Steering wheel extention

[MacFever]

Hi,
Is it possible to extend the steering wheel of the Rodster since I find it too far from me
Can I use the same part as for the latest Lotus Elise ?
Thanks
Eric

 

[MacFever]

This is the part :

Steering wheel spacer 30mm, hub to snap-off (Elise, Exige all models incl Federal) [SWS30] - 25.50 : Elise Shop, Performance parts for your Lotus Elise

 

[doug]

Most likely. It's the same wheel.
I assume you've seen this: Steering wheel spacer on an airbag steering wheel - LotusTalk - The Lotus Cars Community

 

[MacFever]

This is where I got the idea !
I have ordered the part and will keep you guys updated

 

[MacFever]

Something I did not think about : in normal cars you have to disconnect the 12V not to let the airbag go off
What about the Tesla ????

 

[qwk]

Something I did not think about : in normal cars you have to disconnect the 12V not to let the airbag go off
What about the Tesla ????

Most cars have an airbag module, and the airbag can still deploy even if you disconnect 12v power. I would contact Tesla for the exact procedure before attempting this.

 

[MacFever]

I have ordered the part and will ask Tesla to install it before delivery

 

[dsm363]

Even with moving the seat up it's too far away? That's definitely a good idea to check with Tesla before you do anything like that. Enjoy the Roadster.

 

[MacFever]

I have to pull the seat back for my long legs but I dont like to drive with my arms streched too much
In my Exige I also had a spacer installed to find the perfect driving position

 

[MacFever]

I had a meeting with Tesla and they will submit the part to their engineers to get an approuved installation
This part is the solution for tall people to get a perfect driving position and also be able to read the speedometer correctly without sight being blocked by the upper steering wheel

 

[Nik]

I had a meeting with Tesla and they will submit the part to their engineers to get an approuved installation

Has anyone ever tried doing that with a car from GM or Ford? Did you have much luck?

 

[Doug_G]

I had a meeting with Tesla and they will submit the part to their engineers to get an approuved installation
This part is the solution for tall people to get a perfect driving position and also be able to read the speedometer correctly without sight being blocked by the upper steering wheel

Keep us posted. If Tesla approves this I might just go for it.

 

[dsm363]

How does this improve your view of the speedometer? Does it just extend it out or also tilt it up a little? Thanks.

 

[MacFever]

Since the steering column is a little up, the extention puts the steering wheel a little higher

 

[Sparrow]

I wonder if it will help or hinder your ability to get in and out of the Roadster. I find the steering wheel gets a bit in the way during both operations.

 

[doug]

With little extra space under the wheel, I'd thing it would help with ingress and egress.

Only issue I see your figures having to reach a bit more for the signal and wiper levers.

 

[MacFever]

Perhaps you should all contact Tesla separately so they know there is a demand for the steering extention

 

[MacFever]

I have the reply from Tesla :

Eric,

I have had a response from America engineering Department.

It has been said that altering the design of the car shall not be done by Tesla or Tesla Service. We cannot support this alteration because we cannot know what may happen based upon this action. The airbag may not function properly, or other functions may be disrupted. If the customer wants to put the spacer in himself, or at a non Tesla Service location, it will indeed invalidate the vehicle warranty.

Hope you understand the concerns and this does not cause too much inconvenience while you still enjoy your Tesla driving experience.

Regards

 

[ChadS]

That doesn't sound like it came from the engineering department...sounds like Legal.

 

[MacFever]

You are absolutely right