original steering wheel
 

has anyone ever seen a smaller version of orginial steering wheel possibly aftermarket

Re: original steering wheel
 

Yeah, I have thought of that many times - that would be really nice, because I like the original wheel, it's just too big - I think they made them bigger because many of the trucks had manual steering and they were easier to turn. i haven't ever seen one, but if you run across one, let us know.

Re: original steering wheel
 

I think Chip Foose made one for the C-10 they did on overhaulin...

They cut the old hoop off and used some round bar to make a new one, then had it recoated I guess...

Re: original steering wheel
 

I talked to a guy at the Super Chevy show that does them for 50's cars and 50,s GM trucks... they look awesome. I asked if he would make them for our trucks. He said he would, but the first one would cost around $2500:lol:
He said the first one would cost more to cover the cost of the molds to make it. I guess if we got enough people together we could get some kind of a deal but ...?
Another option... I was down for the reveal of a friends Nova at Chip Foose's garage for Overhaulin; they had just finished a 71 Chevy C10. Chip cut down a stock wheel, ring rolled a 15"peice of tubing, welded it to the original wheels spokes; and covered it in leather... It was Nice!
Thats what Im going to do.

BTW... the episode on that rruck was last (and the final) season; he shows a short bit on the construction of the wheel... you might still see a rerun on the TLC.

Re: original steering wheel
 

WoW thats alot of money for one i think

Re: original steering wheel
 

I remember seeing this show... he cut the hoop out and then rolled a new one. Great mod if someone would make them commercial... :D

Re: original steering wheel
 

That would be cool. It would also be cool to be involved in someway with Overhaulin', cool show

Re: original steering wheel
 

Hey, if you have a picture, post it if you can -

Re: original steering wheel
 

Dan42;
Ive got pictures somewhere, but they are from the passenger side and dont show the wheel so great.
You can come up and see mine when I get it done, Im in Paso Robles.

Re: original steering wheel
 

Any updates? I am interested in this

Re: original steering wheel
 

I cut one down to 15 inches and took pics of process . Will post pics when I figure out why not posting corrrectly.

Re: original steering wheel
 

will try again later

Re: original steering wheel
 

Steering wheel cut and bent to new dia



http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_0779.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

Rim welded together with new spoke locations cut out

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_0783.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

Had to add extensions to spokes because I cut spokes too short. They should be cut flush with rim.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_0782.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

Welding process

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_0797.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

Using filler and shaping

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_0802.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

Finished product. Sorry about individual pic post, could not get them to post all at one time.


http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/IMG_0808.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

I like it. You got me thinking. Did you use regular body filler?

Re: original steering wheel
 

I used epoxy on cracks and then covered and feathered with Bondo. I used Bondo on the big gaps. PC-7 Epoxy would also be a good choice instead of Bondo. (this is and old spare wheel). This is first one I've tried.
Note: the steel ring is made from hardened steel and I used two Bosh metal cutting jig saw blades to cut.
The outer material is similar to hardened rubber but will not crack when bent to size.
I cut the spokes initially with a stub on the rim, but side spokes move up in rim when it is resized and should be cut flush . If I had done this I would not have had to weld extensions on spokes. Will be glad to answer any questions.

Re: original steering wheel
 

Wow, that's pretty cool. Great work.

Re: original steering wheel
 

now that's a cool mod!!

Re: original steering wheel
 

Ok I just saw this thread and I have a question. Do you think that a smaller diameter late model steering wheel would work instead of cutting up the original? I'm thinking a weekend project in in the near future.

Re: original steering wheel
 

Been thinkin on this very thing myself, I have a friend in Marysville, Wash with a 56 belair that has a smaller diameter stock steering wheel and it always gets remarks never did find out who did it for him, course hes got a 72 burb with a door handle where a fourth door would be and that really gets nods too! Thanks for sharin this.

Re: original steering wheel
 

nickp51chevy: I have used an 80's model Camero wheel that is a direct fit and is 14and 1/4 inches in diameter. I have also used a 90's Chevy truck wheel and it is 15 and 1/2 inches in dia. and does not require modification to fit.

Re: original steering wheel
 

suville: Glad to share

Re: original steering wheel
 

Cool, thanks. I'm gonna give it a try.

Re: original steering wheel
 

wow that is awsome i like a big steering wheel it just symbolizes and old vehicle! ,but if i get bigger and more rounder then i will resort to this!

Re: original steering wheel
 

I've been flip flopping back and forth about
whether to keep my original steering, Or
get a new smaller custom wheel.
I like the Camaro/C10 hybrid idea. :D

Thanks for the education.

Spike:smoke:

Re: original steering wheel
 

i would do stock if you are comfortiable with it spike

Re: original steering wheel
 

My favorite wheel is one out of a 90's jeep cherokee. You can usually find one in a matching color and they bolt right up. The only problem is you have to use the jeep center cover.

Re: original steering wheel
 

That looks awesome. I really really wanna do this to my steering wheel. Have you tried it on a truck? Is it centered?

Re: original steering wheel
 

I put this on my truck after I completed it. I really like the smaller diameter. I tried several other wheels (Camero, 90's truck, Grant) but I like this style. If I do another one I will make the cut in the wheel at the bottom where the spoke attaches after I have cut spokes out of course. I will also cut the spokes as close as possible to the rim so I wont have to weld pieces back to spokes. I can then trim the spokes if necessary. Plan on using several metal cutting blades, the core is hardened steel.

Re: original steering wheel
 

very cool... we should have a special thread for the FAQ section...

Re: original steering wheel
 

But when driving and turning back through the corners does the wheel slide through your hands smoothley? Just wondering how hard it is to actually get it centered. Thanks,

Re: original steering wheel
 

Re: original steering wheel
 

Re: original steering wheel
 

Yes, I used the blue heat absorbing paste, it comes in a tube and applied it liberally. It worked well, no melted plastic/rubber issues. The main issues I encountered :(1) I cut the spokes too short initially and had to weld pieces back to the spokes.
(2)make the cut in the rim at the bottom spoke, it makes it easier to maintain perfect circle by giving some extra support to rim cut when welded (I cut the first one I did at the top)
Take it slow and clamp it well and you will have no problem keeping it centered. I will be happy to answer any questions.

Re: original steering wheel
 

TTT cool mod

any pic of the mentioned jeep wheel?

Re: original steering wheel
 

I like.