member Last Online: Apr 20th, 2024 16:36 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chichester	I bought a smaller diameter Motorlita wheel for my Amazon but found the steering just too heavy so switched back to the larger original. I do run wider Minilite type wheels on my car though which does increase the effort needed over the standard wheels.... .

Feb 14th, 2024, 22:32	#5
Derek UK VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 23:46 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chatham	15" is about as small as you can realistically go. Shallow dish is fine and should clear the switch levers. If you are very careful they will bend a bit but grip the stalk solidly on the column side before you try.

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