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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 02-22-2016, 02:05 PM
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Default Anyone go with a thicker steering wheel?

The wheel on my new BDR Cobra is period correct but very slim as you may know. Even with driving gloves it can be a handful in quick cornering. Im keeping the OEM wheel but having a thicker wood wheel installed but with the same diameter. It has the identical 3 spoke set up as OEM so it keeps a proper appearance. Have any of you done this and found it improved the turning drivability? Thanks
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Old 02-22-2016, 02:27 PM
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I did that for 3 people two love it one thought it was OK but he didn't like the look and went back to the original wheel.
Tom
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Old 02-22-2016, 02:29 PM
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Haha... the original Backdraft wheel was what you are describing and for years we took them off because everyone wanted the "Moto-Lita" style.
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Old 02-22-2016, 03:57 PM
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Still looking for hard core driving impressions with a thicker wheel especially in tight turns i.e. A road course. You track rat guys chime in too!
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Old 02-22-2016, 05:06 PM
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I am not a track rat, but I really like the stock Backdraft steering wheel for several reasons. 1. It has a diameter that seems proportionate to the car. 2. The thickness of the rim feels secure in my hands. 3. The color of the phenolic/plastic rim is attractive and durable. The only drawback is that the small diameter and powerless steering make for a protracted period of developing the Popeye arms that really are needed to feel in complete command of steering the car.
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Old 02-22-2016, 06:04 PM
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Thinking about it was a long time ago but Don Roberts used to be the test driver for my old company and he would bring his own fat steering wheel when he would test Drive one of the cars
He did not like the original skinny steering wheel
I would take that as a fat wheel is better than skinny wheel.
Tom
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Old 02-22-2016, 07:20 PM
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The thicker wheel makes a huge difference, such as a leather wrapped variation. Even a smaller diameter wheel in conjunction with the increased diameter grip handles nicer. Longer more comfortable driving, no smashing your knuckles on the dash, no hand cramps!!

Good luck.
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Old 02-22-2016, 08:01 PM
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Default Lateral directional coupler device

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The top device is the 14 inch "Enzo" wheel from Finishline.

The bottom device is a 15 inch wheel also from Finishline.
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Old 02-25-2016, 12:25 PM
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Got the new wheel installed today along with the Cobra logo in the center and the car not only looks better but much easier to drive hard in corners than the oem wheel. Thanks for the replies and great input!
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Old 03-05-2016, 01:04 PM
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Cashburn is right as usual. My early Backdraft has a thicker wheel that feels good when I am driving it, but am considering changing for a more correct appearing thinner wheel...
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Old 03-05-2016, 01:07 PM
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Lets see if that uploaded...pardon the messy garage.
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Old 03-08-2016, 04:03 PM
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And the exceedingly poor picture quality, now that I look at it....
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Old 03-12-2016, 04:53 PM
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I'll sell you my original orange thick small wheel off my backdraft...it was ugly like a go kart wheel. I replaced with a larger thin wheel...maybe you should use extra thick "driving gloves"...who uses them??? You know for "hi performance, spirited driving..." Have some fun!!!!
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Old 03-18-2016, 09:56 AM
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I have both the Moto-Lita and the thicker leather wrapped type. I like them both and switch them now and then. The one con I have about the leather wrapped wheel is that it is difficult to handle when maneuvering at low speeds (parking, k-turns, etc.). The leather is very firm which makes the wheel feel slippery at times. My hands will slide a little which makes low speed turning even more laboring. I would assume driving gloves may alleviate that. I've never had an uncomfortable driving experience with the Moto-Lita. If I drive aggressively I may use one hand on the rim while the other is on a spoke for extra leverage. I rarely find that method necessary. To each his own.
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