DIY Fun Project: Ship’s Steering Wheel with Quick Release

Standard sim racing steering wheels exist in all shapes and sizes. One thing that hasn’t been available yet is an adapter for a ship’s wheel. This little DIY project is the perfect way to change that. If you’ve always wanted to repurpose your sim racing setup, this is the perfect project for you!

Materials

For this project, all you need is the right wooden steering wheel (linked below), which the adapter is designed to fit perfectly. Be sure to check the product images.

The following parts should also be available, though they may vary depending on the wheelbase used:

• Screws + Quick Release
  • 6 M5 hex socket screws in the appropriate length (~26 mm without spacers)
  • Quick-release mechanism / spacer with a 70 mm bolt pattern

3D Printing

The project essentially consists of a single print file that can be printed in about two to four hours, depending on the printer and settings.

• Quick Release Adapter:The file is printed with support structures and should ideally be printed with at least five wall lines and more than 40% infill. ABS/PETG is generally recommended as the material, but PLA is of course also an option.

The adapter can generally be used with a fair amount of force feedback, but you shouldn’t overdo it (plastic is still plastic…). Additionally, depending on the tolerance of the wooden steering wheel, you may need to make some mechanical adjustments. You can find the print files here:

Assembly 

The adapter engages with the spokes of the wheel, preventing it from twisting and securing it from the back by pressing against the selected quick release or spacer (in this case, an NRG-style QR). The length of the M5 hex screws used depends on the QR being used and must be selected accordingly. For assembly, the adapter is placed on from the front and then simply screwed onto the QR (Be careful when tightening it, as the adapter has relatively thin walls near the threads.). The entire assembly process takes no more than a minute.

Conclusion

A project that’s just a lot of fun! If you’ve always wanted to take your sim racing wheelbase for a spin on a boat or show your friends that you’re faster than they are, even with a ship’s steering whee, now’s your chance. Have fun building it!