4106 STEERING WHEEL?

[papatony]

I want to replace the large steering wheel on my 4106 without buying a new one. does anyone have any suggestions What salvage vehicle would make a good swap out.

[Lin]

What's wrong with a new steering wheel?  VIP wheels are only around $50. if you can live without real leather.

[papatony]

Thanks Lin  that sounds great , I never thought they would be that cheap do you have a link or web page?  Thanks for the info      Tony

[Lin]

http://www.vipwheels.com/

If you order from them, make sure you get the right horn wire configuration. 

[RJ]

Tony -

Majority of the VIP wheels run around $150, give or take a little.  Most popular sizes are the 18" and 20" models.

Ask about "blems", they might have some at a lower price.  Usually a scratch or similar.

Tell them exactly which bus model you have (in your case a GMC PD4106) and they'll supply the correct adapter kit.

Well worth the investment

HOWEVER:

One little caveat:  A smaller wheel can very quickly become a real handful should you experience either a power steering failure or a front tire blow out.  Lack of leverage compared to the OEM.  A rare condition for sure, but just be aware.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[lostagain]

My 5C came from the PO with a smaller wheel. I didn't like it because it hid some of my dash gauges, and the feel of the steering wasn't right. I went back to a big one. One off of a 5A. So much better. To each his own.

Are you interested in my smaller wheel? I could send you measurements, etc.

JC

[Lin]

RJ, I just checked my invoice.   I bought an 18 inch wheel directly from VIP about 2 years ago, and it was $55 plus shipping.  The leather ones are more expensive, but I got the basic poly-whatever.  I'm very happy with it.  It's a lot nicer than the one in my Jeep.  Come to think of it, maybe I should think about one for the Jeep (that's probably all I'll do though- think about it).

[Ed Hackenbruch]

 I also replaced the after market wheel that the PO put on my bus with a larger original wheel.......even came from the same model and year as my bus!     I just like the looks and the feel of it better.    Tony, don't toss your old one, somebody will want it sooner or later. It is possible to restore them to look like new.

[Barn Owl]

One advantage of a smaller wheel it will reduce the felt play in the system. On a large wheel you can easily hit six inches or more at the rim. A smaller rim can reduce edge movement several inches making it feel much tighter. With a Sheppard box like I have, the design has play in it and there is nothing you can do about it. If you have any additional slack anywhere in the rest of the linkage it all adds up. I usually rest my hands halfway up the spokes to keep the flapping arm movement to a minimum. Thankfully my system is in fairly good shape and I like the OEM wheel.

[papatony]

Thanks every one I checked with VIP  this morning and the wheel was only 67.00 I was surprised, not bad.