Thoughts on Removable steering wheel

[Cobraman]

I have my seats mounted and set, pedals adjusted and all feels nice while behind the wheel. But as a 6'2" 255# ish🤣 with 36" inseam my legs are rather challenging to pour my self in and climb out of driver side, passenger side is no problem. After much research on Removable steering wheel not sure which one will work best with Factoryfive roadster with little or no mods? Any advice on this subject or those of you that have done this I'm looking for pics and more details. I'm definitely going to do this for convenience and maybe a little cool factor.
Thanks

[edwardb]

Several years ago a forum member showed using a quick release product from NRG. A bunch of us have installed one, including me in my Coupe, and like it a lot. Works great, is relatively easy to install, and doesn't require welding. It does require some drilling and some have made 3D printed fixtures to help. I did mine without and it wasn't difficult.

There are a bunch of threads so I won't explain more than that. This was the original: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?34975-Quick-Release-Russ-Thompson-turn-signal

[Cobraman]

Thanks, I did see this post and it se fairly straightforward.

[GoDadGo]

I've got a Quick Release on my MK-4 and installed it for several reasons even though I'm only 5'10 with a 32" inseam.

1. Ease of entry and exit if I need it in the future.
2. Ease of dash removal should that be required.
3. Improved theft deterrence should I park the car some place where I'm concerned.
4. Ease of wheel change depending on if I'm wearing gloves or not.
5. Ease of letting children and their parents get in and out of the car at car shows.
....The kids really love getting in the car because it is so small plus the parents love sitting in it too which happens often.

I've got the following quick release on my car and have two different steering wheels.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/60722/10002/-1

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/grt-695

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/grt-692

If I'm driving the car with bare hands (99.5% of the time) the leather wheel is the one that is used.
If I'm driving the car with gloves (Winter, Auto Crossing or Drag Racing) I use the Suede covered wheel.
I've removed my steering wheel and taken it with me when I've gone to places like Home Depot, Walmart or some restaurants.
I've also taken the wheel with me when I've gone to New Orleans for those events because that city can be rather shady.

Hope this Helps!

https://youtu.be/iwslgKJUaKc

[Cobraman]

How does this attach to existing Factoryfive shaft. Does it need to be welded? Do you have any pictures as to how you installed it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/z0Odtv5ThJ0?si=QkGtt2ScTc3OAg-k

[GoDadGo]

How does this attach to existing Factoryfive shaft.
Does it need to be welded?


Mine is a simple weld on design that fit over the stock steering shaft that my buddy Ernie (RIP) welded it for me.
We made sure that we centered the rack (Lock to Lock) and marked it prior to being welded so centering the wheel was a snap.
Please be advised that there are many higher grade quick release units out there so research them before you lay down your hard earned cash.

Good Luck!

[Cobraman]

Thank you for your advice I'll check it out.

[BrewCityCobra]

x2 for the NRG hub. The install takes some drilling and grinding but in the end nothing too crazy. Really helps if you have a drill press though.

To the extent a few extra pictures help, a link to the post depicting my install is below:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?38979-The-Brew-City-Cobra-427W-IRS-Putting-the-Color-Down&p=524970&viewfull=1#post524970

[Cobraman]

OK this seems very doable as I have access to a drill press (good to have friends)
But how is the adapter attached to the steering shaft welded or did you drill and bolt through the shaft?

[BrewCityCobra]

OK this seems very doable as I have access to a drill press (good to have friends)
But how is the adapter attached to the steering shaft welded or did you drill and bolt through the shaft?

If I understand you correctly, the aluminum "hub" is just pressed onto the steering shaft (aligning the flats) and secured with a bolt and washer in the center.

Your shaft should already have a hole drilled in tapped into the end of it.

[MVRight]

Sounds like you have good options. I was same boat as you, 6'3", 36" inseam - use my quick release all the time. Used Breeze's kit, which requires welding. Not that I'm a skilled welder, but worked out fine.

[Cobraman]

Your correct the aluminum "hub" is just pressed onto the steering shaft (aligning the flats) and secured with a bolt and washer in the center.so how does the quick release work with the aluminum hub, does it attach to the hub or does it get replaced with a new piece. Or does the new quick release bolt straight to the steer shaft?

[dbo_texas]

Your correct the aluminum "hub" is just pressed onto the steering shaft (aligning the flats) and secured with a bolt and washer in the center.so how does the quick release work with the aluminum hub, does it attach to the hub or does it get replaced with a new piece. Or does the new quick release bolt straight to the steer shaft?

The quick release screws to the FFR hub (or modified Russ Thompson hub in my case) --> it requires you to drill & tap new holes in the hub. I tried to detail the process on my build thread Post #66 (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?40632-ATX-MKIV-9644-Coyote-Build-Thread-(Index-Post-137)&p=480475&viewfull=1#post480475) with lots of pictures. I used the NRG quick release edwardb mentioned.

[Cobraman]

OK ,now that's very detailed as how it should go together and this is exactly what I was looking for. Great detail and documention. I certainly appreciate the step by step detail it definitely makes it very clear. Thank you very much now I can proceed without any second guessing.

[BrewCityCobra]

Your correct the aluminum "hub" is just pressed onto the steering shaft (aligning the flats) and secured with a bolt and washer in the center.so how does the quick release work with the aluminum hub, does it attach to the hub or does it get replaced with a new piece. Or does the new quick release bolt straight to the steer shaft?

Ahh, OK, I figured I must have been mis-reading your question.

The short answer is you bolt the quick release (specifically the inner grey metal piece) to the aluminum hub, and then attach the aluminum hub to the shaft. The two items you need to address to do so is 1) there is a cylindrical "bump" that extends from the back of the grey metal center piece that you need to grind down so the quick-release sits nice and flat, and 2) you need to drill a new set of bolt holes into the aluminum hub to make the connection itself (the bolt pattern in the aluminum hub is for FFR's unique bolt pattern, you need to drill a new set that aligns with the more traditional NRG bolt pattern.)

I have some pictures from when I fabricated mine if that would help, just let me know.

Good Luck!

[BrewCityCobra]

OK ,now that's very detailed as how it should go together and this is exactly what I was looking for. Great detail and documention. I certainly appreciate the step by step detail it definitely makes it very clear. Thank you very much now I can proceed without any second guessing.

Looks like you found edwardB's post - that is the way to go. Nice and detailed.

[Cobraman]

Thanks gentlemen this definitely the way I'm going I've put this in my cart for purchase. Will post pictures when it's installed.