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View Poll Results: 15" steering wheel or stock 17.5"? | |||
15" | 26 | 46.43% | |
17.5" | 30 | 53.57% | |
Voters: 56. You may not vote on this poll |
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03-05-2020, 09:35 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Posts: 13
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can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Please weigh in with your thoughts. I'm really torn between a 15" steering wheel (in green for the Green Monstah) and a stock 17 1/2". I'm putting in a new tilt column, and I got no big belly, so no concern there. It has a 15" after market wheel now, and the size is great, but I am trying to go stock where I can. Just don't want it to be TOO big. Thoughts? Experiences? Wish I had...? Thank y'all!
Jill |
03-05-2020, 09:44 PM | #2 |
Special Order
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Well, the stock wheels aren't too big. They are the size the trucks came with and I for one feel the engineers designed as close to the perfect truck as possible.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
03-05-2020, 10:06 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Posts: 13
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
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03-05-2020, 09:56 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Posts: 3,848
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I somewhat agree with what special-k says.
The factory wheel isn’t that big. But it sure feels big compared to the 15” one that youre used to. My 67’ has the stock wheel and my 72 has an aftermarket 15” wheel. I drive both trucks regularly and can sure feel the difference when going from one truck to the other. I like the 15” because it feels sort of sportier, and that truck is heavily modified. I also like the stock one because it still feels more like an old truck. And that truck is only mildly modified. Guess I’m not much help.
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--------------------------------------------------------------- Jason. 68’ GMC shortbox https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=794201 72' 2WD Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=425385 67' LongBox C-10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691845 InstaGram ybnorml67 |
03-05-2020, 10:08 PM | #5 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Posts: 13
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Quote:
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03-05-2020, 10:06 PM | #6 |
Special Order
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Yeah, I'm not saying a person can't feel the need for a smaller wheel. Especially people who have only driven newer vehicles that all have smaller wheels. But to say they are too big is saying GM screwed up and they certainly didn't. Like any vehicle, do what suits you. I have run car wheels that are smaller, 88-98 truck wheels, and even 67/68 wheels are a bit smaller. None seemed so different that it mattered either way. I never gave it a thought. No different than driving one vehicle them hopping in another to drive. When I have changed wheel size I noticed the difference right away, and within a week it seemed no different
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
03-05-2020, 10:10 PM | #7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Posts: 13
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Quote:
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03-05-2020, 10:21 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: TN.
Posts: 8,133
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
You asked So.
Original is my vote. There is nothing wrong with Custom when it makes it more user friendly . You have the room for the Big wheel (Go with It). .
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________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build |
03-05-2020, 10:27 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,964
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
original any day of the week and twice on sunday.
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03-05-2020, 11:11 PM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Posts: 336
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
If you have an automatic trans or 3 on the tree, I think the bigger wheel looks better. The shift lever is designed for the 17.5 inch steering wheel. In my opinion when you swap to a 15 inch wheel the shift lever sticks out past the steering wheel a little too far.
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1972 GMC K2500 Super Custom Matt |
03-06-2020, 03:07 AM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,811
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Factory wheel feels to big for me. Do not need the clearance either. I will be going to the van type shift lever on my tilt column as it is shorter. Using an aftermarket 15" wheel. I would run the reproduction 15" wheel myself if I could figure out a way to make it work with my paddle shifters. I am still working on a solution.
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Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746 |
03-06-2020, 09:18 AM | #12 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I like them all! I like the wood 2 spokes out of the cars of the same time period. I also like the stock wheels. I have a 67 I cut down and rewelded it but never have finished it up. I need to do that.
Over all I like the car wheel better I guess. They are basicly the same size as the trucks though.
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
03-06-2020, 10:01 AM | #13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Bulverde Texas
Posts: 29
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I have the Brothers 15" repro wheel. It has the "look" of original in new smaller size. I think it's the best of both worlds.
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03-06-2020, 10:35 AM | #14 |
Post Whore
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,154
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Personal choice decision. Personally I love the factory wheel in my Burban. One of the things I don't like about my 09 2500 Ram is the miniature steering wheel it has. If I wanted to drive a car I would have bought a car.
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Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
03-06-2020, 06:44 PM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Livingston, La
Posts: 56
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
if you have power steering then my vote is after market 15". if you do not have power steering then definitely use the larger one. I find it steers easier with the larger one.
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03-07-2020, 12:25 PM | #16 |
R.I.P. E.S.L.L.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA.
Posts: 11,419
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I have a factory wheel. When I bought my truck it had a little bitty steering wheel. That was the first thing to go.
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1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God. |
03-07-2020, 01:46 PM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,125
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I always like this leather steering wheel.
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03-07-2020, 03:00 PM | #18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road.
Posts: 2,629
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I have stuck with the Stock Wheel for now. What is really helpful is the color matched suicide ball on it.
Cop pulled me over few years back, YOU KNOW THATS ILLEGAL! Simply informed him the truck came with it! (grumble, grumble) says the officer. |
03-08-2020, 09:17 AM | #19 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Here are some of mine I have in the trucks and cars.
First picture my 71 C 10 with factory Chevelle SS wheel I redid and leather wrapped it. 2nd picture is a old Corvette wheel I have had it in both of my truck at one time are another. 3rd is the 64 SS Impala wheel I refinished. 4th is the Ramp truck now with a GM 2 spoke I refurb with a home made horn cap. 4th is a GM 2 spoke I did with another home made horn cap with SS emblem that I did to match the wheels and the interior emblems. As you can see I like the GM wheels. I'm with Tim on this I think they all look great. As I stated in my earlier post I have the one 67 wheel I cut done to 15 " just haven't finished it yet. One day I will though and see how it looks.
__________________
1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
03-08-2020, 09:55 AM | #20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: St Peters, MO
Posts: 440
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I kept my original wheel in part because of it's patina & color. The newer 3 turn power steering box and tilt column makes it fun to drive - it steers like a '73 Caddy...one finger all day long. Before finding the farm truck, the plan was to use a 15" Comfort Grip wheel.
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1967 C20, 350 SBC w/Comp roller cam, 700R4 w/3.42 posi, PS, 4-wheel PDB, Old Air AC & GM Tilt column. |
03-08-2020, 09:30 PM | #21 |
Loves all GMC trucks
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Columbia Mo
Posts: 4,435
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
Don’t the now make a factory style 15” one?
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03-08-2020, 09:33 PM | #22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,335
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
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03-08-2020, 09:47 PM | #23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,915
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I think it's important to remember that when these trucks were designed power steering was somewhat rare. The engineers and designers put the large wheel on not for looks, but to increase applied torque to the steering shaft.
Having said that, I like the look of period-correct steering wheels. I think one of the nicest I've seen was from a period Chevelle or Cutlass.
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I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson |
03-09-2020, 07:53 PM | #24 |
laying low
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,262
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Re: can't decide: 15" steering wheel or original 17 1/2"???
I presently have this wheel in mine with a quick ratio steering box and 255/70/15s on 8" wide rallys and just running it around in the yard the steering feels heavy. I imagine a 15" wheel would ease up the effort somewhat. I definitely won't be going back to the 17" stocker though.
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