Anyone know of a source where I can buy a spacer that will move the stock steering wheel (2004) an inch or two closer to the driver?

 

Sorry Joe, all I could find was a thread from '02 on m.net saying it's illegal to remove airbags.

IIRC, you're a tall dude, are you doing this for more leg room? Is there a spacer like on NAs to remove from the column to raise the wheel ~1/4"? That might help, but if you're keeping the airbag I think it also has something to do with that plate, so maybe not a great idea.

I know it's about $310 for an adapter and wheel, but I really think that's your best option. Smaller diameter will be a big help too.

 

didn't garage star make extenders? it wasn't for the stock wheel tho

 

Since the stock wheel attach directly on the column splines a spacer would be challenging.
Adjusting the pedals a little can do wonders and if it's possible to raise the column even better (did not know there was a possibility, still learning apparently...).

 

How good are you at cutting and welding?

How many threads are showing above the steering wheel nut? Washers behind the wheel might get you 1/2 inch.

 

Good at cutting, mediocre at MIG welding.

At the moment, however, I lack cutting and welding tools.

 

Do you have room for the washers?

 

IIRC maybe 1-2 washers before you have no thread sticking past the nylon part of the nut. So joe's real answer is a hub adapter, QR, and aftermarket wheel.

 

Hmm.

I had hoped to avoid the introduction of ricer-style components into what is presently a pristine automotive ecosystem.

 

You could spend boku bucks and buy one of the more expensive nardi wheels that dont look ricer or racecar, and also get one of the more expensive hub adapters that also look niceish.

 

prob solved

 

prob solved

 

6'2", size 14 shoe. Always been manageable in the past, problem is that I recently found a pair of boots which I absolutely love, but they're just a hair larger than what I used to wear, with the result that it's become extremely awkward to drive. I can no longer heel-toe, the steering wheel rubs my legs quite solidly 100% of the time, and even moving my right foot from gas to brake requires a degree of coordination.

If I could shift the steering wheel up or towards me (or both), the problem would be solved.

(Yes, I'm aware of the so-called foamectomy. No, I don't want to sit lower in the car.)

In my head, I imagine a spacer which consists of a cylindrical piece of aluminum about 2" long and 3" in diameter. The center of it is hollowed out and broached such that it attaches to the steering column as normal, and then three holes are drilled in the stock steering wheel at about a 2" Ø around center and used to bolt it to the spacer.

Actually constructing said part is beyond my capabilities at present. I may design it in eMachineShop and see what the price would be...


Does anyone make an aftermarket steering wheel that's about 2" smaller than stock and doesn't look like ricer ****?

 

Suspension & Steering : Advanced Autosports, Miata Race Parts, Spec Miata and TRANS AM Race Car Sales, Service, Build & Rentals Support in Midwest

4 from the bottom.

 

Sketch it up and I will make it for you. Aluminum or steel?

Edit: I have an old wheel, which I can cut up to obtain the broached spline section. then it's just a mater of making a spacer to bolt to it. You would have to drill the existing wheel to screw/bolt to the spacer block.

 

Usable only with existing 3-bolt QR aftermarket steering wheels. Won't work with OEM.


However, the object in the upper-left of this image gives me an idea:

 

The problem with extending the splines that way is securing the extender (if using the threads).
Making a six bolted adapter for the OEM steering wheel could be one path (it would extend it a lot though).

 

Steering feel on a good aftermarket wheel is way better than the stock wheel. They are lighter and more rigid so the sensations are less damped.

You could also try and find one of the na6 non airbag steering wheels. They are basically momo wheels with a cover that makes them look more OEM.

JDM Mazda Eunos Miata RoadStar MX 5 NA6C Original Momo Steering Wheel | eBay

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-MOMO...item234c691985

 

I ended up with a good deal on a used wheel, but I was strongly considering this wheel for its subdued and near-OEMish styling.

Personal Steering Wheel - EB 110-V Supersport - 350 mm (13.78 inch) - Black Leather

 

I'd say cut and weld the steering shaft to be longer, it goes through no extra force than a drive shaft, and they're easily extendable. You'd have to also lengthen the tube it's in behind the ignition, so the entire turn signal and headlight stalks would be closer too.