Tilt Wheel?

[eddy314]

I know this may be sacrilegious to the Italian authenticity police, but has anyone ever figured out a tilt wheel function on a Spider?

[So Cal Mark]

this is something we've been working on, but it's turned out to be very difficult, and expensive. The short length of the Fiat column is the issue. It can be done, but projected cost would have the column in the $1000 range and would require relocating the high beam switch and wiper switch. I don't think it's economically feasible at this point.

[eddy314]

After looking at it, it seems that the steering column bracket is held by two main bolts and two smaller ones. If one only wanted it to tilt and not telescope, I'm wondering if some sort of adjustable spacer could fit in between the bracket and the frame. The first universal joint would make up for the drop of a couple of inches.

[SLOSpider]

Funny I as just looking at mine the other day and was thinking I could make a wedge shape spacer for bot sides to lower the angle of the wheel and bring it down a bit. The spacer I had in mind would use the 4 holes already there with longer bolts to secure it. I think your correct the u joint will take up the slack if any. I hate the driving position of the wheel location.

[eddy314]

Yes, my thoughts too. I wonder if this spacer could be made adjustable. If it was permanently lowered, it may make it difficult to get in the seat to begin with.

[fd4007]

Just wondering if anyone's successfully managed to tilt the wheel down at all?
If so I'd appreciate some advice on this. Thanks in advance.

[81SPIDERMATT]

i too am curious.... i think the wedge idea is a great one... i think even and inch to inch and a half would make a huge difference... i worry about the gap that might be left at the top of the steering wheel.... also not sure if i would drop the whole thing... i think a wedge that started at zero and thiickend to ???? just to tilt the wheel would accomplish what i am looking for...

[81SPIDERMATT]

also if i remember my geometry... the drop of the steering wheel (at tthe wheel) should be more than the thickness of the wedge... so that big of a wedge may not be needed.. and i think an inch or two would be a huge difference

[fd4007]

Hi I've just achieved tilting the wheel down and it's great. I just did as someone somewhere suggested and replaced the two bolts closest to you that attached the steering wheel column to just underneath the dash with longer ones. There are four bolts, I left the two rear ones in place (they were round headed anyway so I couldn't have taken them out if I wanted to) and took out the two closest ones, then pulled the wheel down closer to the knees, put in longer bolts with spacers (I used a 2cm or so steel tube each side), then spaced with washers too. It's works great. I still have the original wooden steering wheel and the driving position is much improved, but with a smaller wheel, the nardi 15" for example, it would be even better. Doesn't affect the steering column at all as the UJ hasn't been moved. Seems simple... Mark, have I done something really silly?

[Tobi]

Can you still see your gauges? I have a 350mm Abarth wheel and I am sure that would block everything.

[fd4007]

Gauges are partially obscured it's true, petrol and temp ones, but small price to pay for better driving position, for me anyway.

[81SPIDERMATT]

is there a noticable gap at the top of the steering wheel???

[puddin]

I also will follow this tilt wheel quest-- i love purposefull cheap mod's == 2 cm sounds good

[fd4007]

Yes there is a noticeable gap, maybe less than an inch but I'll find something to cover it, but the driving position is greatly improved!

[81SPIDERMATT]

gauges and gaps to the wind .... i am in