Thread: upgrade classic steering wheel to late model with audio controls

I don't have audio controls but I can tell you it would be a major exercise.
You see the column under the wheel on a classic has NO electrical contacts to the wheel.
A later column has a "Spiral casette" with a flat computer type set of wires which go to contacts on the wheel.
You would have to change the column as well.
BIG JOB
Regards Philip A

As above, I suspect you would have to change the entire column, which mechanically may not be a huge project but then you would have to rewire everything that has controls or switches on the column.

The 2 spoke later RRC wheel interchanges with the earlier 4 spoke without issue. Fitting the rotary coupling wouldn't be a big issue, only thing is you night have to change the column/ign switch shroud as well as I think the coupling is larger than the available space in the original shroud.

If it is therefore a matter of replacing the steering column, which i am gathering goes right through firewall to the rod connecting to steering box could someone answer these questions?
1. how difficult is it to remove the steering column
2. will a D2 steering column fit in the old one's place (are they standard just with different wheel connections or for that matter will any other steering column be able to fit

I am changing out my dash and will therefore be removing it in its entirity. I will also be moving away from needing a key to start the car and will be making the appropriate electrical wiring changes to facilitate this and will also be removing the mechanical steering lock as part of this. so the troubles of getting to the steering column and the like are in-part being dealt with.

appreciate any thoughts...

Check the shaft size and splines.... number of, size, colour and religion. - Seems the variety is endless, as I found when I went to put a previous model (Larger dia.) on my 95 RRC.

Still got the original, undersized one....

did the classic ever have audio controls on the steering wheel as an option??