Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Smaller Diameter Steering Wheel 1982 4/4

We just got our "new" 4/4, and so far love the car. But, I'm too big to easily get behind the steering wheel (6'3"). We've talked to an owner who did a seat frame modification and was very pleased. We plan to do that same modification. However, we also think we can make up some room with a smaller diameter steering wheel. The car has its original, factory steering wheel. Anyone know of a smaller steering wheel that would fit nicely and look good in the place of the original? Thanks so much for your advice.

You could make use of a Motolita steering wheel which is the most common replacement in a Morgan, including a matching new boss. Motolita wheels are available in different diameter sizes. I guess that your 4/4 does not have the widest tyres and therefore a smaller diameter wheel should be no problem regarding the somehow stronger forces when turning or at least when parking. Subjectively I have made the experience that an at least slightly smaller wheel gives the feel of a roomier cabin. I have had a 2011 Plus4 Supersports before my recent Morgan. She had a bigger diameter wheel than standard and my ellbow was disturbing the co pilot sometimes a little bit.

Here's the car and factory steering wheel. Thank you, Heinz! Aloha!

I went from the same wheel as pictured above to a smaller Motolita wheel without any issues of "noticeable" difference in force required. I also think it looks smarter.

Richard and Heinz, do either of you have a Moto Lita part number, diameter of the steering wheel you preferred with your 4/4, or picture of the Moto Lita steering wheel replacement? Thank you.

I did finally find the post that went into some detail about steering wheels, although not too many folks gave details about a smaller diameter steering wheel than OEM. Heinz, are you still happy with the Momo wheel? I need something that will fit like the factory wheel, close to the dash(short boss) as I'm trying for both arm and leg room. The post I found as follows. Thanks to all.

http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/463462/all/Steering_wheel_choice

I'll look in my file later but it was one of these. I think 14 inch.

This is mine (2012 prices!)

Category/Item : Wheels / Mark 4 - Hand Sewn
Wheel Size : 14"
Wheel details : Shape: Flat; Spoke: Holes; Finish: Polished
Quantity : 1
Item Price : 129.50
Total Price : 129.50
Category/Item : Boss / B25B
Boss Finish : Black
Quantity : 1
Item Price : 46.75
Total Price : 46.75

And this is it:

I’ve got the Moto Lita wooden 13” steering wheel. It was fitted on a demonstrator at Williams that I tried and being 6’2” tall it makes it much easier to get in and out and doesn’t rub on my leg at all when driving. It’s on my avatar pic and I’ll try and get a pic to post.

You are right Alohamorgan, I have a Momo wheel on my recent car. But I gave you the recommendation for a Motolita because it is nice, common, generally easier to fit and more people can help you on TM with types and serial numbers etc.
The reason for my choice of Momo was that I wanted something different after three Mogs with Moltolita wheels (and the Plus4SuperSport with the bigger four spoke wheel).

Unfortunatelly all the pics are gone when I posted two years ago how to mount it. It was a bit more difficult because I had to prepare the boss of the Momo to get a reduced length and to enable it to set the indicator lights after reducing the length.
Reason for shortening the Boss is that Momo Prototipo 35cm is a bit dished if not so much.
The common Motolita wheel with it’s boss fits very good when you take a wheel without dish, at least on recent cars since 2005. I don‘t know if it is the same with older Mogs but Richards post is helpful in this area.

If you want to fit a Momo Prototipo feel free to PM and I could sent the pics belonging to this older thread. Or if more guys are interested I could refresh the old thread with pics.

http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/338887/Momo_Prototipo_fitted_for_4/4#Post338887