Hi all,

I'm looking for a Christmas present for myself and I'm trying to decide on a new steering wheel so I thought I'd ask the question. What do you prefer - Flat or dished? At this stage I'm leaning towards a 13 inch dished woodgrain Moto-lita... But my mind could be easily changed if people have had good or bad experiences either way

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1968 Mini-matic - 1340cc, 45 weber - 92hpatw, 14.5 @91mph, GrandmaSpec

Completely personal preference.

I had a 14" non-dished moto-lita and if you have seat bracket extensions or cobra bucket seats that allow you to push the seat right back (I'm only 5"9 so if you are 6ft or taller then this will be exaggerated for you) I found I couldn't reach the wheel properly without leaning forwards slightly (and I have long arms).

So instead I went to 14" dished which moved the wheel rim 1-2 inches back and found this to be perfect. The only issue I had is that the indicator stalk is now 1-2 inches further away from the wheel which means it's harder to reach, but that can be easily fixed by bending the stalk forwards a little.

So it's an issue of reach, more than just looks! Food for thought

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K

Thanks Chong, that's one of the things I was a little concerned about - the distance from the indicator stalk to the wheel rim. I hadn't thought of bending it. Much difference between the 13 and 14 inch wheels?

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1968 Mini-matic - 1340cc, 45 weber - 92hpatw, 14.5 @91mph, GrandmaSpec

I have a 13" dished MotaLita on the car now. I had a 14" Motalita before. Both these wheels are dished.
I prefer the 14", as it is easier on the arms. But mine needs recovering, that's why I have the 13" on it now.

I have driven Minis (including Chong's) with a flat MotaLita one, but find I have to reach too far for it, even with the lowering kit.

I have Cobra Classic seats similar to Chong's.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

My 13" dished SAAS was perfect with the seat mounted where it was. I'm 6'1", the problem was having to lean forward to grab the gear stick!

Cheers Shane

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If it's not a Cooper S, the mini was designed to be modified!

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Dave K.
1979 Moke Californian + 1981 'Coke' Moke

I always thought dished are better. In the event of a prang, I'd rather have a bent steering wheel than a steering column in the sternum.

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The bitterness of poor quality (or Crappy Workmanship) remains LONG AFTER the Sweet Taste of Low Price is forgotten.

You're clearly using seatbelts made of rubber bands!

Dave that looks sensational in your car but would look completely out of place in mine haha. I had exactly the same setup in my old mini Shane and you just jogged my memory about the annoying part - reaching the gear stick!

Given that I'm trying to stick with the classic look I might be better off with the 14in flat wheel?

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1968 Mini-matic - 1340cc, 45 weber - 92hpatw, 14.5 @91mph, GrandmaSpec

Which would be closest to the original wheel?

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Behold! The mighty 850!

A flat bus wheel

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1963 850 - laid up
1970 Morris mini K van - eating up the kms!

Chux, that photo is approx 20 yrs old..........but the same wheel is going on my next mini along with almost the same seats!

But I now have a KAD quick shift.........bent in the right direction!

Cheers Shane

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If it's not a Cooper S, the mini was designed to be modified!

Mummy and Daddy go out and leave the computer on?

Which would be closer to the original, flat or dished? My original '62 wheel has a slight dish in it. I like the large diameter and at 6'1", I can reach the wheel okay.

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Behold! The mighty 850!

Cant have a sense of humour?

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1963 850 - laid up
1970 Morris mini K van - eating up the kms!

My preference is the 14". It feels better to drive and gives better control as well as being easier on the arms.

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Lillee - 1969 Morris Mini K