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MG MGB Technical - New Steering wheel/hubs and horn connections

I am thinking about replacing the steering wheel in my 73 MGB with one that is a little smaller. I am rather tall and the original steering wheel just cuts into my leg when driving. I would like to know what recommendations, suggestions and experiences people have had with replacement steering wheels. Also, I have been told that all replacement or after market wheels require new hubs. Is this true? Are there any steering wheels that are slightly smaller, that look like the MGB wheels, that will bolt up to my existing hub? I have also been told that trying to hook up the center push button horn is a nightmare on replacement wheels. Any comments on this fact? Thank you.
Robert
Robert Browning

Robert -

Someone gave me a new Moto-Lita steering wheel for my 72B last year. It was gorgeous and included a new hub. The hub fit just fine but it didn't look like it went with the car - it just didn't have the "original" style so it seemed like the hub was a bit out of place. It was very easy (at least for this new hub) to get the horn push to work - it simply involved crimping a new connector to the horn wire. What I didn't like was the fact that althought the wheel looked great it was a 14" wheel and it definitely changed the feel of the steering - more effort was required. but the main problem for me was it completely blocked my line of sight to the dash gauges. That really bothered me and I went back to the original wheel in a few weeks. Ver subjective of course. The good that came of it is that the B got me to lose a little weight so the wheel wouldn't rub my leg! - Greg
Greg Smela

My V8 came with a 1" narrower MotaLita wheel. The horns didn't work properly which I temporarily fixed by fitting a relay, but detailed testting showed that although I had a high-resistance ground to the column, the biggest loss was in the MotaLita button push. The relay remains. Like Greg, steering is heavier and I have to peer round the rim to see the fuel and temp/oil gauges, but I got used to it.
Paul Hunt

I have a 74, and recently installed a 14" motolita. While the Motolita hub has a crinkle finish, which is quite different from the original, I find the wheel compliments the car nicely. In fact, most observers think it is the factory wheel. The steering is heavier of course, but I found the original wheel to be far too large. Like most taller people, it piched my leg- that combined with the high gear ratio meant even a slight amount of input could change lanes! The smaller wheel is much more responsive in the regard. I highly recommend it- and I do not find that it blocks my gauges, but that could be a seating position issue. The hardest part is getting the old hub off...

One last comment- the Motolita hub worked fine for me as far as the horn is concerned. Cleand the brass ring well, and lube it lightly with dielectric compund before installing.

Dave
Dave Whitehead

I've a 14" wheel fitted and the only annoyance is that it blocks my view of the turn indicator lights so that on countless occasions I've driven for miles down the highway after merging or changing lanes with the indicators on like an old f*rt, which of course I am. But I don't like driving like one. I'm planning to add another light(s) somewhere that I can see.
Derek Nicholson

Why not make them louder? http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/wn_electricsframe.htm and click on 'Turn and Hazard Signals' and 'A louder audible warning'.
Paul Hunt

Got the wider Motolita wood wheel and went through 3 exchanges with Moss to get the correct boss/hub. Take a micrometer and measure the hummer and make 'em check it before they send the second one if the first one that comes in isn't correct. I mean, give 'em the benefit of the doubt, eh? They did pay for all but the initial shipping. Be sure to ask. I have 69B. Looks great. Lot's of compliments and really sets off the black interior.
J.T. Bamford

When I needed a Moto Lita hub for my 68 GT I went through Jeff Zorn. I had to measure the and count the splines. Jeff went all out and got me the correct hub. I installed a 15" wheel and it gives me the knee room I need and didn't have with the OE wheel. FWIW, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

This thread was discussed between 19/07/2003 and 21/07/2003

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