Construction of 86 560Sl Steering Wheel

[Jack M]

Hi All.
Has anyone ever seen how the steering wheel is constructed? Is the wheel part itself it made from a single piece of wire with the spikes and a central hub welded to it before being molded?

Has anyone ever seen one that has the lower section removed for easier entry and exit?

Thanks Jack

[dugald]

Lots of people switch to smaller diameter wheels to ease entry and exit but that brings other problems .....digital speedo - Mercedes-Benz Forum

[97 SL320]

The wheel is made as you describe, cutting the bottom would weaken it.

Do you slide the seat full rearward before exiting?

[Jack M]

OK So here is my thought.
1. remove the material on the wire, (reuse if possible) in the lower section. Cut, Weld, Bend etc. To achieve this shape. Recover with the removed material and then recover . Thoughts ?? Jack

Think of the steering wheel as a Happy face. I make it into a sad face by having the smile turn opposite.
Can't get the drawing to upload .
So I gain clearance but maintain integrity of the wheel, visibility of the instruments and keep the 29 year old air bag. :-) :-(

[Lucas]

Batman totally has that sh**

[97 SL320]

Originally Posted by Lucas

Batman totally has that sh**

Looks like another drug induced random post. . .

[97 SL320]

Originally Posted by Jack M

OK So here is my thought.
1. remove the material on the wire, (reuse if possible) in the lower section. Cut, Weld, Bend etc. To achieve this shape. Recover with the removed material and then recover . Thoughts ?? Jack

Think of the steering wheel as a Happy face. I make it into a sad face by having the smile turn opposite.
Can't get the drawing to upload .
So I gain clearance but maintain integrity of the wheel, visibility of the instruments and keep the 29 year old air bag. :-) :-(

The cut weld thing would work, I don't think the wire is hardened. It would be better to make a single cut at the bottom, bend the area into shape, then trim / weld the two halves. This way you have only one weld to deal with.

[Lucas]

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Looks like another drug induced random post. . .

Straight edge for life yo. No drugs, no alcohol, no sweets. Im high on life.

Have a hug. Because I love and appreciate you for who you are!

[Lucas]

Here's what I meant. It was the 1966 batmobile. But if you google image search "batmobile steering wheel" you will get a lot of ideas. Heres the actual one, and a few others I saw. These have the piece actually missing, but this post reminded me of that.

Apparently batman doesn't need to crank around parking lots or turn hard. Just high speed maneuvering.

[dugald]

If you are determined to modify the existing wheel, how about a flat bottom as is currently seen on some sports cars?

[Jack M]

HI, Well that can work also.

It is just a matter of gathering information and working on a decision that will work and be safe. I have a spare wheel and can experiment after I gather all of your suggestions.

I would never cut or deform my original wheel.

Suggestions are always welcome. Thanks, Jack

[Lucas]

My suggestion:

When its done (how you like it), drive around humming "naa na naa na batman!" ALL THE TIME!

And post some pics of the wheel and process. Love unique projects like this.