Changing a fixed steering wheel to QR wheel?

[Pondboy]

Is it possible?

If so, what is involved? 

Europe mandates a fix steering wheel on Seven, but I would rather like to change it for a QR wheel for ease of entry once I have had the car approved & re-registered. Also could it be changed back at MOT time? 

My research continues. PB 

[OldAndrewE]

Looking at the picture on the Caterham parts site it looks like the whole upper column is replaced by a different QR part.  To remove the "fixed wheel" upper column one of the steering column bushes has to be removed.  Not a 5 minute job

[Mcalvert]

Yes, relatively easy job.  You'll need to get a new upper steering column fitted with a quick release boss and then it's a direct swap to and fro between fixed and QR.  Think you might need to play with the relative positions of the lower UJ near the rack so that the wheels are straight when the steering wheel is straight but other than that it's a quick and easy job when you have the parts.

 

[Pondboy]

Thanks for the info.

I suppose, that once I have had a chance to wriggle under the fixed wheel in an SV with lowered floor, I'll know whether I will want to make the swap.

Once it is done, I doubt that the Spanish MOT (ITV) inspection would spot the change, as they only crawl around the outside and under the car to check lights, mechanicals etc. I have never had an inspector look in the car, but then I have never owned a Seven before.

[Paul Richards]

I think you're average inspector is unlikely to spot it has a detachable wheel. 

[mandalman]

Not Seven specific but related. I once had a gas engineer around to write out a certificate on all my mobile catering equipment. I connected it all up and he diligently sprayed every connection with leak detector. Satisfied that there was no sign of any air bubbles indicating a gas leak he happily wrote me out my certificate. He never asked me to turn the gas on so of course I didn't

[7 wonders of the world]

worth getting a spare column bush as it's quite easy to knock the lug off one  as you remove the old column, and pay careful attention to the procedure for re tightening the sliding clamp on the column too.

[Tazio]

I've had both the Lifeline mechanism, and the Rapfix one, the Rapfix is superior as it doesn't show wear, and is far easire to put on and off.  You pays your money...

Check the rapfix here 

http://www.plays-kool.co.uk/acatalog/Rapfix-Racing-212.html

[7 wonders of the world]

Sevens and classic have another version of their own now too.....

[Pondboy]

Thanks guys. These knowledge pointers are why I signed up on the forum.

The Rapfix fitting looks interesting. :) 

[elie boone]

If you don't mind that the steering wheel sits 30mm closer to you https://www.direct-autoparts.nl/products/universal-billet-aluminum-thin-version-auto-steering-wheel-quick-release-kit-with-security-lock-for-modified-and-racing-car?var

[Rachael1]

Is there a way to disable the qr of the steering wheel. A it crude but I think on mine that a couple of 5mm cable tie ma stop it working. Might be simpler than changing the wheel

[Rachael1]

Is there a way to disable the qr of the steering wheel. A it crude but I think on mine that a couple of 5mm cable tie ma stop it working. Might be simpler than changing the wheel

[SM25T]

Very happy with my Rapfix. Had it quite a few years and a lot of miles now.