I want a snap off wheel

[StefanLee]

Hmmm.

Hoping for some answers althought this subforum seems pretty...quiet.

I´m planning for some kind of snap off steering wheel for my GT, preferably with a classic style steering wheel.

The reason is two fold, first it will be easier to get in and out AND it is a pretty effective theft deterrant. I park the car outside sometimes and I want it to be as difficult as possible to steal.

So, what should I do? The best would be a steering wheel adaptor for Nardi´s that have a snap off feature.

Stefan

[opelnut10]

Originally Posted by StefanLee Hmmm. Hoping for some answers althought this subforum seems pretty...quiet. I´m planning for some kind of snap off steering wheel for my GT, preferably with a classic style steering wheel. The reason is two fold, first it will be easier to get in and out AND it is a pretty effective theft deterrant. I park the car outside sometimes and I want it to be as difficult as possible to steal. So, what should I do? The best would be a steering wheel adaptor for Nardi´s that have a snap off feature. Stefan

Opel GT's have one of the best theft deterrant features stock, the locking steering. Before you cut it off turn the wheels and then turn off and lock the steering. For a added deterrant you can wire in a hidden kill switch which will not allow power to start until disabled, also gives you time to load the best deterrat against thiefs, a 40 cal. H&K with 110 grain semijacketed hydro-shocks very effective

[StefanLee]

Haha.

Actually, I hadn´t thought of the steering wheel lock...

BUT one reason for the snap off is that I want the criminal to see that the car is very difficult to steal BEFORE he gets behind the wheel (WHUT, no steering wheel?!), and I´m stuck with at best a broken drivers side window or ruined key lock.

We have plenty of just plain stupid people around (as I suspect you do too) that just take chances, they don´t care if they destroy someone else´s property in the process.

I have the battery rerouted to behind the passengers´seat, and have a kill switch installed that I can take with me.

I thought of the snap off since I am looking at replacing the original sterring wheel with say a Nardi leather wheel and will need an adaptor anyway.

Maybe I should put a sticker on it saying I´m a hunter (I am) and have plain view over the parking lot? Naaah don´t think so.

thanks,

Stefan

[opelnut10]

If you have a removeable steering wheel it requires you to take the wheel with you in order to insure the steering being disabled, then the only requirment is a pair of "vice grips locked onto the steering shaft and they have a means of steering the car. Invest the money in a good, loud alarm system and leave the car unlocked to avoid broken windows. I don't keep anything in my car that costs as much to replace as a window does. If you have a high end radio, get one with a removeable face plate (easier to take with you than a steering wheel ) and they have them that once removed it will not play without resetting the code.

[StefanLee]

Yep, Opelnut, I know.

As I said, I´m considering it because I am going to replace the steering wheel anyway.

I don´t care for large steering wheel locks, where am I going to put it when I drive it? Oh well, behind the seats taking up space but I think they are REALLY ugly.

I´d rather take the steering wheel with me whenever I park it in an "unsafe" place, I´m talking about leaving it overnight outside the house etc, not when taking a shopping trip into town. But hey, a locking bar might be better sometimes.

I don´t have a stereo in it, and if I did it would be one with a removable front.

Stefan

[gr_diver]

I understand your concern for broken windows and ruined locks, been there about a year and a half ago... Just posting this for fun...

One of my neighbors used to have a 198? Peugeot, that it's doors wouldn't lock, that the steering wheel wouldn't lock and the only thing that kept it outside his home was the ignition switch. Because one could very easily break the switch's lock, or run a jumper cable from the battery to the coil, push-start it and drive away, every night he took with him the coil's spark cable! Clever!

[baronbors]

Originally Posted by StefanLee Maybe I should put a sticker on it saying I´m a hunter (I am) and have plain view over the parking lot? Naaah don´t think so. thanks, Stefan

Or a note on the wheel-"Smile pretty- your in my scope and the next sound you hear will be your brains on the dash"

[opelnut10]

Originally Posted by gr_diver I understand your concern for broken windows and ruined locks, been there about a year and a half ago... Just posting this for fun... One of my neighbors used to have a 198? Peugeot, that it's doors wouldn't lock, that the steering wheel wouldn't lock and the only thing that kept it outside his home was the ignition switch. Because one could very easily break the switch's lock, or run a jumper cable from the battery to the coil, push-start it and drive away, every night he took with him the coil's spark cable! Clever!

One good thing about someone stealing a Peugeot, at least the ones we got in the US, when they get under the first light and they see what they got they will abandon it and you won't have to look far to find it

[StefanLee]

You speak the truth Opelnut10!

Haha!

[StefanLee]

But still, back to the point...

Does anyone have any info on wheel adapters with a snap-off function?

SL

[RallyBob]

Originally Posted by StefanLee But still, back to the point... Does anyone have any info on wheel adapters with a snap-off function? SL

Steering quick releases are common for racing use. They are normally welded to the steering column, but I have also adapted them to stock columns before by modifying the standard bolt-on hub to fit the quick release mechanism. In either case however, you will not have a functioning horn button however.

Bob

[P.J. Romano]

Stefan,
I am not sure that this is the right idea but have a look at this one. The price seems right.
SPW Steering Wheel Quick Release Hub Adapter - Quick Release and Lock

[jeff denton]

The adaptor/release unit PJ pointed us to is pretty trick! And has the horn circuit through it, too.
Notice the warning given: make damn sure you have the wheel on properly before you drive. It sucks to have the wheel come off, so I've heard. Guess what? It happens now and then in the auto racing world.

[StefanLee]

Thanks for the link, that is just what I´m looking for.

Now I have to find a hub adapter to fit a Nardi wheel (know of any?) and a Nardi Classico leather steering wheel. Or atleast, that is the style I am after, if you know of any other nice classic steering wheel/hub combinations it would be great to hear about it. I also look at the Moto-LIta wheels of england, very nice as well. They have hubs for opels, I´l have to check if it fits the GT... it should!

edit: after looking at the Moto-Lita site I am impressed, they have a very nice online shop where a hub for the GT can be ordered together with the wheel (and other nice options, like size, finish, extensions etc). They even have wheel centers with Opel logos! E-Z-Shopping!

Stefan