Lowering steering wheel

[KnightDriver]

Is there a way to lower the steering wheel in a 1979 Fiat spider? The position of my wheel is quite high, which I gather is the original position and it feels like I’m driving a school bus.

[zachmac]

In theory you could just add some sort of spacer block and longer bolts between where it bolts up just under the dash. It has two articulating joints so it should still function fine. Just be sure to add longer bolts / way of securing it at all four points on that bracket. The rear two are small bolts that capture little flat guide plates through slots in the steering wheel bracket. I guess they could be replaced by longer bolts as well.

[bobplyler]

You could use a smaller steering wheel.

[Odoyle]

These cars were built by people with long arms and short legs. If you want vintage Italian with adjustable steering column, you'll need to get a Ferrari.

[focodave]

KnightDriver,

It is very easy to safely lower the wheel by adding some spacers and longer bolts to the aft side of the steering shaft support bracket.
See photos, below, of mine.
I added just 3/8" of total spacers (3, 1/8" thick washers) and it lowered the wheel to a much more "normal-looking" and "normal-feeling" position.
You will be surprised how little amount of spacer it takes to lower the wheel substantially.




Dave

[SuperCoupe]

These cars were built by people with long arms and short legs. If you want vintage Italian with adjustable steering column, you'll need to get a Ferrari.

That is really a myth. The real reason is Italians hold the wheel from the bottom - typically 8 and 4 and feed the wheel input through the lower part of the steering wheel. Shuffling the wheel as they go. They rarely reach over the wheel. That myth of long arms and short legs is an unfortunate leftover stereotype from non-Italian road testers.

Below is an example:


In the old Safe Motoring Manuals delivered with the cars in the 60s and early 70s, the recommended hand position is the left slightly above center and the right slightly below (rule of 10 and 4).

Watch the technique demonstrated in this Lamborghini Miura from a well known movie...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lqtNThufkk

If you practice the technique, you get used to the position and everything makes sense. I grew up driving these cars and prefer it, plus it keeps the car's originality and uniqueness. Give it a try!

The funny thing is now with the event of airbags, shuffling the wheel is now the recommended technique. Looks like the Italians were ahead of the game!