Steering Wheel Mounting Options...
Discussion
While I've got the steering rack centered and clamped to do the preliminary alignment (string box fun!), I thought I'd get the wheel mounted. Am I correct in understanding that the factory-supplied crush zone is meant to meet IVA requirements?
If that's so, can any non-UK builders comment on the necessity and/or advisability of either 1) retaining the crush zone as a safety feature, or 2) substituting another spacer (quick-release boss, perhaps) to retain the longitudinal positioning of the wheel.
My feeling is that I won't require a quick-release for any practical reason, so why not save what little money I can at this point. That being said, I could be talked into it…
Ken
If that's so, can any non-UK builders comment on the necessity and/or advisability of either 1) retaining the crush zone as a safety feature, or 2) substituting another spacer (quick-release boss, perhaps) to retain the longitudinal positioning of the wheel.
My feeling is that I won't require a quick-release for any practical reason, so why not save what little money I can at this point. That being said, I could be talked into it…
Ken
Ken as I have stated before I have a quick release and the only time I use it is if I need under the dash. I think if the wheel is in a good place for you as you sit in the car with the crush block I wold keep it. If you prefer the wheel it bit further away then I would go without. Lee
ROWDYRENAULT said:
Ken as I have stated before I have a quick release and the only time I use it is if I need under the dash. I think if the wheel is in a good place for you as you sit in the car with the crush block I wold keep it. If you prefer the wheel it bit further away then I would go without. Lee
Hi Lee,I'm with you on there not being a real need for a quick-release in the GTR. I'm not opposed to keeping the crush block (or not), though I'll be uncertain as to my preferred wheel position until I've got the seats in and have adjusted the pedals. For reference, I'm 6' tall with a 34" inseam and relatively long arms (I have my dress shirts made with 36" sleeves). Does that sound like "use the crush block" or "go without" to you?
Ken
I am not sure of your age or waist size but I find my removable wheel aids my exit from the car.
Getting in is fine with the wheel in place but exiting is far easier without and as I am nearing 60 and our government would probably describe me as obese (gits!) at 15 stones (210 lbs).
Not quite time for a crane yet!
The crumple zone is for UK legislation, not sure about the US. If you are going to impact the steering wheel then your belts are not done up tight enough. Mine are always tight.
In terms of the distance of the wheel from your body then I would say have it fairly close as it will increase leverage when parking and on track days.
It is designed as a race car for the road so many race car settings are relevant for the car.
Paul
Getting in is fine with the wheel in place but exiting is far easier without and as I am nearing 60 and our government would probably describe me as obese (gits!) at 15 stones (210 lbs).
Not quite time for a crane yet!
The crumple zone is for UK legislation, not sure about the US. If you are going to impact the steering wheel then your belts are not done up tight enough. Mine are always tight.
In terms of the distance of the wheel from your body then I would say have it fairly close as it will increase leverage when parking and on track days.
It is designed as a race car for the road so many race car settings are relevant for the car.
Paul
Storer said:
I am not sure of your age or waist size but I find my removable wheel aids my exit from the car.
Getting in is fine with the wheel in place but exiting is far easier without and as I am nearing 60 and our government would probably describe me as obese (gits!) at 15 stones (210 lbs).
Not quite time for a crane yet!
The crumple zone is for UK legislation, not sure about the US. If you are going to impact the steering wheel then your belts are not done up tight enough. Mine are always tight.
In terms of the distance of the wheel from your body then I would say have it fairly close as it will increase leverage when parking and on track days.
It is designed as a race car for the road so many race car settings are relevant for the car.
Paul
Hi Paul,Getting in is fine with the wheel in place but exiting is far easier without and as I am nearing 60 and our government would probably describe me as obese (gits!) at 15 stones (210 lbs).
Not quite time for a crane yet!
The crumple zone is for UK legislation, not sure about the US. If you are going to impact the steering wheel then your belts are not done up tight enough. Mine are always tight.
In terms of the distance of the wheel from your body then I would say have it fairly close as it will increase leverage when parking and on track days.
It is designed as a race car for the road so many race car settings are relevant for the car.
Paul
Good points, all. I'm 48 and have a 32/33" waist (about 160 lbs soaking wet most days).
I'm also a great believer in having one's belts done up as tight as possible. I always told my aerobatic students that if they could take a deep breath and fully expand their chest then their belts weren't tight enough. By the time I showed them inverted flight for the first time and they dropped an inch or three in their supposedly "tight" belts, they were ready to believe me.
Ken
Corsair613 said:
.....For reference, I'm 6' tall with a 34" inseam and relatively long arms (I have my dress shirts made with 36" sleeves). Does that sound like "use the crush block" or "go without" to you?
Ken
I'm 6'1" 33" inside leg and about 16stone.Ken
I have the seat hard back and a crush zone behind the wheel.
I'm told the ideal driving position is, fully strapped in, arms outstretched, your limp wrists should just hook over the top of the wheel.
This is what my driving position gives.
Steve
Steve_D said:
Corsair613 said:
.....For reference, I'm 6' tall with a 34" inseam and relatively long arms (I have my dress shirts made with 36" sleeves). Does that sound like "use the crush block" or "go without" to you?
Ken
I'm 6'1" 33" inside leg and about 16stone.Ken
I have the seat hard back and a crush zone behind the wheel.
I'm told the ideal driving position is, fully strapped in, arms outstretched, your limp wrists should just hook over the top of the wheel.
This is what my driving position gives.
Steve
Paul
PS. My wrists are far from limp!
Steve_D said:
I'm 6'1" 33" inside leg and about 16stone.
I have the seat hard back and a crush zone behind the wheel.
I'm told the ideal driving position is, fully strapped in, arms outstretched, your limp wrists should just hook over the top of the wheel.
This is what my driving position gives.
Steve
Only Stirling Moss comes to mind as a guy who drove with his arms outstretched. I never have, whether on street or track. That outstretched position is inherently unstable and doesn't give me the feel and control I want. Different strokes, I suppose.I have the seat hard back and a crush zone behind the wheel.
I'm told the ideal driving position is, fully strapped in, arms outstretched, your limp wrists should just hook over the top of the wheel.
This is what my driving position gives.
Steve
Sounds as though the crush boss and the full-aft seat position should yield a useful and comfortable driving posture. Hopefully.
Ken
Peeps seem to be missing the point re outstretched arms.
As I said you stretch your arms out to the top of the wheel so that your whole hand hangs over the top of the wheel.
When you bring them back down to hold the wheel (ten to two) you have a nice bend in your arms (119 degrees in fact).
Steve
As I said you stretch your arms out to the top of the wheel so that your whole hand hangs over the top of the wheel.
When you bring them back down to hold the wheel (ten to two) you have a nice bend in your arms (119 degrees in fact).
Steve
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