560SL Steering Wheel

[Jack M]

Some time ago several posts indicated that many of us would like to have a smaller wheel for easier entering and exiting our vehicles. Smaller wheels obscure the instruments.
So the next logical option might be to change the design of our present wheel. I was at the Los Angeles auto last week and the New gullwing has a flattened section of wheel. I have seen other cars that have done this and its might work for us.

Does anyone know what the construction of the 560 wheel is? Solid ? reinforced with metal rod? Etc??

Suggestions Please?

Anyone have a spare wheel to fuel the experiment? A mental exercise for the winter.

[Strife]

I have a steering wheel in my 85 380SL that is out of a 126, it's a little smaller in diameter. However, it obscures the top of the instruments. Not a big deal, because once you are familiar with the car you know where the needles should be pointing to.

I'd look for a (cheaper) old vinyl/rubber covered wheel out of an earlier SL and remove the skin, and take it from there. It may be welded formed rod. I don't know if it will bend well.

[Jack M]

OK, Attached is a photo of the new Gullwing's Steering wheel. Any thoughts on how to redesign our 560SL wheels?

[strelnik]

Originally Posted by Strife

I have a steering wheel in my 85 380SL that is out of a 126, it's a little smaller in diameter. However, it obscures the top of the instruments. Not a big deal, because once you are familiar with the car you know where the needles should be pointing to.

I'd look for a (cheaper) old vinyl/rubber covered wheel out of an earlier SL and remove the skin, and take it from there. It may be welded formed rod. I don't know if it will bend well.

SERIOUSLY-- why not cut the top and bottom 30% wheel, like on a lot of small planes? Take a W123 wheel and try it out