MKIII Stering Wheel in MKIV

[1985 CCX]

All,

Planning to try and use n MKIII wheel on the MKIV. 
Has anyone done this without a huge amount of fuss?
Looks like the MKIV boss or hub is of smaller diameter thus no fit....
Ideas, Thoughts, input???

[westcott]

Make a smaller diameter boss  or hub or buy one made for you. Or even simpler, do an adapter on the lathe and live with the result, depends on your targeted design intent.

I bought a custom made boss from Moto Lita in the UK.

[westcott]

This is what I did for steering wheel and steering column switch conversion on my car.

During my rebuild of AK 1106 a LW instrument panel was installed with a modified Ford/Rover SD1 steering column mix.

I did not like the 9 bolt steering wheel installed by the company and wanted something smaller on the hub with 6 bolts covered by the AC logo.

That was to switch from the Rover SD1 switchgear and covers to the Ford switchgear and column covers plus a Nardi steering wheel.
https://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1787.msg17819#msg17819

Beginning this Year I changed back to a Rover SD1 Steering column which was a bit modified on the steering column tube to accept VW 1600 steering column lock and switch.

I wanted to keep the steering column lock and if possible integrated to the switch design.

If You go with a MK III steering wheel and boss plus the corresponding VW beetle indicator for a pure MK III design You will loose the steering lock function.

[1985 CCX]

Thanks for the help!
I think my steering box is from a Ford Sierra, yours was the Rover.
Maybe I can get a Sierra unit and modify as I would like to retain the original for use if I were to sell?

BTW your car is phenomenal

[westcott]

I used both, the Nardi has the same diameter as the Moto Lita 6 bolt, just the bolt hole circle is different.

There is an adapter on the market to use the Nardi on the 9 bolt Moto Lita boss.. That adapter can be made on a lathe with the required bolt hole circle used on the targeted steering wheel.
Mark III steering wheels ( if not the Splitter rim version) can be ordered via Moto Lita UK with custom made, individual pitch circle.

update:
The pic shows the Nardi with the adapter to fit the Ford column cover and switch beside the Moto Lita Cobra split rim version.
That kind of adapter you need to do for the conversion, painted in matt black it will work in the Ford environment.

First, decide on the steering wheel design,  split rim or closed.

https://www.moto-lita.co.uk/steering-wheels/?filters=639

[1985 CCX]

Great information
Maybe I can call Simon at MotoLita and have the sierra center hole made in the MKIII boss?
Then I can shave it down so it can reach then bam, done...  :)

[RJE]

Joe Kaluza is the Director of Engineering at Moto Lita - might be the better contact if you need some work done that is non-standard. Contact e-mail is joe (at symbol) moto-lita.co.uk

[westcott]

If You mount a "Cobra barrel boss" to your Ford column and column covers you will have:
1. the steering wheel more far away from the switches
2. a gap between boss and switch covers
3. no cancelation function because the cancelation rib on a Ford boss is spaced on a bigger diameter(~104mm) then the Cobra boss has on its bottom end. Bottom end OD and top OD for the Cobra boss are more or less the same as the AC cover ~ 84mm


If You want to keep the Ford switch gear and covers and as well the distance between steering wheel and stalks than You could:

- Buy a Ford RS steering wheel boss like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-RS-steering-wheel-hub-H84-SX-3K699-AA/303272334583?epid=4027154596&hash=item469c7094f7:g:-rgAAOSw4VpcFrKy
- have a Moto lita steering wheel (closed rim center or splitted) fabricated with the Ford RS or Nardi hole circle which is 6x74mm with M6 screws
- check with Moto Lita if the Ford spaced M6 hex socket countersunk head screws/heads will be covered by the original steering wheel badge which has a OD of 84mm

Be aware that the original OEM Cobra steering wheels and bosses have not equally spaced holes, they have a PCD of 62mm on a diagonal line (1 o'clock to 7 o'clock holes) and will not fit to a "normal" equally spaced PCD at standard hubs even if they have the required hole circle diameter.

Below You will see what I described above.

   

[1985 CCX]

I'll contact both Joe and Simon and include this thread as it may help in this quest!
Awesome help guys, I will let you know what transpires with Moto-Lita

[1985 CCX]

Guys

MotoLita is working on the solution.
Will send pics once I get things back...  :)

[1985 CCX]

Joe at Moto-Lita has all my steering measurements and is making a custom boss to fit so I can use the 16" wheel.
Will keep you all posted...

[AC Ventura]

This is my 16" Mota Lita in my Mk IV. The steering column has been moved;2.5cm to the right, and angled 2.5 degrees.

[1985 CCX]

Moto-Lita did a great job!
Pictured is the original boss and the new.
Attached the 16" wheel.
Ready to install

[1985 CCX]

Finally the wheel installed
The new boss and offset of the wheel works great
This finished bolt on change allows reversal to the OEM at any stage.
Cannot wait till Spring!

Next, Sunburst 15" wheels ......

[westcott]

Nice fit and look !!!

The "short" barrel boss alows more or less the same distance to the stalks as  the original setup.