Steering Wheels

It has come to our attention that the owners of older cars like TR3, MGA, MGB, Jaguar, Austin Healey, etc have limited options for upgraded steering wheels, especially if they are looking for something more sporty than the original thin rimmed, large 16.5" diameter wheels.  We offer the following solution, eliminating the need for an expensive adapter hub, while maintaining the original look , but reducing the diameter, increasing the grip diameter, and providing a completely new looking and sporty wheel.  The initial response to these has been very positive.

68-69 MGB and MGC 66-69 (small steering shaft),  63-67 MGB (large steering shaft)

We take your original wheel in almost any condition, it must be restorable.  We remove the old 16.5" diameter rim.  Polish the spokes, sandblast and powder coat the hub, then weld on a new 14.5"OD rim (1" dia tubing) using our custom designed fixture to maintain concentricity between the rim and the steering shaft.  The rim is then padded, and new leather is hand stitched using our Corset Stitch, shown in detail on the TR6 wheels below.  The examples shown are MGB wheels, but this technique can be applied to most older wheel styles such as Austin Healey, Jensen, Jaguar, TR2/3 and many others.  We will be building up an inventory of replacement wheels so that your existing wheel can be quickly exchanged for a refreshed wheel or if you prefer, we can refresh your wheel so that you receive your own wheel in return.  We will be showing other examples shortly, please feel free to contact us to discuss your specific situation.  As with the TR6 wheels, the installation is a very simple process (10mins), and because we are using the original hub, the original look is preserved, and the cost of replacement is minimized.  We believe this is a great compromise between giving the car a new sporty upgraded look and maintaining the original spirit of design.  It also makes it easier to get in and out of the car.

PRICE:

$400 plus shipping with a restorable core return

$450+ plus shipping without a restorable core return (dependent on availability and cost of core)

Our Leather covers are now available in other colors besides Black

TR6, MGB and MG Midget Wheels

PRICE:

TR6 = $375 plus shipping       fits TR6 69-76    (The TR6 wheel is now available with the MGB Hole design as an option in addition to the classic slot down the center of the spoke)

Warning for 1969 TR6's - Our TR6 wheel with the MGB hole design looks like the 1969 version of the wheel that came on the TR6, but our Wheel does not fit on the 1969 Hub.  You will need to replace the Hub, Horn Button and Cushion with parts from a later TR6.  We have freshly powder coated TR6 hubs available for $100.  The other items are available at additional cost.

MGB - $375 plus shipping      fits MGB 70-76 and Midget 75-79

RATCO has developed a new replacement Steering Wheel for the TR6 and MGB models.  The new wheel is slightly smaller, about 13"OD.  (I'm having difficulty getting my leg under the original one, and some customers are having belly issues) The rim is made from 1"OD tubing and will be both padded and covered with Genuine Leather which will increase the grip diameter substantially over the original wheel.  The spokes will be Powder Coated an aluminum color similar to the original.  The best part is that it uses the original hub, reducing the cost and making the installation a quick 10 minute operation.   Below is a brief history of the development.

Update 12/2/20

The first protoype is complete.  The leather has been re-stitched without the bunching

Update 11/22/20

The stitch we are using is called a Corset stitch.  In addition to sounding sexy, we think it looks cool, and provides a professional result.  You will notice some bunching on the prototype, we need to work on our sewing technique.  We will not be shipping product until this is worked out.  Stay tuned for further updates.

Comments from our Customers

Hello Bob,

The steering wheel is in place and looks good, and the job really did take ten minutes (or less) to finish. I was in shock - I've had the car for nearly 30 years, and there have been very few components that weren't either a pain in the butt, or needed "persuading," (or both) to install. Your steering wheel is an honorable exception - thanks very much.

I will be in touch later in the year to buy one of your throttle control wire kits. In the meantime, I wish you a happy and profitable summer.

Chris Thompson

Hi Bob,

         I received the steering wheel today.  It was easy to install, and the workmanship is very nice!

         I drove the car 50 miles and I like the feel of the new wheel.  I can’t help thinking that this is the way it should have been originally.  I like the grip and the slightly smaller diameter.

         The only adjustment I may make is to bend the directional stalk away from the wheel, as my knuckles occasionally rub against it due to the slightly smaller diameter.  Not a big deal.

         Overall, very happy.

         I will post a check to you, tomorrow.

Regards,

-Rick

The original wheel was dished slightly, and our initial design was not. All of our wheels are now dished to eliminate this interference issue.

Hello Bob,

I said I'd let you know how the steering wheel felt when driving the car. So far I haven't had the chance to make any long drives, but on the local highways the wheel does feel comfortable, and my right knee is not as contorted as it was before. I thought the slightly smaller diameter might make turning at slow speed (such as reversing out of my driveway) even heavier than it normally is, but in fact there's no difference. If anything, the larger grip makes it a little easier. And that larger grip is also kind to my aging, and slightly stiff fingers. In short, I remain delighted with the wheel.

I hope to purchase your throttle linkage kit later in the year. I have replaced the original Strombergs with Mikuni HSR carburettors, but I think the kit will work, perhaps with a little modification. Have you had any customers with this type of carburettor?

Best regards,

Christian

Hi Bob,

After a few drives now I really like the 13" steering wheel.

I had it on within the time that the my UPS driver, who had just delivered it,  was hanging out talking. He's got a couple $$$ 1960's Camaros..

The bottom spoke was angled a bit differently but evened out after being tightened down.

I'm glad that the dish is a little bit more that stock.

I like the silver powder coating vs the stock black spokes better, too.

Thanks for the pleasant exchange,

Victor out by Yosmite N.P.