Thicker Steering Wheel Rim 01 Boxster?
 

I have an 01 Boxster with the standard 3 spoke wheel. Arthritis in my hands is causing issues with grip and comfort. I have seen examples of custom steering wheels that look great but cost around $250. Has anyone found a good way to increase the thickness of the steering wheel rim for less cost?

Thanks.

How thick are you looking to go? There are lots of steering wheel covers on the market - some are decently thick for exactly the reason you are looking. Just watch how they attach. Most just fit over- those will be the thicker ones, while others you have to actually stitch up. Those are very time consuming, but do provide a great fit and feel.
Either way, they are not expensive.

In the UK we have a number of places or trimmers who can re-cover the wheel and pad it out.

Anything that costs much less is going to look iffy...

Not true. I put a "leather" cover on my Escape for about $15. Very time consuming to do the stitching, but looks and feels great. I could have used a little material on the inside to make it thicker, which might just do the trick for the OP.

All of the "stitch it yourself" covers look bad, IMO. I've looked into quite a few, hoping to save $. The curves for the thumb rests and the way the OEM leather wraps all the way up the spokes to the airbag are the issues I've seen.

Which did you use?


This looks bad to me.

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...15CD9A232C.jpg

Thanks all for the feedback. I would love to have a reworked wheel but I needs some other things more. I did put a "WheelSkin" leather cover on the soft plastic steering wheel in my Subaru. Was a bit of work but greatly improved the feel and fit well except at the spokes. They don't offer a padded version. My concerns are that it look reasonably good and that it fit securely. My past experience with the $15 variety was not great on either account. The 2 part approach (adding padding + a stitched-on cover) is worth some thought.

Sandia

I installed a thicker rim aftermarket wheel....
 

...and I love it!

Worth EVERY penny.

This one: https://www.vividracing.com/catalog/-p-153657.html?utm_cmp=FullFeed&gclid=CNWS5_7Yx9ECFda 6wAodGbEI0A

Here it is in my car:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1484605584.jpg


Here it is in my hand before install:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1484605612.jpg


Good luck!

I agree. That and my short throw shifter are my favorite mods for driving pleasure.

Great looking wheel 10/10ths!

I have had Carsdream in Poland do several steering wheels for me. A tad over $200 with shipping. You hang on to the steering wheel so much it is nice to have one that is comfortable.... not to mention the looks!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...pslgbdpgck.jpg

You guys are costing me a lot of money lately... :p

I had Carsdream do my wheel as well, I love it!

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1484653793.jpg

It's a great mod for $800.http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1484672788.jpg

This one is cool...

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...17145d372c.jpg

I really like mine. Matches my jewelry.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1484675912.jpg

LOL. That one is sweet. Is that factory Tequipment? Must be pricey! :D

The cost was nothing compared to the bling.

Truth be told, I have the hideous 4 spoke steering wheel. Hate it with a passion. I have dreamed of stealing the wheel from my wife's Macan. I love my little Boxster, but I cannot comprehend the decision to put such a fugly, non-sporting wheel on this little car. If not for the expense of the airbag, I would've swapped the damn thing out for a three-spoke long ago.

DCTMotorSports does some nice work. ;)
Leather wraps $299.

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...A721991903.jpg

I hear ya on the 4-spoke. Not sure why they threw that on the early Boxsters. Sometimes I think they do that on purpose so that people upgrade in future years. Here's one complete for sale with airbag in the sales forum in case you're intersted: http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-parts-sale-wanted/61022-3-spoke-steering-wheel-fs.html

You can get a 3 spoke wheel (no airbag) for $130-$150 used. Airbag for $225-$300 (selling mine for $225). $355 total ;)

3 spoke for $135 here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272467191242