Blackline steering wheel "sticks out"

[KeeperJones]

So I got my Nardi Blackline a while back from AC Nico and was really looking forward to installing it. I am kind of a big guy and was looking forward to having a smaller wheel as well.

The thing is that the wheel sticks out further into the car, like a couple of inches almost. Looking at how it is designed, I don't think there is anything I can do about it. I really don't think I like it. I am kind of bummed. Any thoughts?

I have have been searching around for the last hour or two and don't see a lot on replacement wheels and where their position ends up being. Can one assume that a hub means it is probably going to stick out more? Do any of the oem possibilities stick out more, like an M-tech 2 wheel?

Any thoughts would be appreciated,

KJ

[DREWHALL]

Usually no because they don't require the adapter hub. The hub is why the steering wheel is sticking out. The only thing you could do is maybe make a shorter hub...

[KeeperJones]

Hub

I was thinking about that this morning. I took a quick look at it as I was heading out the door and it looks like there is a lot of "space" in there looking down through the wheel into the hub. After work I am going to take the hub off and see how it is made.

I have been looking for a image of a Mtech 2 wheel from the side, just to see if I can get an idea on how much it sticks out, but can't seem to find a good image yet.

I guess it is not your average problem.

[stumble_t]

Sticks out further???
IDK what you mean. My blackline wheel is in the same position as my other wheel, actually it is about 1/4 inch CLOSER to the stalks.:???:
how did you mount it?
is your car an airbag car?

[KeeperJones]

I haven't mounted it. I can see that the "face" of the wheel is considerably out further past the top of the mounting nut. I measured it and it is like an inch and a half or so.

Am I missing something or is my hub different maybe? no airbag btw.

[stumble_t]

are you sure its not an E36 hub?

[KeeperJones]

Actually, no I am not sure. I will have to check into that when I get home. The hub does have a number on it.

I will get back to you on this.

[stumble_t]

please do.
Ill look at my other wheel and get the number for you.

[KeeperJones]

Hub

The hub looks correct, 0604. So here is the assumption that I have made that may be incorrect. The distance from the plate that the main nut goes down on is at least an inch deeper in the wheel than the stock one. My assumption was that the splined area does not end up farther in than stock, if that makes sense. The distance in red on my super paint diagram. With the stock setup there is very little of the threads sticking out past the top of the nut. I suppose I could just try it, but to me, even a glance I could see it that the top of the splines was a lot deeper in the there, implying that the wheel would stick out further.

[stumble_t]

Seeing as the nardi hub is different from the factory hub, I'd say the green line would better determine the wheels position wouldn't you?

[KeeperJones]

Well, I guess that is kind of what I was saying. I was assuming that the splined area was going to be the same length and sit in the same spot as the OEM wheel does. That may not be the case. But even if it doesn't I am going to be suprised it if sit down on the stock an inch and a half further. I will put it on tomorrow and see. I hope it does.

Thanks for the input,

KJ

[KeeperJones]

hub

Well, it is in. I guess I thought it was going to be harder. Anyway, it fits exactly the same way as the oem and it sticks out at least an inch further than my oem wheel. So basically the green and red line are both an inch or more in distance than stock (by the same amount). There is a spacer on the back side, but without it, it rests against the plastic and leaves open some sort of keeper. There is just more space between the top of the splines and where the hub attaches to the wheel. It doesn't look like there needs to be that much space, but there is. I will take off the hub tomorrow and see what is in there. Maybe it can be shortened? It is hard to see anything inside.

Kinda sux. I love the wheel, but I don't like it out further.

[KeeperJones]

Hub

So here is what I ended up doing. I shortened it about an inch, it is lighter, stronger, more threads, I am happy with it. Thanks for all the replies.

[stumble_t]

Nice job!
I have a few questions for you though.
Are there any problems with the back of the center pad hitting the nut(as it sticks into the hub area)?
Hows your stalk clearance now that the wheel is closer?
Would you make another one?

[KeeperJones]

Nice job!
I have a few questions for you though.
Are there any problems with the back of the center pad hitting the nut(as it sticks into the hub area)?
Hows your stalk clearance now that the wheel is closer?
Would you make another one?

Your different hubs and steering wheels may vary, but the way the blackline works is that the pad and such all fits inside of the horn assembly. It mounts on top of the wheel and sticks through a ways. The main part of the assembly itself, the lower side, is stationary and the top part moves above it. The nut and the stud, barely stick up past the base of the unit for me. So the spacer is at a minimum thinkness to account for both of these. This also left room for the wiring as well. As for the stalk clearance, it has not changed. The location of the main part of the hub, the lower part, does not move.

The other nice thing about this piece is that I did not make any changes to the hub itself, so I could put the old piece back in if I ever wanted to. I could make these. I have a friend at a machine shop and he kind of helps me out once in a while, but I could get some kind of idea on a price if someone was interested. To have the ring machined, drilled, and tapped would probably be in the $40 range, I am not sure. I am not really interested in making money on these, but I don't mind helping out if someone would like one. Mine shortens the distance, but you could just as easily make it longer as well.