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Group 3 - Suspension and Steering Front Suspension, Steering Linkage, Rear Suspension, Wheels and Tires

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Old 10-21-2006   #1 (permalink)
'72 Opel GT (Sara)
 
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Unanswered: Steering Wheel Wrap...

FYI in case you have a damaged steering wheel and want a quick and cheap solution:

My GT steering wheel has cracked in several places. As a temporary fix I thought I would buy a steering wheel cover. After checking several auto parts stores, I came up empty handed because all the steering wheel covers are for 14.5" - 15.5" steering wheels (the GT appears to have a 13.5" steering wheel). I found an alternative solution at AutoZone for $2.50: A steering wheel wrap. Basically, it's a piece of faux leather that you lace up around the steering wheel. It works perfect on the GT steering wheel and hides the cracking plastic. It also adds a little thickness to the wheel which gives it a more signficant feel and came in black matching my interior.
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'72 Opel GT (Fireglow Orange)

Third Owner, Purchased in 1986
Current Status: Fully Restored
Major Mods: Weber Carb, High Compression Pistons, Electronic Ignition, XM Radio / CD, ADDCO Front / Rear Anti-Sway-Bars

Other Cars:
'06 Pontiac Solstice (Envious Green)
'99 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS (Black Onyx)
Old 10-21-2006   #2 (permalink)
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Something like this?
Ron in Indy
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Old 10-22-2006   #3 (permalink)
I'm slow but GT is fast
 
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Or this?
I put several layers of duct tape around mine first to give it a little extra thickness- I think some body once suggested pipe foam insulation also but I never tried it.
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Last edited by baronbors; 10-22-2006 at 09:21 AM..
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Old 10-22-2006   #4 (permalink)
'72 Opel GT (Sara)
 
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Originally Posted by rrossjr View Post
Something like this?
Ron in Indy
That's it! I still might get the steering wheel adapter from OGTS and replace the steering wheel, but I do like the idea of being able to keep the original steering wheel too...
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'72 Opel GT (Fireglow Orange)

Third Owner, Purchased in 1986
Current Status: Fully Restored
Major Mods: Weber Carb, High Compression Pistons, Electronic Ignition, XM Radio / CD, ADDCO Front / Rear Anti-Sway-Bars

Other Cars:
'06 Pontiac Solstice (Envious Green)
'99 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS (Black Onyx)
Old 10-22-2006   #5 (permalink)
'72 Opel GT (Sara)
 
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Originally Posted by baronbors View Post
Or this?
I put several layers of duct tape around mine first to give it a little extra thickness- I think some body once suggested pipe foam insulation also but I never tried it.
The duct tape sounds like a good idea. I like those seat covers - did you have those made?
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'72 Opel GT (Fireglow Orange)

Third Owner, Purchased in 1986
Current Status: Fully Restored
Major Mods: Weber Carb, High Compression Pistons, Electronic Ignition, XM Radio / CD, ADDCO Front / Rear Anti-Sway-Bars

Other Cars:
'06 Pontiac Solstice (Envious Green)
'99 Oldsmobile Intrigue GLS (Black Onyx)
Old 10-22-2006   #6 (permalink)
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If they're the same ones I think they are, they are available at AutoZone for a reasonable price. Mine came with side bolsters and extra padding under the calves. A easier ride than the originals. Hth, Jarrell
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Old 10-22-2006   #7 (permalink)
I'm slow but GT is fast
 
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Originally Posted by soybean View Post
If they're the same ones I think they are, they are available at AutoZone for a reasonable price. Mine came with side bolsters and extra padding under the calves. A easier ride than the originals. Hth, Jarrell
You are correct except Auto Zone doesnt sell them any more but a whole plethora are available at http://www.truckcustomizers.com/cate...M/mfg-PIL.html
and they fit extremly well too.
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Old 10-22-2006   #8 (permalink)
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My Gt has 2 layers of that wrap. installed by the PO. I like the feel of the extra bulk so both layers are staying.
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Old 10-22-2006   #9 (permalink)
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If any one would like I can finish off another one of the cherry wood steering wheels that I have made. The people that have bought them seem to love them, this is the one that is in my gt. http://www.opelgt.com/photos/data/50...ng_wheel_2.jpg
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Old 10-22-2006   #10 (permalink)
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Jordan, That's a very nice steering wheel.

I also had a vinyl steering wrap for my previous GT. Oh, don't lend your car to anyone that might rear end a truck! That's how you might end up having a previous GT.

While roaming around the wrecking yards trying to get ideas for my GT, which I did on many occasion and rarely saw a GT, I came across a Mazda RX7 steering wheel that looked and felt right for me. I think I paid $15 for it. The hardest part was getting it all to fit and work. I did have a steering wheel adapter, but, I don't know where it came from. After many hours of work, Ungerdog

RX7 steeering wheel and wood dash.jpg
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Old 10-22-2006   #11 (permalink)
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I had a steering wheel that was so cracked, there was no woodgrain left. It was down to the steel ring. I slit some 1/2" (I think it was 1/2, maybe 5/8"?) heater hose and put it over the rim, then used one of those steering wheel wraps. It works great, and has a nice thick spongy feel to it.
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Steve
"ever notice you are never done tinkering with the GT?"
Never mind, I am WAAAY beyond tinkering now...[/SIGPIC]
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