Alternative for a fat man steering wheel

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2009: Alternative for a fat man steering wheel
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 09:36 am:

I see that Bob's antique parts is selling a beautiful new "fatman adapter" for the stock steering wheel. It is solid brass and looks pretty good. I think it would look great on my 14 roadster, Thoughts?




Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David_Cockey on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 10:13 am:

Interesting design. I haven't seen one in person, just the photo posted above, but maybe it would be better call a "skinny man" steering wheel. Looks like it moves the steering wheel and inch or more closer to the driver. For those who need more space that may not be the way to go. Also, unlike with the ones which slide up to get out of the way, this one will need a thinner driver to swing the wheel up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 11:27 am:

I called Bob, and he sent me more photos of his "fatman" steering wheel system. It costs $250, and attached are photos. He said it will actually "extend" the wheel about an 1 1/4 inch beyond it's current position, meaning there will be a bit more room when driving.

BTW, I am not associated with, nor had ever bought anything from Bob's (until this morning :-) )

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry VanOoteghem on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 12:59 pm:

It looks like if you swung the wheel up, as shown in photos 1 & 2, it would hit you in the face. However, if you hinged it from the position shown in the last photo, it may swing out of your way nicely, either to the right or left, depending on which side your enter the car from.

I don't see how being 1.25" closer to you gives you more room when driving however. I would also wonder if I'd smack my knuckles on the plunger knob every time I turned the wheel. Looks like the wheel shown is extra small so maybe the knuckle thing is a non-issue on a standard wheel.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ned Protexter on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 03:03 pm:

Alturnative for a fat man steering wheel? Eat right and exercise. Sorry about that but it was the first thing that came to mind.

Do they make a nickel plated one for later cars?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ken - SAT on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 05:45 pm:

"I would also wonder if I'd smack my knuckles on the plunger knob every time I turned the wheel."

Looks to me like the latch assembly turns with the wheel. So you'd only smack your knuckles if you let the wheel spin out of a turn. A little clunky but sure looks nice. Too bad I'm not fat. I'd like to have one.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Friday, May 22, 2009 - 08:51 pm:

Rob, you must want it for more legroom on the '09.

rdr


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rob Heyen on Saturday, May 23, 2009 - 07:41 am:

RDR,

I've reversed the wheel on our 09 to make more room (look fellows, I'm 5'10", 185 lbs, so don't start with the "chunky" jokes :-) ). I might be able to use this and turn the wheel right side up.

Besides, I'm a "sucker" for accessories.

Rob


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By peter kable on Saturday, May 23, 2009 - 09:10 am:

I have a fat man wheel that swings over 180 deg.

I had the car parked in an angle parking spot once on a tour and the wheel was turned the to the left (car is RHD) instead of being above the steering column

A husband and wife were looking at the car and the wife says look at the funny steering wheel. Husband replies "yes dear thats so the passanger can steer"


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John F. Regan on Saturday, May 23, 2009 - 09:49 am:

"Eat right - exercise - die anyway".

Don't take this as an endorsement of the functionality of this product but I saw one first hand at Belvidere swap meet just last week. Bob was there and had one on display. It appeared to be very well made and was nice looking. I was busy hunting spools and coils but stopped to chat with him - mostly he listened ha ha. I am always happy to see someone make something new for our cars. If any of you out there have thoughts of making something - please drop me an email and let me tell you what I have learned and what pitfalls to avoid. It would be just great if you made something for the hobby. Tell me your talent and I might be able to line you up with something to make and where to get the info. My only requirement to help you is that you make something quality and correct per Ford drawings if available and that you make something that you are proud of. Bob was beaming when showing off his new steering wheel hinge thingee. That is the feeling that will sustain you in your enterprise. If you only want to make some money - Model T Ford is the wrong market for that.

Let's be honest - the main thing we like about this thing is that it is "shiney brass" ha ha.


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