Steering Wheel
I suppose if you're just the right height and adjust your seat and steering wheel just so, you might be able to see your instruments all at once. For me, the top of the steering wheel is always in the way of something—either the speedometer, or the tachometer and fuel gauge.
So I bought a spare stock Element steering wheel. These were actually fairly plentiful at the time because quite a few E owners upgraded to Pilot wheels, consigning stock wheels to the spares pile.
First, I cut about 90° of arc out of the top of the wheel (Figure 1) with a band saw (Figure 2). Then I trimmed my favorite soft steering wheel cover and fitted it to the wheel; taped over the ends; and applied heat-shrink tubing. Next I drilled a 1/4" hole through each end (Figure 3).
 Figure 1 |
 Figure 2 |
 Figure 3 |
Racquetballs
To terminate the stubs, I cut 1-1/2" holes into two racquetballs with a rotary saw bit. (Contrary to expectation, they sawed beautifully.) I also drilled 1/4" holes though the balls, slightly above the "equator" relative to the large holes.
Then I threaded "low profile" zip ties through the balls and wheel stubs (Figures 4–5), and zipped them so that the buckles faced each other across the gap (Figure 6). I later realized this is a great place for a microphone PTT switch, suggesting a future project ...
 Figure 4 |
 Figure 5 |
 Figure 6 |
Last, I filled the somewhat ragged 1/4" holes with silicone glue and covered the racquetballs with black rubber balloons. Simple and easy. (Figure 7.)
 Figure 7 |
 Figure 8 |
Squash Balls
I subsequently swapped out the racquetballs for squash balls, which are smaller.* They're also black, which strictly speaking eliminates the need for balloons.
This time I cut a 1-1/8" hole, which made for a tight fit. (Those not using a thick steering wheel cover should have no trouble.) A leather punch made nicer holes for the zip ties, though they still needed to be sealed. I eventually covered the balls with the fingertips of extra large, black nitrile exam gloves. (Figure 8.)
The new wheel was easy to get used to, and it's great to be able to see the gauges.
*There is some variation; I used the largest available.