I've posted up many threads regarding what to do about refitting CC to a Z with an aftermarket steering wheel. I have never liked the original wheel. One of the few things I dislike about the Z32 was its dated bus sized wheel.

 

First I went down the route of looking into fitting the SRS equipped Zs CC stalk. This turned out to be a bit of a failed idea as, whilst researching and doing some measurements, found out that the SRS equipped Zs use a longer steering column with a different column shroud. Needless to say, none of it would have fitted unless I'd have swapped out the column. SOD THAT!

 

I moved onto relocating the buttons that would have come with the old steering wheel. There are few places in the Z's cabin that would A: Accommodate it somewhere that looked 'factory' and also, somewhere that would be within easy reach.

 

I had thought about mounting it at the top of the lower dash panel (above the driver's legs), cutting a section in it and flush mounting it from behind, but that would restrict the areas that I could neatly install an old-skool EBC.

 

Moved onto the option then of looking at sourcing another CC switch panel from another car. With the hope of finding a stalk or a switch panel of a different size/shape meaning I could fit it somewhere 'factory'.

 

Went on US Ebay, the obvious choice and came across an early Maxima CC switch panel.

 

Now, this panel has similar button design to those on the switch panel for the Z32 and I'd imagine would employ a similar connector behind it. This is designed to screw into the steering wheel on Maximas, but I'm thinking more along the lines of cutting out a small profile in the column and mounting it just forward, of the indicator stalk. So it sits neatly in the cut profile and would look like an OEM fitment part.

 

It might just work!

 

i like this, proper thought has gone into this! full marks - lots of maxima stuff would probably fit always fancied a maxima - iv never had CC on any car always fancied it, cant have it on a manual 300 can you?

You can. Most have it standard. Mine is a manual and it has it. It's just been disconnected. All the wiring and control box is still there, just need to refit a switch panel.

I've just bought it. Only about £12 incl shipping!

kool! would i need the same switch panel you'v baught as iv got an aftermarket wheel too? (obviously id need alot more than just the switches)

I dunno. I'll have to try this one first. I'll rewire it if the need be.

 

I am not sure what's involved in retrofitting CC. From what I can remember, it's not too difficult.

hmm might look into this, i do a lot of motorway miles, id prob save a few bob if i let the CC do the work instead of reacting to every moderately fast car next to me lol!

Did you ever find a place you can get the Cruise stalks for SRS equipped cars? I've done all the wiring for a CC retro fit but can't find a stalk anywhere. The stalk would work for me as i've got the SRS wheel and column.

Great idea Si :bow: Will look forward to seeing it.

 

When i fitted my wheel i did away with the cruise control and have never bothered with it, not something i'd use in my zed anyway tbh - maybe in another type of car, but i only really use my zed for weekend type driving :D

Did you ever find a place you can get the Cruise stalks for SRS equipped cars? I've done all the wiring for a CC retro fit but can't find a stalk anywhere. The stalk would work for me as i've got the SRS wheel and column.

 

Yeah, SWZ had one that I was going to buy, then realised it wouldn't work on early cars.

hmm might look into this, i do a lot of motorway miles, id prob save a few bob if i let the CC do the work instead of reacting to every moderately fast car next to me lol!

 

Cruise Control is great for motorway driving, however, it will not save you any money on fuel, as CC uses more fuel than standard driving.

Si

Always thought of placing external buttons of some type/description above the heated rear window switch mounted on/in that bezel

This is how I plan on mounting it. It will be slightly obscured by the indicator stalk, but should still be visable. I will cut a profile out of the column shroud and will mount this there so it looks like it was a factory fit component.

 

Looks like a neat idea Si, although it would still have been easier for you to just replace the steering column and go for the SRS stalk, its not a big job. But I do like your new idea too.

For others looking to retain CC with an aftermarket wheel the simplest way is to purchase one of the available steering wheel boss's that has built in cruise control buttons.

didnt think the carbon canister had any buttons :wack: lol

For others looking to retain CC with an aftermarket wheel the simplest way is to purchase one of the available steering wheel boss's that has built in cruise control buttons.

 

Ugly though aren't they. They look very agricultural.

Edited May 11, 200916 yr by FunkySi

didnt think the carbon canister had any buttons :wack: lol

 

WTF? :confused:

Looks like a neat idea Si, although it would still have been easier for you to just replace the steering column and go for the SRS stalk, its not a big job. But I do like your new idea too.

 

 

What replacing the column is easy? Are there different mounts for the column shroud?

What replacing the column is easy? Are there different mounts for the column shroud?

 

Its held on by a bracket with 2 bolts in at the top, and then another 3 bolts through the bulkhead. All easily accessible in the footwell.

 

Then its just the bolt on the steering knuckle which means having to get the car in the air to undo.

 

Not sure what you mean by different mounts for column shroud ?

The column shroud is a different size/shape and sits further forward.

Cruise Control is great for motorway driving, however, it will not save you any money on fuel, as CC uses more fuel than standard driving.

 

I'm sure it works out more economical in practice as it takes away the temptation to boot it every few minutes as something goes to overtake you! (well it does for me anyway)

I'm sure it works out more economical in practice as it takes away the temptation to boot it every few minutes as something goes to overtake you! (well it does for me anyway)

 

I hear ya! I had a 6 series go past and I just had to do the same back, why? I dont know! but it felt sooo good!!! :dance:

The column shroud is a different size/shape and sits further forward.

 

Hey Simon, after reading your post about the differences in steering columns ive decided i would like to see for myself as not 100% convinced the columns changed that much. But i have taken your information as reason to take things slow.

 

Now my car has the CC already installed but i would like the airbag wheel just like you. Now i recently acquired the CC Column cover and did a test fit on my 89 model equipment. and yes the newer airbag column cover is longer and wider so the airbag wheel which is wider sits flush with the new cloumn cover. On the 89 steering wheel it will just fit in place minus the rear cover section. But ive discovered the Airbag wheel has a longer holding neck for the locking grooves to fit in which will give you the little bit extra length the old wheel doesnt have. Ive been looking heaps of photos of the airbag wheel and the steering column setup and i think it will work.

 

How far did you go into your research. Was it test fitting or just looking at it from a distance?

Hey Simon, after reading your post about the differences in steering columns ive decided i would like to see for myself as not 100% convinced the columns changed that much. But i have taken your information as reason to take things slow.

 

Now my car has the CC already installed but i would like the airbag wheel just like you. Now i recently acquired the CC Column cover and did a test fit on my 89 model equipment. and yes the newer airbag column cover is longer and wider so the airbag wheel which is wider sits flush with the new cloumn cover. On the 89 steering wheel it will just fit in place minus the rear cover section. But ive discovered the Airbag wheel has a longer holding neck for the locking grooves to fit in which will give you the little bit extra length the old wheel doesnt have. Ive been looking heaps of photos of the airbag wheel and the steering column setup and i think it will work.

 

How far did you go into your research. Was it test fitting or just looking at it from a distance?

 

Here are photos of both types. Sure they are LHD, but look how much bigger the shroud is compared to the shroud of the non-airbag model. It won't fit as the hub will be in the way.

 

 

Si

Always thought of placing external buttons of some type/description above the heated rear window switch mounted on/in that bezel

 

Do you know how correct you are! I thought 'WTF?' when I first saw that. My Maxima CC pod turned up today and it's quite a bit bigger than I thought. But, as you have said, because it's a right angle and has a nice curvy shroud behind it, it will fit (if I cut out a section) on the side of right hand dash pod. This will look excellent as the plastic and lettering on the buttons all matches as well as it being angled slightly, so it will look totally factory!

 

:bow: