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.