Steering wheel resizing
 

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

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
 

Steering wheel cut and bent to new dia



http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...3/IMG_0779.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

Rim welded together with new spoke locations cut out

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_07832.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://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/.../IMG_07822.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

Welding process

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...3/IMG_0797.jpg

Re: original steering wheel
 

Using filler and shaping

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...3/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://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/...3/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
 

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
 

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
 

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.