After cracking the rim of my old DFGT from a bash I was playing with the idea of buying a new wheel to replace it with until I came across this thread - http://www.racedepartment.com/forum/threads/homemade-f1-wheel.58646/
I was pretty surprised with the results and having just acquired a dremel tool myself I figured why not give it a go?
The wheel is based on the amalgam RB8 model but for simplicity I decided to leave out the thumb rotaries for the time being. I'm also looking to build a self contained paddle shift & clutch system to fit to the rear. (Shifters shouldn't be a problem but I need to play with the HE Sensors a little when they arrive to see if they'll be suitable)
From the photos of the wheel and using some approximate sizes I used Sketchup to produce a template for the facia.
From there it was just a case of sticking it down on my ply sheet and cutting it out.
After that I moved onto the grips. These were done by layering sheets of craft foam to a width I was comfortable with then sanding them to a comfortable shape using a sanding drum.
Applied 3M carbon vinyl & test fitted the push buttons (After pulling all the yellow paper off)
And that brings us up to its current state. Still to do;
Fit rotary encoders & produce artwork
Plasti-dip rubber coating to the grips (flame red ala Toro Rosso)
Make the plastic surrounds to the Neutral & Pit buttons (Possibly the matt black faceplates)
Cut and fit the wheel back
Cut & mount gear and clutch paddles
For the guts I am planning on wiring it up to one of Leo Bodnar's 0836a boards. Not quite up to the standards of some of the full carbon fibre monsters on here, but hopefully it will end up in some sort of respectable state by the end
Any suggestions/feedback is encouraged but keep it clean
I was pretty surprised with the results and having just acquired a dremel tool myself I figured why not give it a go?
The wheel is based on the amalgam RB8 model but for simplicity I decided to leave out the thumb rotaries for the time being. I'm also looking to build a self contained paddle shift & clutch system to fit to the rear. (Shifters shouldn't be a problem but I need to play with the HE Sensors a little when they arrive to see if they'll be suitable)
From the photos of the wheel and using some approximate sizes I used Sketchup to produce a template for the facia.
From there it was just a case of sticking it down on my ply sheet and cutting it out.
After that I moved onto the grips. These were done by layering sheets of craft foam to a width I was comfortable with then sanding them to a comfortable shape using a sanding drum.
Applied 3M carbon vinyl & test fitted the push buttons (After pulling all the yellow paper off)
And that brings us up to its current state. Still to do;
Fit rotary encoders & produce artwork
Plasti-dip rubber coating to the grips (flame red ala Toro Rosso)
Make the plastic surrounds to the Neutral & Pit buttons (Possibly the matt black faceplates)
Cut and fit the wheel back
Cut & mount gear and clutch paddles
For the guts I am planning on wiring it up to one of Leo Bodnar's 0836a boards. Not quite up to the standards of some of the full carbon fibre monsters on here, but hopefully it will end up in some sort of respectable state by the end
Any suggestions/feedback is encouraged but keep it clean
