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!

 

Terrible photos, but you get the idea. If I cut a profile into the side pod and sit it flush, it should look pretty good as much as by looking at it, the idea seems messy. Plenty of room, everything is at the right size/angle.

 

 

 

That looks good Si

 

You should find that you can just slightly move your finger tips to activate the cc;)

Indeed, nice and close and right next to the CC master switch. :)

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.

 

 

 

Yes they are visibly longer and the new column cover is proof of that. But the design of the airbag wheel is not the same as the none airbag wheel. Here are the photos of what Ive learned and recorded from my research on the matter. Even though Ive only been able to find LHD column as reference the internal parts are basically the same and in the same position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see the none airbag wheel when fitted back into place just clears the new column cover. The other thing i discovered was the combination switch for the indicator stork, still fits in the correct position for the new column to screw into so the indicator stork doesnt move for regardless of what wheel you have. But you need a newer style combination switch unit which im in the order of getting from japan atm. So obiviously the airbag wheel must be different.

 

 

So then I did some digging and found a few photos of the airbag wheel.

 

 

 

 

 

This photo is a good sign to me as to if it will fit.

 

 

Also read this thread on the US forums where a US member downgraded from a airbag to a none airbag. All he did was replace the column and wheel.

 

http://www.300zxclub.com/showthread.php?t=92599

I forgot these 2 photos.

 

 

 

For me these photo are evidence it will work but like all things until i try it and see it in person i don't really know.

Very good idea and solution, again another good thread.

I'm still not convinced about the SRS CC paddel and shroud. Where will the steering wheel sit when it's got another 2" of plastic behind it? Be interesting to see a trial fit.