Hmmm... Here's a great device frfom PAC that's suitable for in-car wired control devices... I'm searching now to see if they have any IR-IR remapping products. Running wires to a Thumber wouldn't be too practical while it's mounted to your steering wheel.

http://www.pac-audio.com/products/swi.htm

Another solution is to use a Sony Stalk - which requires the use of a tuner module for the empeg (I wonder if the SWI-X above could be hooked up for this... Anyone else come up with an alternate to the tuner?)

Bruno