I'm joining the CSP shifter club

I just ordered a CSP shifter for my IM. I ordered mine from Cip1-figured I'd better order before the 15% sale ended.
Next on my extensive list is a Nardi wood steering wheel. I figure 360 mm should be about right.
For long range cruising four things have to be right: proper steering wheel (and size), a great shifter, proper pedals, and a great driver's seat. With the CSP shifter and Nardi wheel I'll be half way there!
Ron

Ron, let me put in a plug for my friend Mike Lempert. I replaced my Nardi with a wheel that Mike made (he let me help) and I much prefer it. Not only did I get to pick the style, wood, and finish, but it feels much better to me than the Nardi. It's slightly larger, but the drop-spoke design I chose does not block the gauges. Just a thought...

Oh yeah... His prices are about the same as the Nardi as well. For that you get a custom wheel to your specs. Not too shabby. Google "lempert wheels".

Lane, his steering wheels are works of art!
Ron

wrt to those freakin' pedals, seems to me not too many folks care about them. Having driven a real 356 or two quite afew miles, I notice quite a difference between the way they have the pedals arranged and the silly VW cluster. I think a builder (SAS??) makes a concerted effort to put in decent pedals properly spaced. What are the options here, I wonder.

PS: I have the csp shifter now in my Speedster, and it is REALLY a big improvement -- snick-snick quick. I also have the Nardi wheel, and think it is perfect. I'll have to take a closer look at Lane's st. wheel next chance I get (Carlisle '10), and see what has him so hot and bothered.

I like the custom aspect and knowing the person who did the work. The wheel also has more pronounced finger indentations and a less plastic-feeling finish, so it seems easier to hold onto. I found that my fingers sweated and made the Nardi I had feel awfully slippery. And the down-sloped spokes on mine not only make it easy to see the gauges, but they provide a more comfortable rest for my hands - at least to me. It's all a matter of personal preference, but Mike can make just about any style you want.

Kelly, what diameter is your Nardi?
Lane, do your thighs or knees ever make contact with your wheel?
Ron

No more than they did with the Nardi, which was rare. I went from a 14" Nardi to a 14.5" Lempert (that's his smallest size). Mike's wheels are not dished, so it is slightly closer to the dash.

The pics below give a pretty good idea of what it looks like. The rivets and visible aluminum on the outside are all your choice, as is the type of wood and its finish. Heck, the spoke design and whether or not you want it "engine turned" is also your choice. Give him a call and tell him I sent you. I'll probably see him this weekend anyway.

Ron - Lane's knees are always on the steering wheel, when he's shaving and the cell phone rings (or was that putting on makeup?).
BBWWWAAAhhhhh!

Lane, I have to admit that I REALLY like Mike's Sprite/Midget small hub Derrigton style wheel!
What center hub did you use to mount your wheel?
Ron

David-Was once in my old Westfalia heading westbound 10 towards LA, girl(?) in small Honda passes me; 1 leg hiked up on steering wheel, short skirt and no blouse (black bra)-was doing up her eye make up.
Question: Lane, you ever live in the San Gabriel valley (eastern LA county)?

Ron - I used the Nardi hub that came with my first wheel. BTW, he's done some things with oiled teak lately that I reeeeeealy like.

Scott - Erm... I'll never tell.

FWIW-I tried like hell to catch up but the Westy just couldn't get it-you looked good though, I must admit!

The Nardi. I see now what Lane means about his clear view to the gauges. Very nice. My Nardi works OK in that regard, I think.

Radius is 7" I guess that means the diameter is 14".