Rapfix II Quick Release Steering Boss

Have been looking for a steering boss extension for quite a while as I tend to sit too forward for comfort but if you move too far backwards there's not enough leverage as your arms are extended too much. Most normal human beings have relatively short arms and longer legs but not the other way around.

My original intention was to get the R3 steering boss spacer but one JDM project car recently really caught my eye. This was the Jun EVO9 and it had a trick Worksbell Rapfix II quick release steering boss extension kit. Prodrive Japan and also Top Secret utilize the same kit anodized to their colour specs. A quick release steering boss kit will enable you to remove your steering wheel in a couple seconds. This helps for security purposes and of course the whole idea spells race car. Fnarrrr..

Some quick measurements indicate that the Rapfix II would be near perfect for what I'm looking for. Picture courtesy of Worksbell Japan webpage. I've decided to use my stock Momo steering boss and just bolt the Rapfix II to it. For those that want a shorter extension, Worksbell do sell shorter steering bosses but these are hugely expensive. Blame the strength of the Yen vs the Malaysian Ringgit.

Now I'm sure the number one question by now is why I didn't go for the Arospeed replicas that are widely available locally? These are approx 5 times cheaper than the Rapfix II. Well for one thing I prefer the original and not a "replica". Second this is the second generation improved Rapfix II system and not the original Rapfix which the Arospeed unit is based on. The advantages the Rapfix II have over the Rapfix are :
1. Less weight The Rapfix II weights 516 grammes vs 690 for the Rapfix. No idea on the Arospeed's weight as I've not managed to weigh one.
2. The installation action of the Rapfix II is only 1 step compared to 3 for the Rapfix. Put the steering wheel in the same position it was removed from and push it forwards to lock. No need to press the release button and pull back the sleeve as the Rapfix II has an auto lock spring sleeve that automatically locks once the correct steering wheel position is reached.
3. The Rapfix II utilizes the latest cold forging A5056 aluminium alloy. This means more strength.
4. The quality of finishing is also way way better compared to the Arospeed (which it should be considering the price different). You just have to put both steering bosses side by side and the differences are immediately noticeable.

With this in mind I contacted my Jap 'works' part supplier and a unit was at my doorstep in 4 days. Picture below of the kit. As you can see it is a true 'plug n play' item and even utilizes the stock horn function. I've decided to go for the red coloured kit. The kit is also avail in silver and black.

Picture below of male and female halves disassembled.

Installation was a zilch and took no more than 45 minutes total. Some slight grinding had to be done on the horn plate to allow everything to fit properly. If this is not done there will be a 1mm gap between the Rapfix II and the steering wheel. The problem would differ per the various steering wheel make and models. A fellow Bro is running an Arospeed unit and he also had to modify the horn plate to fit his Momo's horn. Close up picture below of the installed unit.

Another picture of the installed unit

Picture of the removed steering wheel. Looks trick eh?

Close up of the female half attached to the steering wheel

The only downside apart from the stupendous price is that your fingers are no longer able to reach the steering column stalks unless you have long fingers. Takes some getting used to but I mastered how to activate my signal lights in a couple days. If you're not used to this your fingers will be trying to move thin air.