Steering Wheel Extender?

[DynoBunny]

Has anyone extended or know of a way to extend the stock steering wheel on these? Looking for a better position, but don't want to lose the airbag and steering wheel controls.

Here's an update from page 3:


http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03322/DSC03322.jpg

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03324/DSC03324.jpg

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03325/DSC03325.jpg

[MikeHTally]

The seat won't get close enough?

[DynoBunny]

I don't need the seat any closer, I'm 6'5 with the seat all the way back it would feel better if I could get a couple inches more on the wheel.

[MikeHTally]

I'm confused. You want the wheel extended. I take that to mean further out into the cabin. Do you mean closer to the dash?

[b e z]

(uhm)I thought the wheel already had an extender or maybe I am thinking of the 2010s

[Domino81]

It's telescopic. This thread is so fail.

[chimmike]

If you're too short for the car, sit on a phonebook.

If your arms were cut off at the elbows and hands reattached there, use a yardstick to steer.

If the stock seat and telescopic adjustments aren't enough, you're doing it WRONG.

[DynoBunny]

No shit it's telescopic, it only comes out so far, not far enough with the seat back to be comfortable. Once again, if I move the seat forward my knees are in the dash, I'm 6'5". Thanks for all the helpful answers though, a simple never seen one would have sufficed.

[DynoBunny]

I'm confused. You want the wheel extended. I take that to mean further out into the cabin. Do you mean closer to the dash?

Yea Mike, further to the driver. I've used steering wheel hub extenders on some other cars, but then always needed an aftermarket wheel, I'm wanting to keep the stock wheel for various reasons.

[MikeHTally]

Seems a strange request. Anyway, I've never heard of such.

[b e z]

I dont think it is really a strange request and I could understand how that could be an issue, but like Mike I have not heard of one either.

[chimmike]

So uh, are you like the only guy 6'5 with 5' legs and 2' long arms? My cousin is 6'6" and he has no problem adjusting seats in most cars (and the telescopic steering wheels as necessary)

<-----this guy is picturing a tall dude with stubby arms.

[BlackMicaMPS6]

Since when did T-rex learn to drive?

[BlackMicaMPS6]

dyno, this might be your cheapest and best option

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee368/blackmicamps6/SasquatchHairyHand-NoveltyBigGrabberArmToyTool-21inches.jpg

[DynoBunny]

Hahaha yea but I need the left hand.

But really I think I can just get a steel rod threaded with female and male threads to match and it should work fine. I'll see if I can bribe one of the tool and die guys at work to make it for me.

[DynoBunny]

So uh, are you like the only guy 6'5 with 5' legs and 2' long arms? My cousin is 6'6" and he has no problem adjusting seats in most cars (and the telescopic steering wheels as necessary)

<-----this guy is picturing a tall dude with stubby arms.

No I'm proportioned quite well. I'm not sure what cars your cous drives and I don't see what difference it makes. I didn't remember this many douches around last time I was here, I used to commend this place for its members.

Most cars ergonomics are designed for drivers in the 5'10" to 6' range, while other drivers can fit once you reach the extremes in either direction your left with no choice but to compromise comfort or functionality. Since I'm trying to get the car ready for a season of autocross I need to change a few things to be comfortable. I have to lower the seat more to fit with a helmet, then it needs to come back a little to make up for it being lower, and since it will be moved back I'll need the steering extended.
So now that you have a detailed explanation can you stop trolling my thread and make yourself useful elsewhere.

[chimmike]

lol. mkay.

well as for the seat: get an aftermarket seat and hard mount it. bam. lower.
Steering wheel extender? sounds like you need to find a machine shop to do it custom for you.

good enough answers?

[Domino81]

My buddy Greg was 6'5'' and I never once heard him say he had a hard time fitting in his car. He did have the seat all the back, though. Adjust the steering wheel, dude. There are a ton of adjustments on both the seat and steering wheel. If you can't figure it out, I'll send you a helmet and a pacifier.

[5port]

No I'm proportioned quite well. I'm not sure what cars your cous drives and I don't see what difference it makes. I didn't remember this many douches around last time I was here, I used to commend this place for its members.

Most cars ergonomics are designed for drivers in the 5'10" to 6' range, while other drivers can fit once you reach the extremes in either direction your left with no choice but to compromise comfort or functionality. Since I'm trying to get the car ready for a season of autocross I need to change a few things to be comfortable. I have to lower the seat more to fit with a helmet, then it needs to come back a little to make up for it being lower, and since it will be moved back I'll need the steering extended.
So now that you have a detailed explanation can you stop trolling my thread and make yourself useful elsewhere.


I've often felt that the telescopic steering wheel had a pathetic range of travel. I can readily see why someone over 6 feet would want an extender. I'm 5'11" and with the seat where I like it my arms are too extended for comfort forcing me to leave my elbows on my lap and steer at the bottom of the wheel on long trips. Mazda could have put more thought in the driving position in the MS3.

[chimmike]

I've often felt that the telescopic steering wheel had a pathetic range of travel. I can readily see why someone over 6 feet would want an extender. I'm 5'11" and with the seat where I like it my arms are too extended for comfort forcing me to leave my elbows on my lap and steer at the bottom of the wheel on long trips. Mazda could have put more thought in the driving position in the MS3.

then you're sitting wrong.

These cars aren't meant for your legs to be straight out.

Proper driving position is CLOSE, knees bent, arms not fully extended.

[5port]

There is no right and there is no wrong. There is comfortable or not comfortable.

[chimmike]

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CCsQtwIwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D747 yPuH-8qM&ei=b4MlT-fyFMO-tweYmPiGAg&usg=AFQjCNFP8YCIGj_pvRzQpHNL-B0ChxECwA

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCQQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D84w qdvxIPw0&ei=b4MlT-fyFMO-tweYmPiGAg&usg=AFQjCNEGLlwE9ILcIHVnz6t3GSbf1YB_Dg

http://yel.pca.org/tech_driving_position.php

[AzteCypher]

Alright I gotta give my 2 cents since people seem to be giving DynoBunny a lot of grief for no good reason.

I too think there would be a benefit in a steering wheel spacer that would bring the steering wheel closer to the chest. No I'm not disproportionate but I would find the ride a bit more comfortable if I could bring the steering wheel a bit closer to myself. Yes I have a slight bend in the knee according to the videos and the seat back is upright enough for me but I feel that my arms are a bit too extended for controlled spirited driving.

That being said I think the best way to achieve this is to get a spacer milled out of aluminum with some longer bolts for mounting to the column.

Okay, I'm off my soap box.

[Domino81]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyL-SjuJ8p4

This one is pretty comprehensive.

[StealthWyvern]

Damn some of you people are just fucking sad.....


dynobunny have you looked into something like this...?
http://store.sevensaturdays.com/gra-4001.html
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f157/steering-wheel-spacer-airbag-steering-wheel-96632/#post1545680

[DynoBunny]

Thanks for the links StealthWyvern, I'm going to see what my machine shop can do for me. I'll post the before and after picks for anyone who's interested.

[rsvinylgraphics]

http://autoshepherd.com/product/Grant-Steering-Wheel-Extension-Kit/9571/GRT/4000?sku=GRT:4000&utm_source=google%20product%20search&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=Steering%20Wheel%20Extension%20Kit

[DynoBunny]

Yes those grant extenders seem useful but I don't believe they work with stock wheels.

I really don't understand why you guys are posting links to videos on seating positions, there is no problem there.

[Jasnall]

Damn, got all the DB's fired up with this one. I'm with the OP, I'm 6'0'' and drive with the wheel all the way out. I've always wished it would come out a little farther for maximum comfort. I drive with great posture and knees bent just like everyone says, my seat is also pretty upright.

[DynoBunny]

So I took the wheel in and got it measured on the cmm, the male end that would fit in the steering wheel wouldn't be hard to cut but the female end for the steering column is a different story.

[AzteCypher]

What's the issue?

[DynoBunny]

Well I won't be able to mill the female side; because of the hex pattern, I can't get the edges I need. We have an EDM but I don't know how to use it and the guy that normally runs it is backed up with work so I don't want to ask him. But I found a local machine shop that may be able to do it for me.

[04green]

I for one am rooting for you, and understand the problem. I am a paltry 6.0, but need head clearance with a helmet on for Porsche whacking. My bet is just about anything you learn will transfer to an RX8. There is a huge need there. Helmets are not compatible at all with sunroofs.

[DynoBunny]

Well I got the female end done on the EDM so now just need to mill the male piece and weld them on the shaft. I will post up later.

Good thing is now that the program is in the EDM, I should be able to get them made easier and maybe cheaper. So as long as your steering wheel has the same adapter size and your interested let me know. They could be made to any length.

[deadairspace]

What is with everyone giving the guy a bunch of asshole responses? I seriously can't believe someone called you out for "sitting wrong". Life lesson: don't be a douche.

I would love to see how this turns out. I'm only 5 foot 9, but the comfortable position for me puts me a little too far from the wheel, especially on a long trip.

[AzteCypher]

How thick of an adapter is it? Pics of it when you're done please.

[IshSonP5]

^^yes pics please! I am only 6'0'' yet my steering wheel doesn't come out as far as I'd like to be comfortable...I also think this thread needs to be cleaned *cough* mods *cough* please?

[destrux]

I've always felt the stock telescopic column stopped about 1.5" short of comfortable. I get the seat in the right spot so I can comfortable work the pedals and then I feel like the wheel is too far away.

Some people are super sensitive to seating position, and I am definitely one of those people. I've been known to cut and weld shifters and pedals to make things fit me better.

Have you looked at moving the steering column closer? It might be easier than designing an elaborate machined steering wheel hub extension.

[DynoBunny]

Haha, I forgot I made a thread on this. I have it finished as of today, I will have to upload the pics later. It is about 150mm long, I think it turned out really nicely.

[IshSonP5]

Haha, I forgot I made a thread on this. I have it finished as of today, I will have to upload the pics later. It is about 150mm long, I think it turned out really nicely.

Nice, I definitely want some pics haha. What kind of mula did this set you back?

[DynoBunny]

Well I guess that would depend how much my time is worth :lol

[AzteCypher]

150mm?! Must've used some long bolts.

[DynoBunny]

So here's the steering wheel, you can see how it uses a tapered hex pattern to lock onto the shaft.

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03740/DSC03740.jpg


And this would be on the column where it sets in.

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03742/DSC03742.jpg


So the toughest part of this was getting the female end made because I couldn't mill it, if I was to mill it I wouldn't have been able to get the edges inside the hex straight. So luckily I got a good reference to a guy who we outsource work to and he was able to make me this.

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03801/DSC03801.jpg

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03802/DSC03802.jpg


Then the rest was made, welded the female piece on, and volla.

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03322/DSC03322.jpg

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03324/DSC03324.jpg

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC03325/DSC03325.jpg


And yes, as you can see I had to make a bolt because I couldn't find one that long.

I still need to have a little more relief cut on the female side, but it's pretty much done. The only thing that I think could have been a little nicer would be the weld, but it won't be seen, so who cares right.

So what do you guys think, maybe powder coat it black or something to blend in better?

[AzteCypher]

Okay, now I understand how it works. For some reason I had in my mind a sort of spacer to push the steering wheel closer to you instead of an extended rod. Can it take lateral stress pretty good? Like when you're autocrossing and yanking the wheel left to right?

I'd say power coat it black to hide it better. Any pics of it installed yet?

[DynoBunny]

Yea, this is the only thing I could think of to utilize the oem wheel and controls, it is extremely stout, it's made of tool steel. I haven't had a chance to install it yet but hopefully this weekend.

[Protege03ak46]

Whats gonna keep the clock spring spinning with the steering wheel? Be careful when you spin it back up, Iv seen them break countless times from miss alignment.

[DynoBunny]

I don't understand what your talking about, please explain.


Whats gonna keep the clock spring spinning with the steering wheel? Be careful when you spin it back up, Iv seen them break countless times from miss alignment.

EDIT: Got it, your talking about that gyro thing. Yea it's centered and I have a solution for that, not a big deal at all.

[DynoBunny]

Test fit it, great fit with zero play. Just needs some final touches.

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC04196/DSC04196.jpg

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC04198/DSC04198.jpg

http://www.dynobunny.net/Seth/Pages/Steering_Adapter_files/Media/DSC04197/DSC04197.jpg

[AzteCypher]

Not too bad at all. Take it for a test drive.

[DynoBunny]

Yea I did, seating position is way better for me. My wife on the other hand says it's too close for her, so I'll work on some ideas to make everyone happy. Right now I just wanted it for autocross events and it will be perfect for that.

[AzteCypher]

It'd be cool to adapt one of those adjustable steering columns from the higher end cars. Some of the rental cars I've driven have that ability. Might be something to look into.

[DynoBunny]

It actually has an adjustable steering column, it's just that it only adjusts a whopping 10mm. OK that may be slightly exagerated but it's not enough.


It'd be cool to adapt one of those adjustable steering columns from the higher end cars. Some of the rental cars I've driven have that ability. Might be something to look into.

[AzteCypher]

It probably only is about 10mm at least it feels that way.