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Replacing steering wheel; Questions
Topic Started: Jul 22 2012, 12:32 AM (1,897 Views)
foxygrandpa
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So I am thinking of getting a new steering wheel to replace the stock Metro one.
It's in working order but I would prefer a different steering wheel.

My question is how hard is it to replace original steering wheel with a new one?
Do I need some kind of adapter bracket for new wheel?
Special tools?
Are steering wheels universal? I'm guessing no.
The one I'm looking at would not have a horn so I would have to rig something up so I can still honk at people who need a good honking at.

I've never taken a steering wheel apart so I don't really know what it looks like it there besides what I picture in my mind haha.

I would love to have a vintage steering wheel off like an old MG or just a nice stainless steel one with leather grip. Just not sure if old/new steering wheels are adaptable for the geo.

Probably a noob question but hey, Gotta start somewhere.

I'm looking at replacing with something similar to this style.
Here
Minus the price tag because I'm a cheapskate.
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Once upon a time, I replaced my steering wheel. The reason I replaced it was because there was very little of the foam left that covered the steel rod. I got an adapter and the cheapest steering wheel available. It's still there.

A lot of guys wear driving gloves. That's cheap and easy, and you get to look cool. B-) :drivin

If it's not broke, don't fix it . . . :)
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razr769
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Got boost?

Take a look at this thread, mainly post #4
http://geometroforum.com/topic/4698208/1/?x=30#new

It looks like t3ragtop has a nice looking one for sale too. -->http://geometroforum.com/topic/4772307/1/?x=30#new
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foxygrandpa
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razr769
Jul 22 2012, 12:46 AM
Take a look at this thread, mainly post #4
http://geometroforum.com/topic/4698208/1/?x=30#new

It looks like t3ragtop has a nice looking one for sale too. -->http://geometroforum.com/topic/4772307/1/?x=30#new
Hey thanks for the reply and link.

In the 4th post, grant/apc 3510 is mentioned but is that install kit only for "grant" brand steering wheels?

Originally I was just going to go to salvage yard and look for old muscle cars with cool steering wheels (same diameter) until I found one I liked but the problem is I doubt I could mount it the same. I dunno haven't torn apart the steering wheel yet to see what I'll have to do.

It would probably just be easier to find a new one that has an install kit with it.

My concern isn't the feel of the steering wheel (although it is pretty grody and tattered)
I just don't really like the look of the stock steering wheel and to me it would be worth the investment to have an awesome steering wheel as a centerpiece for the interior (which I'll eventually be painting black, parts of it at least) Not to mention it would grip better.

Anyway, basically just need to know if this installation kit is for mounting universal steering wheels or if each brand of steering wheel will need it's own separate install kit. Sorry I'm long winded sometimes. :lol
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foxygrandpa
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@ GeoGlenn, where did you get your adapter/steering wheel? Would any auto parts store work have it
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foxygrandpa
Jul 22 2012, 01:49 AM
@ GeoGlenn, where did you get your adapter/steering wheel? Would any auto parts store work have it

I got my adapter and steering wheel at Advance Auto Parts. I believe it is Grant.

The nice thing about Grant is they have really inexpensive steering wheels, and some very nice high dollar steering wheels that mount on the same adapter. Everything was in stock when I went in there. They looked up the application, and got me the parts in one visit.

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foxygrandpa
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Geo Glenn
Jul 22 2012, 12:52 PM
foxygrandpa
Jul 22 2012, 01:49 AM
@ GeoGlenn, where did you get your adapter/steering wheel? Would any auto parts store work have it

I got my adapter and steering wheel at Advance Auto Parts. I believe it is Grant.

The nice thing about Grant is they have really inexpensive steering wheels, and some very nice high dollar steering wheels that mount on the same adapter. Everything was in stock when I went in there. They looked up the application, and got me the parts in one visit.

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That is exactly what I want! Pretty much just what I imagined.
Awesome, thanks so much :]
I'll be visiting there soon then. I'm excited.

Does yours have a horn/horn hook up? If not, I'll have to rig like a button up somewhere else so I can use my horn haha.

And that's cool you're from Troy. I've lived in missouri most of my life but just recently moved down to FL. I've lived in sedalia, columbia, kansas city, waynesville, west plains, moody, and willow springs lol.
Edited by foxygrandpa, Jul 22 2012, 01:10 PM.
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t3ragtop
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Turbo3 and Twincam Tweaker

the 3510 adapter is a 3 hole to 5 hole type that fits grant steering wheels. it's also the cheapest one available and is running around $25 shipped on ebay's lowest price listing.

there is also a custom billet aluminum spacer available that is drilled to mount the 5 hole grant wheel or the 6 hole momo style wheels. the momo type wheel adapter is very expensive at around $100 to fit the suzuki spline on the steering column. i like the grant type spacer as it has a really nice copper slip ring as the electrical contact for the horn circuit. their adapter kit has all the bits and pieces you need to mount the 3 hole steering wheels like geo glenn's picture including the horn button contacts and spring. the horn button itself comes with the steering wheel. to use the grant gt series, 5 hole steering wheels you use a 2 hole to 5 hole adapter/ spacer. the entry level spacer is a stamped steel piece that has a ribbed rubber collar that covers the unattractive spacer. when you screw the steering wheel to the spacer it traps the rubber collar and keeps it in place. the better spacers are billet aluminum types. they come in epoxy coated black or in polished natural aluminum finishes. there's a black billet spacer in my for sale ad and pics of custom steering wheels, spacers, and horn buttons in my red resto-rod vert and blue monster vert threads.

also, there's some fiddling around required to get the best look with a custom steering wheel mod. it's pretty easy on a car like your hatchback but dealing with the physical and airbag/ horn wiring electrical differences on a vert is fairly involved. over the years i've traded steering wheels around on one metro/swift or another and i've pretty much identified which steering wheel types i like best (grant gt or some variant) and figured out all the little things on the hardware. i use a2 stainless steel allen heads with the appearance surfaces polished, custom billet horn button trim rings, and little things like that.
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Old Man


@foxy--check this out before you go to advanced:
http://geometroforum.com/topic/4139465/4/#new
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foxygrandpa
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@ t3ragtop - Thanks for all the info! I'll take your guys' word for it and just get a grant steering wheel with kit. I don't want it to be a headache trying to make it work and compromise safety lol. Love the grant wheels though.

@ oldman - That's funny, I just saw that thread right before I saw your post :] Thanks for the help! Essentially I can get my steering wheel for free if I spend 55 or so on something else I need using this coupon. Awesome!
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t3ragtop
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Turbo3 and Twincam Tweaker

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foxygrandpa
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nice steering wheels and mods!
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For the basics, ask Geo Glenn.

For the full meal deal - schnitz, bells and whistles, ask t3ragtop! :cheers

I say car stero, he says mobile audio sound system. B-)

I say engine, he says, turbo + megasquirt. :evillol

*****

There is a horn kit. No south of the border mods required.

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t3ragtop
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no south of the border mods required for you hatchback pilots. :D

when you fly a vert, you have to pull the airbag clockspring and invent an electrical circuit to support a horn.
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foxygrandpa
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haha alright I'll take note. And yeah I'm glad I don't have an airbag to worry about! Yay
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