Shmee

iTrader: (3)

Alright, i know this has been asked in the past numerous times.
However, i have never actually seen anyone post pics or explain the differences if any there are.

So seeing as I finally took the plunge and bought this, http://www.ebay.com/itm/161023570916?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITI thought i'd post some pics and ask a few questions.. First off, I'm emailing the seller tomorrow because the wheel I got is in far far worse shape than the one pictured, or at least the wear and damage on the wheel is not pictured.

so onto my pics



As you can see, there are some pretty dramatic differences between the when on my car, a 96 and the wooden wheel which is claimed to be from a 99.
The major differences include; the airbag mount and horn actuation system are completely different; the cruise control mounting tab is completely; and the harness is totally different.

the harness isn't really an issue as the cruise control and airbag could be retained, but the frame, horn an airbag mounting layout is completely different.


for those guys who have actually installed a 98-00 wooden wheel on their 95-97, how did you do it? is there a specific year that works? 98 only? did you use the airbag and steering wheel from the 98-00 car?

Obviously I'm sending this back, hopefully for a complete refund... But I thought we could discuss this so nobody else makes the same mistake or what the workaround is.

cheers

dat dude

I hate that feeling when you wait so long for a part and it turns out to be the wrong one.
Hopefully they will give you your money back in full.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

iirc you have to use a '98-00 airbag, cover, and cruise lever, splice the harness together, and use some wiring magic (forget what it was exactly) to get the later model airbag to work on the earlier car properly.

YoshiMan

There are some upholstery shops that you can send your old wheel too, and they can put the wood insert in them that will match the interior. I would like to see one in person to see what the quality of the work is, but those people have worked wonders with some cars I have seen!

The leather on my wheel is pretty worn down at the 12 o'clock position, so a wood insert would fix it right up.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i thought it was a direct plug and play affair! sorry to hear it's not the case. so the 95-97 airbag doesn't mount at all?

i recall seeing a thread on an owner with a black LS doing the swap. i'll see if i can find it...

tyncobb

Noticed your post and that's too bad that the wheel you purchased does not fit. I have a 1st Gen 1994 LS400 with 470,000 miles, which had the old all leather wheel, in bad shape. Two years ago, investigated many options and settled on having it sent out to a custom refinishing company, requesting my wheel to be updated to the Wooden/Leather wheel similar to the 2nd Gens. They had pictures posted on their website of the exact types, models, gens that they had repaired/modified and took approximately 2-3 weeks (but I also sent them my shifter to recover with new leather also). They did an amazing job of matching all leather colors and feel, as well as, an amazing job with the wood on the wheel. Total cost was $470 including the shifter and am totally pleased. Excellent customer service and same burl wood style as in the newer models. Looks great! Would be happy to try to upload a picture of the wheel and respond with contact information for the company. I don't think I have ever uploaded a pic, but it should not be too difficult. Let me know. BTW, before I sent it off, I went to the local junk yard and purchased a beat up old wheel from an LS for $15-$25 bucks and used that until the new one came in, then tossed it.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Post pics...

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

yes lots of interest in this type of service! please post contact info and pics.

and 470k miles?! excellent!

akitomk3

iTrader: (2)

I discovered the same problem when I swapped my 97 wheel to 99. Had to get a 99 airbag in order to use the 99 steering wheel. In order to get the air bag to work properly you just need to swap the connectors.

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

http://www.apsisusa.com/steering%20w...pplication.htm i think these guys were about $400-450 do do the wheel


http://www.wooddash.com/steerwhl.html ~$249 on sale

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

cool, wooddash is in san diego not that far from me! thanks for the links.

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

Timmy, go talk to them and check out the quality of work... and it it's good, see if you can order 2 since our cars interiors are the same colour and trim!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

can't be having group buy discussions unless it's with an approved vendor gents, this is your reminder.

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

Sorry PD, forgot.

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

Just got an email from the ebay seller that they will accept a return and give a full 100% refund. so YAY!