Steering Column Question

I would like to get rid of the NARDI wheel in my speedster. It is too small, I lose sight of my needles in the gauges, and I am just not a really big fan of the look. I am interested in going with the Flat-4 Banjo wheel. At the same time I would like to use an authentic looking turn indicator switch. Fibersteel has the entire set up available. I was told I would need to use the steering column from a '58-'67 car. Ok. Question: Will I need to get a steering box for the same year or can I use what I have?
Also, I am looking for a smaller ivory dash switch to mount for my heater fans. Any leads on where to get these? (look to the left of the dash in the attached image)

Paul

Paul,
NLA has those switched as well as the knobs and bezels. I got two of them for my 'dual ignition switches' on my dash. I think you'll pay somewhere aroung $30-$35 for the set up.
If it's any help, I used a turnsignal switch from a 67 bus, it looks pretty good. Almost identical to the originals. I can post a pic if you want.
I can't speak to the column/steering box issue. Be careful of the Flat 4 banjo wheel. I had one on my car and I took it off, it was too flimsy and too thin in my hands. I pull on the wheel a bit when getting out of the car and it didn't seem like it could take even a little bit of stress.

Paul,
I love the look of that wheel - let me know when you get your new one as I would love the first dibs when you sell the one you have - for my CMC rebuild.
Dale

Paul, I'd get laughed out of Dodge if I suggested this anywhere else, but a steering wheel is really a personal choice thing. In addition to being able to see your instruments, a larger wheel will make steering your car a lot easier -- and they are out there.
Every time you get into your car, it's your handshake. If you like a big, firm, leather-wrapped wheel, get one. If you have to have the hand-carved, period-correct wooden or ivory-looking banjo, knock yourself out. It's your car, and your driving experience.
If imitation leather is okay, and you don't care what other people think, a beater Grant GT wheel will do just fine. My car doesn't have a steering dampener anymore, so a thick, padded wheel is ideal for me. My hands don't ache after a long cruise; my Grant works just fine to knock down vibrations, and my instruments are in the middle of my dash, so a smaller wheel makes no line-of-sight difference.
As Spartan as our cars are, a lot of SOC folks look at the steering wheel as their crowning jewel. They get the rest of the car 'done,' and then pick the best steering wheel they can find for the look they're after. Lane Anderson (and others) have chosen other interior accoutrements to accent the wheel after installing a custom one, and the overall appearance is enhanced because the knob on the shifter matches the wheel. I'm not that into my interior because my car lives outside.
I't be my recommendation that you find a line of steering wheels that are upgradable with the same collar. You'll see what works for now, use its collar for the next one, and so be able to modify your choice as your taste develops.
That Nardi will probably pay for its replacement.

Paul, check this one out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150285708134&rd=1

This is similar to mine, and doesn't block the gauges. It's slightly larger than the Nardi, and the maker (Mike Lempert) will make it larger still, if you want. Below are pictures of mine. I thin k the teak one on ebay is gorgeous. I've seen it "in person" and it's one of the prettiest he's made, to me.

Also, I know Carey Hines has some of the smaller switch knobs, but I don't know if he has the smaller bezels.

i didnt like the banjo, too thin, it would actually flex in tight turns

yelp if you put it on ebay it will most likely fetch enoght to pay for the Fibersteel colum turn switch and wheel. or come very close

use the 66 bus trurn switch if you intend to keep the dimmer switch in the floor use the 67 if you want it on the colum. But they are right the flat 4 does flex and you do have to keep it tightened with the 3 dohickys on the wheel that spread the spokes

Seems that this subject was covered before. Somehow Mickey was involved and in the end I scored his repro Bus blinker switch

I had a banjo steering wheel in my MGA and it was very thin and flexible, the bakalite breaks and fractures at the spokes but it does hold together. For me I love my Nardi steering wheel but thats me. Your Nardi looks real good but change it if you want.

Vintage Speedster sells a banjo steering wheel, and Alan Merklin the Doc got a nice banjo style from Manila, I think. No need to change your steering column as far as I know.

Cheers
Dave

Its the same one as Mooneyes. but Id rater have the stronger wheel

Have you concidered re working the dash mount to raise or lower the wheel to your taste?

If it only a clearance issue you might be able to adjust it a pinch?

And I do think the nardi is offered in a larger size. another thought to think.

The Nardi wheel is offered in different sizes.

I changed mine to a larger size.

I have the Flat 4 that came with the car from Vintage originally. It was somewhat beat up so I sanded it and painted it. I was looking for horn button and found this site which shows alternate VW sites that sell them without the mark ups.

http://www.flat4.co.jp/f4original/f4-vwsteering/emain.html

Mine does have the problem I have encountered before trying to fit a MOMO on my 914, the turn signals don't turn themselves off. It is a "manual" operation. There are no pins in the mechanism.

I have the turn signals which have the "bright light" switch on the back side to squeeze. Of course, yesterday when I was working on the car I noticed that when one bright is on the other is off and vice versa................so I have a new problem. I can't figure out that one since it must have been that way since the car was built (I just bought it). The only thing I can figure is that the wires to one of the plugs that plugs into the sealed beam must be reversed............

I don't feel a flex in the Flat 4. After all these things are not Ferrari Enzos.....................

Thank you to everyone for all of the information. It sounds like the Banjo is not what I want due to the flex. I would like to get this speedster running between cones as much as possible (thats a different post entirely). There seemed to be confusion as to the image I posted initially. That is NOT my car. It IS however the Derrington style wheel I eventually would like to own. Ive priced them, and can not afford to spend $600 on a steering wheel anytime in the near future. Anyone have one for sale??!! The Banjo was meant to be a place holder until I can afford a Derrington.
Ultimately I would like to get rid of the very large black hub behind my wheel and go with something that is much closer to stock. I do want a wheel with a bigger diameter and less mass at the wood rim. I was told to use the '58 - '67 bus steering column to correct the hub issue while allowing the use of the more period correct turn signal switch. It seems much more involved than I thought it would. For now, perhaps a larger diameter NARDI will do the trick.
Thank you again
paul
The attached picture is of my actual interior.

Paul,
When your car arrives you and your better half take a cruise up to Wilmington. I'll buy you guys some dinner at the bistro and you can see my turnsignal a steering hub/wheel set up upclose and personal. It's really not that big a deal to do, it's just finding the right parts.

Mickey, there is no way I can pass you up on that offer. Being able to see all the components TC listed certainly will help. Ill digest all the information along with the food!
paul

If you go witha bigger wheel please try to get the colum closer to the lower dash .

Your tummy will thank you.


OPPS just noticeed your picture you have plenty of room for a bigger wheel . I like your car she shaping up nice...

Thanks Barry. Maybe I should go with a very big wheel and loose the tummy. My girlfriend would thank me.

Paul,

If you want to see pics of the various components necessary for the swap-over OFF of the car, I can lay them out on a table and take some shots for you. This way you'll know what you're looking at when you see them all assembled on Mickey's Speedster.

Mickey's right, it only seems like a lot, but it's "not that big a deal to do." You're really just replacing things on a one-for-one basis. Pretty much a simple swapping in and out procedure, then a little fussing with the horn wiring.

Oh, and forget all of that Bus signal stuff, you really do have to use a Beetle shaft, column, and blinker housing and clamp.

Luck!

TC

Paul,
Let me know when you want to cruise up and we'll set up a time. I would say closer to the end of Sept. My car will be out of commission for a little while.

That may be the case with a Nardi wheel. so listen to TC.

But I made my own hub. used a 68 bus colum 67 bus switch and cancel ring and a Flat4 banjo wheel , look in my oldyeler photos

I need to get Theron to consolildate this old acount into my newer one especialy all the photos

Barry,

Looks sharp. I hate to be the one to tell you but... your clutch pedal is missing!

paul

HE HE ! Yelp more room fo my left foot. thanks to a type 3 auomatic and still gets 30 mpg. I kinda wish i hid the selector under a boot but this was fairly simple.

The fork mods were much harder

...while we're on the subject of steering wheels, here's a few pics of very cool early VW vert Will & I saw at the VW Treffen Vintage show a few months back!

Rear deck lid and license plate light look interesting!

Here is the reconditioned Vintage Flat 4 with one of the center hubs from a hub cap simply glued to it. I also bought the badges on ebay for about $20 and used them on the 914 wheel. Cheaper alternative and only the purists know.

Fred Adler

Oops. The badge used is one off of a hub cap with the posts ground off.

Fred Adler
San Diego