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MG TD TF 1500 - Smaller steering wheel?

Even if this is about an MGB GT, I put my question here, for two reasons. Firstly, this is where my friends are (I have a TD also), secondly because the activity in the MGB forum is small.
I have now found the GT I want. However, I noticed that the wheel would press down into my thigh, and have thin legs. So I have to try and find a solution on how to get a little more distance from the wheel to my right leg (LHD).
One idea may be to get a smaller wheel. The one in the car is 15 inches. But then somebody told me it will heavier to turn the car. The wheels also come in 13 and 14 inches.
What are your thoughts about this?
An image of the car I am buying below.


Raymond Wardenaer

Raymod, great car. Smaller steering wheel will always make steering heavier, but that's only at low speeds (when parking or else). I put a Moto Lita on my TD which is at least 1" smaller than the original and absolutely no problem.
Mike
Mike Fritsch

Raymond-
Get back on the B side! Half of us are over there too, and we don't bite.
Nice looking GT, congratulations.
Yes, a smaller wheel will make steering stiffer at low speeds, but many people do it. I prefer the big wheel, and have no problem with fitting in the car. It is common that the seats have been redone in various ways, with all sorts of strange aftermarket/repro (too thick) cushions and the like; possibly you can change that. The upholstery comes off and goes back easily. A lot of reports about cutting the repro foam in half making things much better. Also, many short people fit blocks under the seat mountings, which raises the seat. If you are tall as well as thin, then you will really appreciate getting your butt down near the floor. And be sure that you are not sitting too far forward, which makes your legs stick up and causes your elbows to get in the way. I have short legs but long torso, and I sit as far back as my legs let me with the seat back leaned far back, so that my arms are nearly straight out.

FRM
FR Millmore

I put the Moto-Lita wheel on two "B's", and my TD....
I did not notice any real difference in steering effort, with the exception of parking speeds...but still, not enough to go back to the bus-driver wheel....
Keep the old wheel for resale, and make the switch.
Edward


E.B. Wesson

and the "BGT"



E.B. Wesson

Edward, how large were the wheels?
Raymond Wardenaer

I've got a '71 BGT (Royal Blue) and a Moto Lita. I am 1,85 meter. No problems at all.

Jasper




JL Nederhoed

Jasper, this wheel comes in three sizes. Which one do you have, that is the big question.
Raymond Wardenaer

I really noticed a difference on the TD when I had the Nardi on it...(15") ... when i put the Brooklands on it (16 1/2") it was like power steering... Am back to the stock one now....
A friend had a 12" on his MGB and it was hell to drive.....


gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

I drive my TF with a huge Bluemels Brooklands steering wheel. Light steering, and I feel more like Nuvolari or Fangio than a bus driver.

For the GT I would believe that a small wheel could be complemented with an aftermarket electric servo unit?

regards,

Jan
Jan Kristoffersen

This is the wheel I installed in the wifes car when I restored it, a 72 MGB. It's a replica of the original wheel with a wood type rim. Very smooth, not rough like the original. Got it from Moss. She loves it. PJ


Paul sr

I didn't really care for the springy feel of the spoke wheel when I drive it hard.


L E D LaVerne

So I went with a smaller Moto Lita. I really like the thick wheels...feels good good to me even though I have small hands which is kind of ironic...I always liked skinny handled bats...Al Kaline models or Tom Tresh...go figure. I'm pretty weenie armed but don't have any issues turning the wheel.


L E D LaVerne

The TF came to me with this Moto Lita. The wood was shot.


L E D LaVerne

I bought a repro wheel but for driving I much prefer the Moto Lita I put back on it.


L E D LaVerne

FRM: I shall try to put this question to the B forum. Last time I tried I had no response.
Raymond Wardenaer

It was actually the first thing I did to the car after I tore it apart. I didn't have any money but I did have some scrap walnut. Wife says it looks like it belongs on a boat but it feels good in my hands after driving all day long and thats what counts in my book.


L E D LaVerne

Raymond,

I/ll measure the wheel tomorrow and will let you know.

Jaspe
r
JL Nederhoed

My motolita on the TD is 14" and feels good, no issues as mentioned above. I drive with leather gloves so grip is not an issue either

Mike
Mike Fritsch

Paul, you have the wheel I am aiming at now. I think it will look great with a walnut gear knob.
Raymond Wardenaer

Raymond,

The Moto Lita on my BGT is 35,5 cm, which equals 14".

Jasper




JL Nederhoed

This thread was discussed between 06/11/2012 and 08/11/2012

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.