[OnePeddleMissin]

Measured the dia. of my '98 Swift steering wheel.... 14 3/4".
Or.... 375MM.

Thats quite a hoop!! Some PAS cars, of course, get by with less 🤔.

I'm thinking of changing it for something leather bound but the size needs to be no smaller.... I have found some really nice ones (obvs from part-outs) and some could be easily adapted with a 'dummy shell/horn pooper' to fill the missing AirBag centre.

Will report back 🔧

OPM

 

[2013GV]

Measured the dia. of my '98 Swift steering wheel.... 14 3/4".
Or.... 375MM.

Thats quite a hoop!! Some PAS cars, of course, get by with less 🤔.

I'm thinking of changing it for something leather bound but the size needs to be no smaller.... I have found some really nice ones (obvs from part-outs) and some could be easily adapted with a 'dummy shell/horn pooper' to fill the missing AirBag centre.

Will report back 🔧

OPM

check your insurance and MOT regulations, you will be removing an airbag, and the drivers side one at that.

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

check your insurance and MOT regulations, you will be removing an airbag, and the drivers side one at that.

...... NO AB, mate 🤕

The wheels I'm looking at are 'new(model years)' and - of course - ARE AB fitted.... If you buy one mailorder you DON'T get the AB as 'Explosives In Post' is a NoNo ...

Cheers

OPM

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

Discovered I had forgotten to replace my fuel cap, last fill up.....
I feel a bit of a di#k

Ordered this VW one (same screw thread for neck) UK£4.30 delivered new.

*image just to show

With a tether strap at least it won't happen again!

OPM

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

Looking good....

I think that is sorted, proppa!

OPM

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

I am exploring possibility of up-speccing my Factory Discs (231mm) by fitting Ignis discs (257mm).

The whole idea is formulated around buying absolutely no 'trick/expensive' parts.... Just two new discs!!

I will document all the work involved/lots of photos... Not for a few months (I have no garage and it is winter here in UK)

Watch This Space

OPM

 

[fordem]

I don't see you being able to swap a 257mm disk in place of a 231mm - at least not with "just two new disks" - you're going to have to look at either new calipers or new caliper mounts and possibly new rims & tires.

For what it's worth, my 93 Swift GLX left the factory with 13 inch rims and a relatively small solid rotor front disk (that 231 mm sounds about the same size, I might have pictures from the upgrade somewhere) - I was able to upgrade to the larger ventilated disks of the GTi, in addition to the new disks, which had to be trimmed by a couple of mm on the diameter, I had to fit the GTi calipers, but was able to reuse the caliper mounts, and the 13" after-market alloys I was running at the time just cleared the caliper - the OEM steel wheels that I had as a spare did not, so a puncture on a front wheel meant putting the spare on a rear wheel and putting the wheel from the rear in place of the flat front tire.

If you change the calipers, you may also need to consider the master cylinder size - larger caliper pistons require more fluid - I was able to get away with it because the GLX & the GTi use the same master cylinder, brake booster. & proportioning valve.

Modifying brake systems is not a trivial task - you can get yourself into serious trouble, and remember, you are literally playing with your life.

A quick & easy mod that provides more improvement than most people realize is braided stainless steel lines - not particularly expensive, but in my opinion, well worth it - I think mine came from Techna-fit, but it's too long ago to remember clearly.

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

Braided is a really good shout. The literal equivalent of trying to shift a rock with a crowbar.... BUT.... it having a very stiff spring in it >> You pull down really hard but not all gets to the rock!!

All the rubber pipes on my GLX Auto are are 22yr old....

OPM

 

[2013GV]

I am exploring possibility of up-speccing my Factory Discs (231mm) by fitting Ignis discs (257mm).

The whole idea is formulated around buying absolutely no 'trick/expensive' parts.... Just two new discs!!

I will document all the work involved/lots of photos... Not for a few months (I have no garage and it is winter here in UK)

Watch This Space

OPM

Do you actually have a braking issue at present or are just looking at an upgrade?

As Fordem says, messing with brakes is one way of getting into trouble quickly. Braje balancing could also be an issue if you start changing calipers etc.
Personally I'd look at upgrading the lines to braided stainless, and a complete system flush and bleed with new fluid. Given its age, maybe inspect the calipers and the slide pins, and replace or recondition
as required.

Lots of small maintenance tasks done properly will accumulate into a noticeable improvement.

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

Hi 2013GV.....

No problems with factory brakes at all...
My 'thinking [aloud]' runs to the simplest way to improve over stock (by perhaps negligible %) without even loosening the flexis!
If the surface of my stock 231mm discs were grooved or scored then no trouble to buy two new ones and rebuild = if I'm going to that trouble, can I do anything to make some improvement for the same money??

I haven't even laid a spanner near the front of my car, least of all installed Frankenstein Brakes...
Brembo 09.9599.10

I am musing on feasibility.

OPM

 

[2013GV]

In my experience changing pad material composition can make a huge improvement as well. So called "race pads" certainly work, but only when warmed to above a certain temperature with is nearly impossible on the street.

As a general rule of thumb, softer pads will brake harder and faster, but fade with heat quickly, and hard ones won't work until up to temperature

Carbon brakes do nothing fir the first few seconds and many sports car drivers have found this out, hard stomp, release then apply and they work. One initial hard press and they do nothing.

Given this is just musings at this stage, see what pad materials are available for your vehicle and you might find thats a major improvement depending on your driving style and usage even different brands can make a big difference

Nothing wrong with the stock discs as long as they are relatively smooth and not warped.

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

This got me thinking....

2133301 pads.. ??

OPM

 

[2013GV]

New discs and pads....why not. If your discs are getting scored then its probably sensible

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

These seem highly recommended....

Delphi Front Disc Brake Pads Set - LP676

Offshoot of AC-Delco (GM family).

OPM

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

I will be replacing my bloated 'pie in your face' factory steering wheel

with...

It is Mini Mayfair = 380mm dia, more than factory 375mm, and pleasantly 'minimalist'

OPM

 

[fordem]

Have you considered the specifics of the vehicles, like the steering column diameter, and spline count?

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

..... I worry about little else ....

OPM

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

Oooff! Wheel is here....
Installation detail to follow 🔧

OPM

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

Well......
My horn button is here (the wheel doesn't have provision)

OPM

 

[OnePeddleMissin]

Horn button fitted..... Right/offcentre on moulded hub = easily 'peeped' by righthand thumb 🎱

*the hole goes through the moulded plastic skin.... NOT the alloy wheel skeleton.

OPM