Hi, this is my first post. A buddy and I are constructing a 142E for SCCA ITB road racing. If anyone's interested in following our progress, take a look at our blog (mostly pictures) at http://volvo142racer.blogspot.com/

Anyway, here's a question I hope somebody can help with. We want to put a new racy steering wheel on our 142, but Momo etc. don't list a wheel for the 142. Does anyone know if the 142 steering column has the same splines for the steering wheel as the 240 (for which there is a Momo hub)? What about the P1800 splines, are they the same as the 142.

We only care about the splines being the same, being a race car, we don't car about turn signals or slip rings for the horn etc.

Thanks for any help.

Wow, thanks for all the help, you guys are great! Sounds like I can have a pretty high confidence level that the Momo 240 adapter will work on our 140 column. As one of you pointed out, the best column to use is the straight, one-piece version with no U-joints. We've managed to score one of those from a parts car so hopefully we're good to go as far as steering is concerned. Now on with the engine reassembly.

BTW, since you asked, the O/D tranny is sulking in the corner of my garage, wondering to itself if anyone wants to provide it with a good home. We do need to keep the long cover that mounts the shifter though.

I already have a spare M41, but what you have is a desirable piece of metal, there are people are planning conversions to an overdrive, many not needing the long shifter tunnel thing. Also save the cross member and that beat up shorter shaft, you can buy new center support rubber. I have heard of prices at $300 as is and $900 for functioning units with some warranty. They would want the other drive shaft parts also for the conversion.
Joel
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Antique Swedish Steel (Never Rusty) Silver 71 142E

And just to confirm further... I have a friend who had a 72 with a 240 steering wheel on it. He's even seen an 83 242 with a old style 140 steering wheel on it!
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I really enjoyed your progress posted on your site. I just did the Truelock thing. They are a lot of fun on the street. You paid a lot for that beat up box, I understand displaying it, looks beautiful. I kept mine for a few days. The 4.56:1 ring and pinion ratio has me wondering what track speeds and top rpms you are planning for?
If you are interested in a stronger driveshaft, consider converting to the 160 driveshaft which has bigger U joints, (as does the driveshaft for the 71 142E). You would have to switch to larger output flanges at M-40 and rear dif. I haven't done this, just an idea.
What did you do with the M41 unit you replaced with the M40?
Joel
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Antique Swedish Steel (Never Rusty) Silver 71 142E

Been meaning to reply for a few days... We'd love to put the 160 driveshaft on, but the SCCA Improved Touring class rules don't allow it, unless Volvo ever used the part on a new 142 (and we can prove it). IT rules are a strange and frustrating mishmash of what you can and can't do.

We based our choice of r/p ratio on what we think will work best at our home track (Summit Point, WV) which has a 3000 foot main straight (not real long). We're also going off the experience of some other quick 142 racers we know. The unknown is how many rpms were going to get out of the motor we're building.

just saw your site. see that u were having steering shaft issues.
the one on the top is the one you want. it has no ruber bushings or conectors to go bad or break. lossing steering at speed would be know fun. just replace the whole thing from box to wheel.

good luck

nice car by the way

Sounds like you probably got the answer you needed to hear about the steering wheel...

So, onto your project. Looks great! Be sure to keep us posted when you make updates to the site!

-Matt
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-Matt '70 145s, '65 1800s, '66 122s wagon, others inc. '53 XK120 FHC

ok here is what i know .

momo hub adapters for a 240 will fit 73-74 cars i have one on my 74' 145
i have a 240 turbo wheel on my 73' 142.

http://www.pbase.com/flynbrick/image/34745998
http://www.pbase.com/flynbrick/image/34178439

sparco and grant also make adapters for 240 that will work on a 73-74' 140

the turn signals are intact on the 145 the plastic covers takes a little massaging with a dremel tool.

but since you said there will not be any turn signals on the car any adapter will work. the momo, sparco and grant have the same bolt patern for there wheels so any of those will give you lots of options for wheels.
best of luck

BTW, I like your handle :)

Wouldn't turn signals be fun on a race car! Use them for pits (in and out) and faking out drivers that think you are letting them pass :) or high beam flashers to warn them your are coming and get over :)
A horn for when the crew is under the hood too long!!!!

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(101Kmi), 95 854T(85K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

It's a picky icky sticky situation. Meaning, that most people don't really know. I see that it's a 73, and someone that I know also had a 73, and he put on a 240 wheel on his car, no problems. But, people have always said that 140s and 240s differ. And that maybe there was a change in the 140 series and the early splines are different from the later 140s... I can't say for sure, and I haven't heard anyone on here say anything on here, but maybe someone actually knows.

The person also had a 72 142 and tried the 240 wheel on it as well I think, so maybe all 240 wheels fit on 140s as well. I just won a Momo wheel on ebay as well, so I'm looking forward to the solution.

Welcome to the board and I'll definitely be following along your project! Peace!

~Kyle
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