Style question - GTV

[poohbah]

I've just bought an 81 GTV, which is fitted with a small diameter sports steering wheel, and Simmons 15x6 rims. (pictured)

However, it also came with the original rims (in reasonable nick) and original wood-rim steering wheel.

I'm thinking about returning to the originals. Any thoughts?

I'm thinking the bigger diameter steering wheel is especially sensible, given how heavy the unassisted steering is at low speed and parking.

[VeeSix]

Congratulations, love the colour, is that it's original colour? If so it may be a Strada edition, gold wheels and lower door Strada decal

I would stick with what you have there, unless it's a Strada, the original gold wheels look good with that colour, steering wheel, think it just comes down to preference, give it a try for a while and see what you prefer, GTV steering wheel is not all that hard a process to remove and swap, one factory original steering wheel I have always liked and kept on mine is the Alfa Romeo 90 original steering wheel, now the Alfa Romeo 90 original steering wheel is the same size as the GTV original steering wheel but the 90 has power steering, the larger wheel could make steering a bit easier as far as turning strength goes 

[poohbah]

Cheers VeeSix.

No it's not the original colour - it was repainted a few years ago in GM-Turbine Grey, so definitely not a Strada. I don't mind the colour, though my natural preference would be the original Alfa grey. Rims are standard silver colour.

Apart from wheels and paint, the car is mostly standard spec, except it has twin 45 Webers and uprated Koni suspension.

[Duk]

You'll get use to the slightly heavier steering in the Alfetta with the smaller steering wheel.
If you don't already, I'd make the suggetsion that you adopt a driving postion that has you with a reasonable bend in the elbows so you have more pulling strength for low speeds steering.

I got 'un-use to' the steeing in my MR2 after not driving it for over 12 months. It was a bit of a shock when I moved it into the shed (I had to drive arond the block). But it also took me AGES to come to grips with the horrid power steering in my (sold) XG Falcon ute.

[poohbah]

Yeah, its really only at low speed/parking that the heavy steering is even noticeable, and I'm the only one who'll be driving it - my missus can't drive a manual. Regardless, the wooden rim needs tidying up before I think about swapping it over anyway. Varnish is coming off in places.

[DHDamo]

Steering wheel, I think go with what you like and I agree that you'll adapt. Personally I like the wheels that are on it but again, it's up to you.

[poohbah]

Cheers guys. Might clean up the original rims and steering wheel, and have a think for a while.

[bteoh]

The original 2.0 GTVs had a wooden steering wheel and wooden gear knob. However, they do discolour over the years. I personnaly like the GTV6 setup with black leather steering wheel and black gear knob. I converted my 1986 2.0 GTV to black wheel and knob , which matches the black interior

[poohbah]

I personnaly like the GTV6 setup with black leather steering wheel and black gear knob. I converted my 1986 2.0 GTV to black wheel and knob , which matches the black interior

I like both styles - but at the moment mine's a bitzer. Wooden gear knob and black steering wheel.

My only criticism of going all wood is that the caramel-coloured high gloss finish on both knob and wheel is a little bit too "italian bedroom" for my personal taste ...  but heck, I guess it  is the auto equivalent of that very thing!

[rowan_bris]

the other beauty of leather is it is not slippery. The disadvantage with the original wheels is the bend easily - i bought 3 second hand sets to come up with one set for my Alfetta

[poohbah]

The disadvantage with the original wheels is the bend easily - i bought 3 second hand sets to come up with one set for my Alfetta

Good point Rowan. The teledials on my old 156 were all out of round too, which showed up as juddering between 95-105kph and uneven tyre wear.

[Beatle]

I'd also check the total extension (offset...) of the two steering wheels.  A lot of aftermarket wheels will sit closer to the chest because of the extended  boss/adapter.   Designed to partially compensate for the 'italianate' driving position.  Going back to the stock wheel may change the relationship.

In my experience I've always found the larger diameter tillers to my liking compared to smaller aftermarket steering wheels. 

If the steering is heavy around town, keep pumping up the front tyres.................

I've wondered if it would be simple to swap in the steering column from a 90?  They are adjustable for reach.