Gearlever clearance

[AmilcarJohn]

Advice needed! I have fitted a Mota-Lita 16" steering wheel (undished) to my car using a Mountney Boss, drilled to suit (9 holes rather than 6). This all works fine, except for one catch...when in reverse, the gearlever is very close, but not touching, the steering wheel rim. This means that when one is swinging the wheel about to full lock (needed for my awkward garage) and looking backwards, one is liable to either bash your fingers or knock it out of reverse. I have looked at the space to pack the wheel away from the column and it is still insufficient to fit a chubby finger between gearlever and wheel.

Do I need a deeper boss? Can the gearlever be adjusted? Can the gearchange column be shortened?

Thoughts and ideas welcome!

[Keith Clements]

Yes that can be a problem. I think it is possible to alter by making a new bush that holds the gearshift column onto the steering column at the bottom with a hole that is off centre.
You perhaps then need to worry about hitting the light switches. Small hands are useful sometimes!

Other mods might be possible. Any mod often has unforeseen consequences.

[AmilcarJohn]

Hmmm very strange. I have contacted Moto-Lita and they have sent me the drawing of their standard boss, which is exactly the same depth as the one I have -so no benefit to be gained there. I'll take a look at moving the gearchange, but it seems strange to me, given the number of cars fitted with aftermarket steering wheels...

Having a rather unpleasant day, since the Jupiter petrol tank sprang a leak and I get drenched in the smelly stuff when attempting to drain it

[Tony Fearn]

Hello John.
Recently someone gave me a knob which can be fitted on to the steering wheel. It's still in the garage unused.
Most people would think it was a disabled driver's device, but could it be what you need??
Have a look at:-
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=disab ... QsAQ&dpr=1
Tony.

[Keith Clements]

As used on many rallies for special tests such as no manoeuvrability into cone garages.

[AmilcarJohn]

Thanks but no thanks! These are sometimes known as 'suicide knobs' for some reason

I'm investigating a spacer to bring the wheel away from the gearchange as the simplest option.

John

[Jack]

Hi John,

Before modifying the boss, have you considered a replacement wheel with a slightly deeper dish? A new wheel isn't hugely expensive, and if you sold or returned the old one might be significantly cheaper (and create less other issues) than changing the column etc.

Is the wheel that you have slightly dished, or flat? I can see why, with a flat wheel, you might have this issue, we replaced Keith's wheel a couple of years ago and the clearance is ok with a slightly dished wheel.

Jack.

[AmilcarJohn]

Hi Jack,

That sounds like the most logical plan...but unfortunately:

1) I have very rigid ideas on how I want the car to look -and I want to retain a very period appearance -dished wheels have a more 60's look to my eye
2) I got a good deal on the wheel as it was slightly 'shop soiled' so it is non-returnable

On the plus side, Mota Lita seem to have spacers which will do the job (hopefully) -I am requesting more details.

John

[AmilcarJohn]

Now solved! Moto Lita do a range of spacers from 1/2" to 2" which fit between the wheel and boss. I used a 1" spacer and now have plenty of space.

Thanks to all for your interest and advice.

John

[tonygunton]

Hi John

I have just put a post regarding a new steering wheel. Can you tell me which boss fitted the Jupiter and what other car does it fit Do you know how many splines on the steering shaft.

Many thanks,

Tony Gunton.b