Steering Wheel Electrical Quick Disconnect

grabcad

Steering wheel disconnects are available off the shelf - at eye watering prices! Here's a model you can make with AliExpress components. You will need:Steering Wheel - I used the OMP knockoff, many will fit. Make sure the diameter of the bolt holes matches your disconnect.Steering Wheel disconnect - I used this one: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832781026655.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.10.2fdf1802ik5F4V&gatewayAdapt=glo2usaElectrical Connector - you'll need a GX12 connector, up to 7 pins will fit with 20ga wire (enough to do high beams, horn, and L & R signal [they share a single input from the flasher, that's what lets you get away with 7 pins when the buttons have 8 wires])Buttons: I used these 12mm switches (momentary for horn, latching for signals and high beams) https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256804369835182.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.134.2fdf1802ik5F4V&gatewayAdapt=glo2usaWire - 20awg fits perfectly, don't go any thicker (don't go lower numerical gauge - 12awg is thicker than 20awg)Printed Components - Caps that cover the wire on the backside, as well as the cover for the center that goes where the usual horn button would Aluminum Plate - Either have it laser/waterjet cut or print off the drawing and spray glue it to some aluminum to cut it out by hand. The holes for the buttons can be made round, you'll just lose the rotation protection that the flat faces offer (I did it by hand, it works fine)M3x8mm Flat Head Screws - Connect the back caps to the aluminum plateTap - You'll need an M8x0.75mm tap in order to thread the quick disconnect to accept the GX12. I did this in a mini lathe to keep things centered, but there's a generous chamfer so you should be fine without a lathe, just be careful to keep it centered and STRAIGHT. A bit off center might be able to be accommodated by enlarging the center hole in the aluminum plate, but an angular error will make it very stiff to release.Misc Parts: Dremel (I needed to put a countersink on the aluminum plate to get the GX12 to sit in the correct position along the axis, Solder/iron to connect wire to GX12 (You'll need to remove at least one terminal in order to solder the center wire, retaining tab shown in photo), Shrink tube to keep these wires from contacting, drill/tap to modify the steering wheel to rotate the original horn ring by 30°, 90° countersink bit to chamfer aluminum plate for back cap screws. All together it cost me $41. Enjoy!