Futaba Magnum Sr. Steering Foam Replacement

[TravelinTravis]

After a lot of research I finally settled on and replaced the foam on the steering wheel of my old Futaba Magnum Sr. (FP-T3PG). Happy with the results and since I didn't find a lot of in depth how to for this online, I thought I'd make a post to help anybody out in the future. Link to the foam I used is here: https://www.absima.shop/RC-ACCESSORIES/Electronic-Nitro-Parts/Radio-Receiver/Universal-Sponge-for-Steering-Wheel.htm?shop=absima_en&SessionId=&a=article&ProdNr=2020010&t=19114&c=19128&p=19128

[TravelinTravis]

Size of the foam was almost down right perfect....wasn't happy with the off-center cut when I opened the package, but to be honest, after the install, you can't tell at all. Still...would've expected a little more precision from our German friends. The hardest part was getting that center thin metal cover off the wheel to access the screw and get the wheel off. All I can say is, put it under a magnifier, find the edge with a new exacto blade and very gently lift the edge....once up a bit I used a small jeweler's flat head and gently lifted all around till she popped off. Made a couple small scratches but hardly noticeable. If you bend the plate a little getting it off, it's metal, so you can bend her back to flat. Didn't need to bother with glue or double sided tape to put it back on, it was still sticky enough as it was. I marked the orientation of the wheel prior to pulling it off....but it's really not necessary...the metal cover goes back on anyway you want it too and the mate for the wheel is just a square key, not a spline like a servo.

[TravelinTravis]

New and old foam side by side.....

[TravelinTravis]

The center cut out is slightly conical....so if you slide it on the wheel one way it's slightly larger than desired and can be easily pushed over the outer lip on the plastic (Futaba) wheel. But if you put the foam on, tight (smaller I.D.) side first, it snugs right up to the edge. Thought it was kind of odd at first.....but actually made it real easy and clean to sneak in and add spots of super glue from the back side. I ordered two of the foams and can confirm they are both this way. I used the jeweler's flat head to raise the foam up a bit at a about 8-10 spots to add the glue all around. It was about the same number of spots visible from the original....so figured that was the way to go.

[TravelinTravis]

All glued up.........without my fingers getting stuck to it

[TravelinTravis]

Older transmitter next to one that I got NIB still with the original foam. Replacement foam on the left...original on the right....old foam down in front for reference, on it's way to the trash. The new foam is very slightly wider than the original, but actually fits the full width of the wheel perfectly....the originals left a little sliver of the wheel visible from the backside. New foam is a bit more spongy, less dense than the OG futaba foams and slightly rounded from front to back compared to the OG too. All in all, I'd recommend these if you find yourself in the same boat with an old original Magnum Sr. or Jr.

[juicedcoupe]

I use the JConcepts foams on most of mine.

Slide the old one off and the new one on. The new ones are gummy enough that they don't need glue.

[TravelinTravis]

I use the JConcepts foams on most of mine.

Slide the old one off and the new one on. The new ones are gummy enough that they don't need glue.

Yeah...agreed...I had seen the previous posts on the JConcepts. But the old one only slid off because the original Futaba glue is as old as my son I thought this route was more true to the original, that was glued. The J-Concepts seem more grey than black and with two radial cuts around the wheel....right? Not quite the match to the OG Futaba I was looking for.....but to be honest.....would have probably been a lot easier to install!

[juicedcoupe]

The J-Concepts seem more grey than black and with two radial cuts around the wheel....right? Not quite the match to the OG Futaba I was looking for.....but to be honest.....would have probably been a lot easier to install!

Yes, it is grey and has ribs. It isn't OG but it's comfortable.

I have used the replacement Traxxas foam on a few radios as well.

I even have one of the funky Kimbrough deals.

[TravelinTravis]

The J-Concepts seem more grey than black and with two radial cuts around the wheel....right? Not quite the match to the OG Futaba I was looking for.....but to be honest.....would have probably been a lot easier to install!

Yes, it is grey and has ribs. It isn't OG but it's comfortable.

I have used the replacement Traxxas foam on a few radios as well.

I even have one of the funky Kimbrough deals.

Yeah, thought that was the JConcepts. Never sourced a Traxxas part, but that old Kimbrough...with the finger grooves!?! Never could get used to it...but a very cool blast from the past!

[Frankentruck]

I've been liking the Kimbrough on my main radio
.

[RC10th]

If you have the tools.

https://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?p=517855&hilit=Foam+donut#p517855

[TravelinTravis]

I've been liking the Kimbrough on my main radio
.
1000014756.jpg

Ooh....kinda cool looking in black. Weren't these in that weird blue/green color when they first came out back in the '80"s?

[TravelinTravis]

If you have the tools.

https://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?p=517855&hilit=Foam+donut#p517855

Awww Man....that is...NICE! All squared up just like the original! Looks like an old tire truer is on my toy list now too