Has anyone come across an aftermarket steering wheel vendor yet? Our '78 XJC had a Nardi mahogany wheel which really classed up the cabin. Nardi doesn't seem to be making anything for the F-Type, nor do any of their designs appear to accommodate the airbag and controls.

 

Good morning Lance.

I too had a stunning Nardi wheel installed on my 1988 Jaguar XJ6 and it indeed "classed" it up...plus I loved the way it felt. I actually still have the OEM hanging around somewhere (which you can have if you'd like; 'cause why oh why you'd want to change the one which comes in your F-Type GOD only knows).

Don't do it!

Best regards and respectfully,
Jay

 

Jay, I will take your comments under advisement.

But.. I warn you, when I get done with this F-Type, it will not be your Tata's Jaguar.

 

Having gone down this path with a couple cars now my advice is that unless you can find someone that has successfully done this before and they are local don't do it. You'll lose the steering wheel controls for sure, the air bag may not fire when you need it to, and there is a really good chance the result will look like crap. Oh and you may end up with an air bag in the face when you least expect it. Too much risk with current generation cars unless you are willing to do a lot of electronic work and get rid of the air bag altogether.


Oh you might be able to get the existing steering wheel modified though, that's what I found with my XKR. Someone took a wheel and changed the leather to dipped carbon fiber and I found it cheap on e-Bay. Worked out fine but it started out as a stock wheel.

 

I believe you are correct. This may be the only way to make this happen.

 

You mean Tata, don't you? You don't need my advice or permission and the only opinion which matters [re] any color, combination, modification, etc., etc., etc., is yours. And I know you know that. I'm simply stating that in my opinion I love the OEM [in my case flat-bottom] steering wheel exactly the way it is.

It's your car Lance - well... I guess not quite yet - and many of us here are looking forward to seeing your BRG 'monster'.

(Nice picture of you by the way).

Best regards, always,
Jay


P.S. Now that I think of it, and based on all the modifications I believe you have planned, it's not going to be an F-Type but an L-Type.

 

Yes, please note reason for editing above. Yes, I believe you are correct, but I love to test theories. If I happen to come across an OEM looking wheel that has the circumference or fraction thereof in wood, I could be tempted.

In the interest of full disclosure, the picture is merely representative. I don't actually look that good.

Look forward to seeing you, Jay!