Formula 1 steering wheels

[Sumatra]

Anyone ever built a replica of a Formula 1 steering wheel?

I want to build one that I can use for sim racing. I know where I can get the electronics, but I have no idea how to go about making the main body of the wheel. I obviously wouldn't plan on making it of carbon fiber due to cost and difficulty.

Anyone have any ideas. I would be happy just making a wheel that looks similar, but not a replica of a specific wheel, though I'd love to make a replica of the Brawn GP wheel (congrats Brawn and Jenson :cheers) or the F2008 or F60 Ferrari wheels.

For those not familiar with what they look like....

Brawn GP:

Ferrari F2008:

Ferrari F60:

 

[tubachris85x]

And I thought steering wheels were just to make you go left or right...

 

[kalkamel]

I remember Thrustmater had a force feedback wheel for the PC that was a replica of the one in Schumacher's Ferrari. Maybe you can mod that? Here's a link to a review I found: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/joysticks-wheels,559-14.html#

 

[bleyd]

Have you tried JEGs? Not sure if they have those exactly but I'm sure it would be a good start.

Like these right?

http://www.amalgamcollection.com/en/product/product_list.php?list_type=productSubGroup1&list_value=3




http://www.thememorabiliaexperience.com/racecar-parts/

 

[Sumatra]

Yeah, I've seen the 1:1 replicas, but I'm not spending $2000+

Kal, thanks for the link. That would be a good start if I could find one.

 

[Garthok]

That is a super cool idea, I would love one myself. A non working replica would do me. Let us know how you get on.

 

[DivineHeresy]

Would love to see how you get on with this aswell.
Really cool project.

 

[Sumatra]

I bought a MOMO 12c wheel that will be going on my Logitech G27 for the time being. I'm debating about building onto that wheel and making a custom wheel or building a replica.

What are my options for making a flat hollow box like the main knobby part of the wheels above? I'm guessing vacuform would work, but I don't have any experience with that (or space to set up a table for that matter). I doubt resin would be strong enough.

 

[Sumatra]

Bump. Anyone have any thoughts on construction?

 

[ralphee]

Jeff, man after my own heart haha, and i too, would love to have something like this.
Have you thought (dont laugh it could really work) of a starter base, by using maybe one of the Mario Kart squared wheels?
Sounds very silly, and a LOT of cutting and shutting would be needed, but ( i havent got a Wii) im not sure on the size.

The centre control boss, could indeed be vacformed, it would be a very "cheap" way of doing such a project, but, with the right input, it seriously could work as a display piece.

Other than that, there are a few Kart racing wheels that fit this shape, i think, they are the Mychron computer type if i recall, these would cost more, but be more authentic in construction being a true racing wheel.

lee

 

[ralphee]

Something like this buddy, this is for Karting, so itll have weight, hell id love one in my own Kart now lol, price is much more appealing than the higher end replicas too!
Ill see what else i can find on my travels!

lee

http://www.saxon-motorsport.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=840

 

[Sumatra]

Jeff, man after my own heart haha, and i too, would love to have something like this.
Have you thought (dont laugh it could really work) of a starter base, by using maybe one of the Mario Kart squared wheels?
Sounds very silly, and a LOT of cutting and shutting would be needed, but ( i havent got a Wii) im not sure on the size.

I knew you'd be interested Lee. :lol

Is this the wheel you're thinking of?

I could see that being useful for the grip parts, at least for the master to make the molds.

First up though, I think I'm going to make a custom box that will fit onto my MOMO 12c wheel to house the electronics. I'll be easier if I have a base to work from rather than starting from scratch. Plus I can learn how to work with the carbon fiber. Since it's custom too, I won't need to be too strict in the buttons and knobs.

I'm going to see if I can work up a basic outline of the Brawn wheel though. I haven't seen as many good shots as I have the Ferrari and BMW wheels. The Brawn wheel has a lot of curves on the back that may be tricky.

 

[Sumatra]

Here are the pictures I have of the Brawn. If anyone sees any others, please post them.

 

[Sumatra]

I had a PM regarding whether or not I started on my wheel yet. I thought I'd post my reply here so you all can see.

I've made my wheel, but it's not exactly a replica of a real wheel. Since my main need was for a wheel I could use when sim racing, making it function was the most important thing.

I used a MOMO 12c wheel as a base, a Leo Bodnar SLI-Pro display ( http://www.leobodnar.com/products/SLI-PRO/ ), parts from the guys at ARC Team ( http://www.f1driving.it/ ) for the paddle shifters and clutch paddles, and a MOMO quick release system (with USB run through it).

The whole thing turned out really well. I've seen some fantastic wheels made by a couple other people that look just like the 2009/2010 Ferrari wheels, but I just don't have the skill or patience to pull that off.

Here are a couple pictures of mine.

The wheel has 6 buttons, 2 rotary encoders, 2 12-position switches (for controlling the left/right displays), 2 paddles for shifting, 2 paddles for the clutch and a quick release for removing the wheel from the Logitech G27 base.

I'm putting the finishing touches on the frame that everything is mounted to. Once I get pictures of the whole thing I'll post some more.

My video cards were acting up in my computer, so now I'm going to build a dedicated PC for the rig. I'll eventually have 3 24" monitors (that's a 24" in the last picture).

Let me know what you think.

 

[kalkamel]

Nice work, Jeff! :thumbsup Ever thought of covering the steering with carbon fiber vinyl stickers to achieve that carbon fiber look? I think 3M makes them. Like this one: http://www.stickercity.com/3M-Di-Noc-Carbon-Fiber-Vinyl-Sheet.html

 

[Sumatra]

I thought about it, but since it would be hard to get it to cover the curved edges of the plate I decided not to. It wouldn't look as convincing as I would like. I have some of the vinyl printed stuff I used on the sides of the seat. Once I get the cushions done (and hopefully have the new computer built) I'll get pictures.