[DeTomaso] Steering wheel setback solution

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

Hi guys,

A number of you have issues with the steering wheel location in the Pantera, 
wishing it was closer to the driver, NASCAR-style.   Some have gone to extreme 
measures, fabricating 2-inch spacers etc. to move the wheel back.   This is a 
valid consideration, as the original two-spoke steering wheel had a much 
deeper 'dish' than the subsequent Capri wheels, and Momo Prototipo.

While ambling through the vendor row in Le Mans, I stumbled across the Oreca 
booth.   Oreca is a French racing/tuning firm, well-known for racing and 
winning at Le Mans.   They first came to my attention back in the '90s when they 
were the factory team for the Dodge Viper; this year they were running Saleen 
S7Rs.

Anyway, they manufacture a bunch of their own racing goodies, including 
steering wheels.   I was surprised to see a classic three-spoke design, with the 
wheel hub sized identically to Momo, but with a much deeper offset.   Turns out 
Oreca makes this wheel in a million different flavors, with either 65, 70 or 
90mm offsets.   The 90mm wheel caught my eye, for it would put the rim of the 
wheel substantially closer to the driver without needing any spacers etc.   The 
diameter is the standard 350mm (13.7 inches).

These wheels are also available in a variety of different finishes.   The 
center can be had in black, silver, blue or titanium, while the rim can be 
standard black leather, or suede in black, red, or gray.   The cost is a very 
reasonable 89-93 Euros depending on how you set it up.

Here is a photo of the wheels I saw, showing the 90mm offset:

http://members.aol.com/mikeldrew/OrecaWheels.jpg

Here is a direct link to the wheel on their website (note that the 
specifications are wrong, as the specs for the 65mm offset wheel are listed for all three
 models)

http://www.orecaonline.fr/index.aspx?Rubrique=75&News=19038 

Unfortunately the site isn't in English.   The sales people spoke excellent 
English however, so I would presume that if you phoned them, they could help 
you out.   Here's their main website:

http://www.orecaonline.fr

where you can find contact info.

Bill--some more nuggets for the database. :>)

Mike


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