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Superbug steering wheel

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modnrod Fahrvergnugen

978 posts · joined Mar 2011 ·

#959529
Gday all.
A quick question please.

1973 L Bug, I currently have an old and infirm SAAS wooden wheel (it creaks more than I do........). It's 350mm in diameter, so it also blocks the speedo from 60kph to 120kph, which is a bit unfortunate.
My options are to replace with another SAAS (to go on the boss kit), I can get one that is 375mm or 15", or try to find the stock wheel (which is bloody horrible to use), or plonk on a wheel from a '68-72 Beetle (the steering shafts are the same, according to Joel's guide, thanks again man!).

Has anyone tried a 15" sports wheel on a Superbug, does it still cover the speedo, or is it OK?

I tried to get a Mexican Beetle wheel (REALLY nice too), it was 16"/400mm like stock but modern rim thickness and feel, but it didn't happen. Anyone know of a wheel from another VW/Audi/Porsche that feels nice to use with larger diameter, that will fit onto the steering splines?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,785 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#959562
You could go the way some of us are going and put a Heads Up unit in. If you do a search in Members Ride for Marty under Bizarre you will see the one I have.
So much better than a speedo
Futue te ipsum!!!

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·

#959567
Porsche wheel fits nice as I had one on my '70 Beetle. (Soft and leather modern feel)
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

modnrod Fahrvergnugen

978 posts · joined Mar 2011 ·

#959582
Heads Up unit?!?!?!! HAHA! I prefer the old '80s tacky-but-now-cool green LCD displays!

Mr AA, which Porsche wheel? Early 911?

AA003 Custom Title Time!

1,189 posts · joined Oct 2011 ·

#959588
I think that mine was around 1972-1974. Once that you look at the back of it you will see.
I read it on samba, so it must be correct.

Sometimes Volkswagen dealers sell spare parts. Amazing isn't it!😂

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 ·

#959594
modnrod wrote:plonk on a wheel from a '68-72 Beetle (the steering shafts are the same, according to Joel's guide, thanks again man!).
The 2 spoke wheel will fit the splines but it wont turn because the spokes will hit the wiper switch.

There are ways around that though.
modnrod wrote:Heads Up unit?!?!?!! HAHA! I prefer the old '80s tacky-but-now-cool green LCD displays!
Thats what I have in mine.
Head up display projects a green LCD display up onto the windscreen.

It was one of the best additions I've made to my bug as its also a nonoffensive speed alert too.

vlad01 Compulsive Aussie Vee Dubber

4,270 posts · joined Jun 2010 ·

#959600
Joel wrote:
modnrod wrote:plonk on a wheel from a '68-72 Beetle (the steering shafts are the same, according to Joel's guide, thanks again man!).
The 2 spoke wheel will fit the splines but it wont turn because the spokes will hit the wiper switch.

There are ways around that though.
modnrod wrote:Heads Up unit?!?!?!! HAHA! I prefer the old '80s tacky-but-now-cool green LCD displays!
Thats what I have in mine.
Head up display projects a green LCD display up onto the windscreen.

It was one of the best additions I've made to my bug as its also a nonoffensive speed alert too.
yep thats right, its a bit misconception that the late wheels and early are not compatible but they do fit, just having the right canceling ring and indicator switches is key, and slightly machining the recess at the back of the wheel is necessary but no big deal.

71 notchback,
Past owner of, 70 NB, 73 SB and 72 FB TLE

tomdelta Learner Dubber

7 posts · joined Oct 2014 ·

#1004258
vlad01 wrote:
Joel wrote:
modnrod wrote:plonk on a wheel from a '68-72 Beetle (the steering shafts are the same, according to Joel's guide, thanks again man!).
The 2 spoke wheel will fit the splines but it wont turn because the spokes will hit the wiper switch.

There are ways around that though.
modnrod wrote:Heads Up unit?!?!?!! HAHA! I prefer the old '80s tacky-but-now-cool green LCD displays!
Thats what I have in mine.
Head up display projects a green LCD display up onto the windscreen.

It was one of the best additions I've made to my bug as its also a nonoffensive speed alert too.
yep thats right, its a bit misconception that the late wheels and early are not compatible but they do fit, just having the right canceling ring and indicator switches is key, and slightly machining the recess at the back of the wheel is necessary but no big deal.
Sorry I know this is a real old post but I am putting a 1971 wheel on my 1972 superbug, I also have a new empi indicator switch fitted, my indicators wont cancel either, you can hear it click but no go. The switch is still really tight and slightly stiff in movement, so maybe that doesn't help. Just wondering about what you said about slight mavhing of the wheel, I know there is a ridge below the spline on my wheel and a pic of a 1972 wheel I saw didn't have that ridge, is that what you need to get rid of? This is my first bug so im new at these things. I like the look that the 71 2 spoke wheel gives the car, hate the 72 4 spoke wheel, the car came with a small sports whell so I don't have an original 72 wheel to compare. Cheers





BiX Veteran Volks Folk

2,499 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#1004313
Sparco etc make a few 380mm wheels which will fit your current adapter.
I have no sympathy for my car, only the wallet that pays for it!
Go hard or go home!!!!