thicker Moto-Lita steering wheel

[carlv12]

Hello,

now finally this thread has movement and a lot of feedback. I know that the E-Type has no wood in the interior, but I do not like at all the original Series III steering wheel. It looks cheap and the horn button is awful. A wood steering wheel gives the car a special touch, it is an upgrade for me. Also for example the chrome instrument rings. And therefore I prefer a dark colour better than a light colour for an E-Type with black leather and a light wood colour for an E-Type with beige leather.

And the rivets again give the interior more dynamic in my opinion. And always 14", because you have more room for the legs and the V12 have all power steering.



Carlos

[carlv12]

dark wood for black leather cars

And the best option will be the OEM stlyle T-spoke one with rivets in 14"....


Carlos

[Adamski]

I know it's each to their own but I fitted this Mota Lita wheel in for 40 years ago and still think it looks great. Original wheel was missing although I do agree they do still look good.
Note oil temperature gauge and manual fan over ride switch and tell tale light plus rear fog light switch and light. Probably might not drill the dash in today's world!

[Mephistopheles]

Hi Carlos,
I‘d prefer the T spoke version.
My SIII OTS has also a 14“ wooden Moto-Lita with rivets regardless of originality, I just like it. In my own opinion, visible modifications are O.K. if fitting into the area of time. In addition wooden steering wheel creates nice contrast to black dashboard.

Regards
Holger

[Ole-xke1974]

I had a 13" (maybe 14") MotoLita wheel from an other car 30 ish years ago lying around and installed in my S3 a few years ago. At the same time I reduced the power steering oil pressure for a more connected feeling. Mine is the thin rim and I'd prefer it slightly thicker, but not when I already have this.
I did consider to acquire an MGB steering wheel, which I believe is the same design as the S3 but smaller diameter.

[Paul Buckley]

No need for pic as it looked exactlyo like your last pic.

Not quite Peter, this one has five holes in the spokes, the other has three!
The centre boss is also a little different ......

Frankly, except for authenticity, anything would be more attractive than the original fitment.
But I would go for the thin rim and horizontal spokes.

[PeterCrespin]

I was referring to this image he showed in post #11. Mine was identical, so no need to show mine.

http://forum.etypeuk.com/download/file.php?id=788

[Barry]

Another alternative which I am currently enjoying on my car is the Italian Nardi wheel which Eagle fit to their cars. Go to the Eagle website and see it on their special cars. About the same price as a Moto-Lita, I think.

Barry

[JJC]

Looking at all the steering wheel choices, all beautiful, I think at the end of the day, you can not make a bad, or mis-guided decision. Its like asking the forum what tie to wear to the reading of the will of your late mother-in-law........no such thing as a bad choice.
Enjoy !

JC

[Jiminsd]

This is my first post here. I found the thread googling “thick wood steering wheel XKE series 3”. I know some are very conservative with adding changes and some folks put v8s in theirs. I’ve always been a fan of the Series 1 cars with the metal dash and center console, toggle switches and wooden steering wheels, but at 6’2” and a bad back the Series 3 is better for me. Putting a nice wooden wheel and getting a bit more leg room and better feel are all pluses to me. I saw the E-type UK restomod and that made me find my 74. I’ll be doing a mild restomod with 16” wheels, chrome bezels, better brakes and fuel injection. Mine’s for driving not concourse showing. I’ll keep all the original parts for the next guy but I like the idea of a small customization like Carlos did.
Jim

[Ole-xke1974]

This is my first post here. I found the thread googling “thick wood steering wheel XKE series 3”. I know some are very conservative with adding changes and some folks put v8s in theirs. I’ve always been a fan of the Series 1 cars with the metal dash and center console, toggle switches and wooden steering wheels, but at 6’2” and a bad back the Series 3 is better for me. Putting a nice wooden wheel and getting a bit more leg room and better feel are all pluses to me. I saw the E-type UK restomod and that made me find my 74. I’ll be doing a mild restomod with 16” wheels, chrome bezels, better brakes and fuel injection. Mine’s for driving not concourse showing. I’ll keep all the original parts for the next guy but I like the idea of a small customization like Carlos did.
Jim

Welcome to the forum Jim. I think that a carefully modified E can look and drive better than the original. 16" looks ok as well, not to mention that the tall profile tires are a part of the plush ride.
FYI, I have 225/65-15 on my 1974 OTS. They rub on the fresh air hoses at full turn, but I just avoid very sharp turns.

[Barry]

Hi Jim,
My V12 has 225/60 x 16, on 16” x 7” wire wheels. The rear arches were eased slightly, supposedly to fit 235/60 tyres, but they were too wide, affected the handling negatively, and rubbed inside the rear arches despite being eased. 225 section is definitely the widest section to go to. I have AP Racing brakes, Ohlins dampers etc etc. 6.0 litre engine with fuel injection. Another mod you could consider is a new quicker steering rack for the series 3. CMC sell one and so does SNGB. The rack is actually from a Ford Focus.

Having owned a restored Series 1 3.8, my resto-mod V12 makes the 3.8 seem like a very old car to drive.

[Jonny XKE]

Just fitted a 14 inch motolita. Really pleased with it. I wanted to try something that wasn't as large as the original and didn't flex. Although I prefer the look of a woodrim wheel, I do prefer to drive using a leather wheel.

[sideways60]

Jonny XKE , Can you Post details of exactly which one you Chose Pls , My hands dont work like they used too and I'm looking at Squash Racket Handle Tape at the Moment lol ta Russ

[bitsobrits]

I had a 13" (maybe 14") MotoLita wheel from an other car 30 ish years ago lying around and installed in my S3 a few years ago. At the same time I reduced the power steering oil pressure for a more connected feeling. Mine is the thin rim and I'd prefer it slightly thicker, but not when I already have this.
I did consider to acquire an MGB steering wheel, which I believe is the same design as the S3 but smaller diameter.

Great seats. What is the source?

[Jonny XKE]

It says this on the invoice from Moto-Lita

E14FBAOELEATH-Y, 14 E-TYPE OE
LEATHER RIM BA (CUSOM Y)

[Ole-xke1974]

Great seats. What is the source?

Seats are from a UK Mazda Miata (MX5), new leather design by me, work by a local upholstery shop in Annapolis, USA.

[RogerM]

I agree with JJC. The wood rim wheel is not comfortable on long journeys. I have replaced mine with a leather covered 15inch from Mota Lita. It is very comfortable and matches the rest of the interior to give a really pleasant interior view.