HI everyone, had a question about steering wheels. I'm looking to replace the wheel on my 74 think want something closer to a military style 3 spoke wheel. The closest thing I have found is the early vw style 2 spoke wheels from the bugs, are these interchangeable?
What spline size does the 74's have?
thanks
P.S. Just got my new convertible top from Kubelman, great guy to work with !!
Steering wheel swap
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Kubelmann
- Posts: 1380
- Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2003 12:01 am
Re: Steering wheel swap
VW 181s, unfortunately, used two different steering columns and steering wheels. The "early type" seen mostly on 73's can be identified by the metal trim around the key switch area, the "late" version, found mostly 74's, has a plastic trim assembly in the same area. Not only is the trim different, but the steering wheel spline is different so most 73 steering wheels won't fit 74 steering columns and vice versa.
The good news is that the "late" style (74's) is identical in spline and other fitments to later VWs. Of Rabbit sports wheels all the splines, compression tubes and even the horn and turn signals align between the VW 181 and the newer wheel. Also other VWs and Audi's steering wheels should fit right in place of the stock wheel.
For 73 Thing the specs are
21 mm 40 tooth spline
Momo adapter hub #0248
The military Thing had a steering wheel that has two spokes and uses the 73 spline. You can swap 74 and 73 steering shafts and solve this issue. I happen to have one of the military wheels on hand at this time.
The good news is that the "late" style (74's) is identical in spline and other fitments to later VWs. Of Rabbit sports wheels all the splines, compression tubes and even the horn and turn signals align between the VW 181 and the newer wheel. Also other VWs and Audi's steering wheels should fit right in place of the stock wheel.
For 73 Thing the specs are
21 mm 40 tooth spline
Momo adapter hub #0248
The military Thing had a steering wheel that has two spokes and uses the 73 spline. You can swap 74 and 73 steering shafts and solve this issue. I happen to have one of the military wheels on hand at this time.