So it was a great day to get up and enjoy the AZ weather and nice drive to Fountain Hills. Had some parts put back in that had the stickies removed and installed a new challenge steering wheel. I will say this first. I love my car more every day! And this new wheel is the best I have ever experienced in ANY car. sherpa23 will agree with me! Make sure wheel is absolutely straight before starting process - go back up and go forward. or at least know which direction is "up" so that the new wheel will be straight. Step one - turn off master battery switch. Let drain. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Step 2 - remove 2 retaining screws from the rear of the wheel holding on the airbag. These are safety screws. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Here is the new wheel with adapter and hardware from Hill Engineering and Daniel at Ricambi. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Here is the airbag as removed. It is over 20 years old. Ferrari recommends replacement every 8 years, so I wasn't counting on it for my safety at this point. And I really prefer a three spoke wheel. Takes me back to my older 328. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Step 4 - Ready to remove the wheel from the hub. Unfasten 4 Allen bolts at each corner of the hub. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Step 6 - install wheel spacer using attached hardware. Make sure wheel is absolutely straight before starting this whole process - go back up and go forward. Make sure there is one front bolt hole at the 12 o'clock position so that the new wheel will be straight. Add 4 lock-washers with blue loctite. The original washers that come with the airbag wheel are bronze in color, so those would stand out and be visible. I didn't like that so went with black lock washers. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Step 7 - Connect 2 wires for the thumb mounted horn buttons on the new wheel. Change the female connector on the new wheel to a male connector. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Step 8 - cover horn connectors with tape or included sleeves. turn master battery switch back on and check that the horn works and does not stay on by hitting the metal spacer inside... No photo! Robb
Step 9 - install 6 Allen countersunk bolts making sure the wheel is "up" correctly. Step 10 - pull dash pod removing two screws and pull airbag warning light from rear of pod. Do not lose the light as they are getting hard to find... Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Step 10 - replace dash pod Step 11 - replace rubber steering wheel center pad and add decorative wheel center. The one I got from Ricambi fits very well. But I think I want to find one that is recessed and does not hang or overlap outside of the pad. And the center cap on this wheel does not act like a horn, so it seems silly to have it there not working. I will try to find the correct "decorative" wheel center. But for now, it is done. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
Nice work and excellent write up. Challenge wheel looks nice (were they all alcantara?) but I must admit to liking the stock one as well.
I think it is a gorgeous wheel from a correct era. The wheel was made in 1994. The '95 F355 challenge cars were a transition year for Ferrari where many parts were used back in forth on both the 348 and F355 challenge cars. I don't think anyone will nitpick on whether is really proper or not. I like this wheel much better than an all metal wheel like in my 328 or 308 as this fits the car's age and character. Since it is an OEM wheel, I am glad it does not look "ricer" or an add-on. I also liked the 512M all leather wheel still available but the alcantara won out. Thanks for following along. I'll post another image when I get the decorative wheel center finalized. I'll keep the OEM airbag wheel in a box for a future concours judging, classiche, or sale. I am keeping all the original parts so that the car can be easily and quickly put back to 100%. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
All I can say is - gorgeous! Great feel. Great material. If it ever gets messed up because of any oils from my skin, I'll just have it recovered... It's better than a challenge Stradale for me. Wonderful day out afterward with the car. Robb Image Unavailable, Please Login
I was also told that when I decide to reinstall the airbag wheel, I'll need to take the car to the dealer to reset the fault. I'm not sure if my ace mechanics at FMS can do that or not or if I'll be off to Ferrari of Scottsdale, but that will be a while... . So I'll enjoy it ALOT. Robb
Yes, James. All alcantara. I like the material. I'd consider re-covering the dash in it but my leather is good to go... And that is not as easily changed back. I also like the stock 4 spoke wheel. It is very comfortable although thicker would be better. And I am still looking for the OEM NON-airbag wheel from the '94/'95 uk and euro market. Robb
