[W126 Coupe] Wood/leather steering wheel

[Dick Spellman]

Hi Axel:

That is the original Mercedes shaft.  I sliced open the black leather grip
from the top of the MB shaft and removed to expose the raised lip at the top
of the shaft.  Then made a cut in the shaft just below this same raised lip
to obtain a smooth shaft of the required length.  Then it was just a matter
of using the attachment kit that comes with the MOMO knob.

You need that shaft as long as possible so when it's mounted with the new
shift knob in place you can make certain you will have enough clearance when
the shift gate is set in the lowest gear without having the base of the knob
come in contact with the wood at the cut-out for the shift gate.

I guess the later model MB's make it easier to remove the shaft.  I know on
my early model SEC I had to tear down to where the shift box was lifted out
of the way to access the shaft hold down nut.  Where I gutted this car the
extra effort was no big deal but for someone wanting to just do a new look
it would require center console removal and at least the passenger seat
removed to gain full access.  I would not recommend doing the cut while the
shaft is installed unless you have one perfect way of clamping/holding the
shaft while you do the cut.  Also, You may in the end need to raise the
shaft by unscrewing some turns to get the perfect height.

Dick