[Kain]

Finally pulled the trigger on this and finished the install today after waffling on whether I needed this since day 1 of ownership. Completely worth it, wish I had pulled the trigger earlier. 30mm of articulation doesn't sound like much, but it allowed me to slide back a notch for leg comfort and put the wheel at the optimal distance.

Install overall took a few hours, partly because my aging bones aren't used to contorting to access the column nuts and wiring harnesses. And removing the air bag was an exercise in patience. And lost time trying to remove the shear bolts while in the car. But totally worth it.

 

[jacopazzo99]

Hi everyone.
thanks for sharing. I just bought telescopic column for my 124 Abarth.

unfortunately, here in Italy I am struggling with the supply of upper and lower column covers.

is it possible to complete the swap of columns using the same shorter covers from the original one? I really can't find the longer ND2 covers....

thank you everyone and have a nice week

 

[Kain]

You don't need the longer lower cover, I re-used mine. You can use the same upper cover, it'll just leave slight gap when the column is fully extended.

 

[ameridan]

Thanks for sharing your observation Kain. I'll add it to my article Adding telescopic adjustment to the 124 Spider Steering Wheel

 

[jacopazzo99]

Thanks for sharing your observation Kain. I'll add it to my article Adding telescopic adjustment to the 124 Spider Steering Wheel

that would be great. I'm following your guide step by step (thanks for sharing); and I thought I was forced to change both plastic covers (or, at least, the upper one). however, here in Italy it's like 90€ for both of them, hence I'm glad to hear I can save the money 😄😄😄

thanks to kain for your prompt reply!

EDIT: swap successful!!! all I can say is: KILLER FEATURE. I finally managed to find my perfect driving position. swap complete with upper and lower covers from the stock column. THANKS!!!!!

 

[Uzi22]

Hello

Finally pulled the trigger on this and finished the install today after waffling on whether I needed this since day 1 of ownership. Completely worth it, wish I had pulled the trigger earlier. 30mm of articulation doesn't sound like much, but it allowed me to slide back a notch for leg comfort and put the wheel at the optimal distance.

Install overall took a few hours, partly because my aging bones aren't used to contorting to access the column nuts and wiring harnesses. And removing the air bag was an exercise in patience. And lost time trying to remove the shear bolts while in the car. But totally worth it.

Just finished installing the telescopic column, have to say it’s a game changer.

the only issueI have is that the steering wheel it’s not straight anymore. I have tried to reposition it but it seems that it’s just one space too much either on the right or on the left. Casa you can immagine this is very annoying and not sure how to correct it. Any tips? Have you experienced the same issue? Would you reckon that an alignment might solve the issue?

 

[Kain]

Hello


Just finished installing the telescopic column, have to say it’s a game changer.

the only issueI have is that the steering wheel it’s not straight anymore. I have tried to reposition it but it seems that it’s just one space too much either on the right or on the left. Casa you can immagine this is very annoying and not sure how to correct it. Any tips? Have you experienced the same issue? Would you reckon that an alignment might solve the issue?

No alignment issue here. Install was pretty straightforward, so only thing I can think would differ is your car being RHD and mine being LHD.

 

[ameridan]

Unlike the U.S. version, European columns include teeth for their mandated steering column lock feature. If the orientation of those teeth can be altered using the old column as a guide, he might be able to align the 12:00 position.

 

[Uzi22]

Unlike the U.S. version, European columns include teeth for their mandated steering column lock feature. If the orientation of those teeth can be altered using the old column as a guide, he might be able to align the 12:00 position.

so it’s the steering lock, then? Also, I’ve noticed that the pin attaching the mid-column (the one where the plastic clip is) requires turning the steering wheel to be almost 180* before becoming visible. And that makes it more complicated in terms of 12:00 alignment.

 

[esho]

I see this has been asked, but I don’t see it was answered…

Does this mod make the steering wheel only closer, only farther, or a little of both?

I need the steering wheel closer so I can reach it with my elbow on the center armrest (T-rex arms, I guess).

 

[Kain]

I see this has been asked, but I don’t see it was answered…

Does this mod make the steering wheel only closer, only farther, or a little of both?

I need the steering wheel closer so I can reach it with my elbow on the center armrest (T-rex arms, I guess).

Closer.

 

[esho]

Closer.

Eccellente

 

[james.today]

I just did this over the weekend and it's definitely worth it for taller drivers - I am able to move around considerably more when seated than before and the wheel position is great with the seat all the way back.

Install wasn't too bad - but I don't think "notching" those security bolts with a chisel is realistic. Perhaps I just have too large of a chisel but there's a substantial chance that you hit the inside of the windshield with a hammer/mallet while attempting to do so. I would recommend that anyone attempting this moving forward just use a Dremel-style tool to make the slot needed for removal via screwdriver - make sure you cover the interior windshield and dash with towels to protect from metal flakes (these will embed in your windshield and rust).