Steering Wheel... What do you think?

[Yamaha V6]

Do I get credit for coming up with this one, or has someone else done it before me?

I personally think it looks really good, given the trim accents, etc.

 

[jelloslug]

IMHO I think it would look better with a black airbag and column trim.

 

[greenbeanmtx]

Did you just take the leather off or is that my eyes playing games with me? I would say it looks good if the old leather was shot, mine is getting there slowly.

 

[Yamaha V6]

Good eyes - I figured most people would think it was a Wheelskin or something.

One of the guys at the shop was playing around with installing a Wheelskin on another guy's 97 SHO, and we got to discussing the options. I personally prefer a thinner wheel than a thicker one - the stock SHO wheel is about the limit of what I feel is comfortable (picture old Caddy / Olds thin wheel - that's what I like). Anyway, he pulled the leather off Jezebel's old wheel, and I liked how it looked. Threw it on the other night for a road test, and I think I'm going to keep it.

2 things:

A) the wheel is more slippery than with the leather, and
B) the back side of the wheel has some lettering, etc, and the bottom of the wheel has the 2 slots you see in the pic.

As for the black bag, I have a black Gen 1 wheel on my 91's original mocha interior, and it sticks out like a sore thumb. This is definitely more subtle, and looks more like the trim, IMO.

 

[PROPHET]

Nice look.

 

[DDakRT]

I dont think I'm a fan... sorry

I on the other hand like a thicker wheel, thats why I went with a Wheelskin .

 

[luigisho]

I really like the look Fred. I don't think I'd like the slippery quality while driving. If that isn't a concern for you then it's a winner. Hmmm..maybe a black leather wheel with the tan airbag would be the best of both worlds.

 

[Yamaha V6]

A) That limits you to a 93 Black only for the 93-95 guys
B) You also end up with the black main base vs. the original color base & airbag.

I am wondering how well the rubbery base material will hold up vs. leather, and I also wonder how / if it will change grip-wise over time, and with the sun's heat & light exposure.

 

[n8rsk8r]

I have a black leather from a SC thunderbird that I am replacing my way tore up wheel with, it is going to look like yours but my interior paint is the grey called Medium Opal, so it will look good in my opinion, this gives me an Idea as to how it will look. Thanks.

 

[jelloslug]

If you really like the non-leather you could always get a base wheel from almost any 90's Ford car or truck. They should be almost free at any junkyard.

 

[luigisho]

You know Fred, if you start having a problem with the plastic composite materials you could always do a thin little fiberglass or carbon fiber overlay that might wear a little better and shine up nice. In fact if you did this, you could integrate patches of gripping material anywhere on the wheel. In the line of sight or even just on the backside for fingertip gripping. hmmm..... :burn_out:

 

[greenbeanmtx]

I think its a good look considering its free. Since it is in fact the wheel without leather is it sticky or anything? That thing looks clean like it never had anything on it. Heck for free, i dig it

 

[Yamaha V6]

If you really like the non-leather you could always get a base wheel from almost any 90's Ford car or truck. They should be almost free at any junkyard.

Mitch, the thing I'd be concerned with is the airbag / clock spring connector. Getting in there & re-wiring isn't something I'm keen on when dealing with explosive devices.

 

[jelloslug]

It should be a direct swap; no rewiring required. If you’re worried about unhooking the airbag, just unhook the connector to the clockspring under the dash first. Then there is nothing to worry about . It is really almost imposable to "accidentally" set off an airbag. I've had mine out a dozen times, changed the clockspring out with one from a late model Town Car (bolts right up BTW) and severly modded the harness without incident.

 

[SHO92]

All the ford wheels of the Gen 2 taurus style should bolt up, with no rewiring, and it will still use the Tarurs airbag. You just need to get the mounting hardware(hornbuttons) for the wheel you are using. Since you're still using the original bag, theres nothing to rewire. This is why the Mustang FR500 wheels works.

 

[n8rsk8r]

I will add to just unhook the battery and that is the best safeguard to any electrical work

 

[DHMag]

looks good. wonder what a carbon fiber skin would look like.

 

[Yamaha V6]

I will add to just unhook the battery and that is the best safeguard to any electrical work

Except that the bags are under their own battery backup power.

 

[luigisho]

looks good. wonder what a carbon fiber skin would look like.

I'm not big on cf accessories but, in this case, for the whole wheel I think it would look really good.

 

[SHOguy 92]

Except that the bags are under their own battery backup power.

Yep, I always stay off to the side when dealing with airbags....