steering wheel shortening - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**michael bustamante** · 03-20-2015, 04:32 PM

yes i know... its a spinoff of the "post your steering wheel" thread. theres a steering wheel on there (67-68) that someone shortened. does anyone here on the forum do this on request? id like to get mine done the same way

57larry · 03-20-2015, 07:04 PM

good question. I'd like to know too

**nlped** · 03-20-2015, 07:23 PM

Me too...

franken · 03-20-2015, 08:06 PM

How do you shorten a steering wheel?

EARNHARDT#3 · 03-20-2015, 08:12 PM

He means make it smaller in diameter.

RocketKing · 03-20-2015, 11:04 PM

That was my post in the other thread. I have only done the one, I remember it took me a while to finish and that is the excuse I use to not start another but actually I think I may be scared the next one will be egg shaped.

**Dieselwrencher** · 03-21-2015, 01:42 AM

Rex, that turned out sweet! Did you have a lot of time in doing it?

**Boog** · 03-21-2015, 07:03 AM

Doesn't Eastwood have a kit for restoring steering wheels? Mainly for filling in cracks and such although some guys have used polyester body filler with success.
I saw Foose resize a couple wheels on his show. Seems like he formed a new hoop the diameter he wanted then cut the old hoop off, shortened the legs and welded them together but I do not remember what he used to coat the new hoop to bring it out to finished thickness.

shawno72 · 03-21-2015, 08:04 AM

Would be great to have my stock wheel...smaller

**Tom Vogel** · 03-21-2015, 10:06 AM

[QUOTE
I saw Foose resize a couple wheels on his show. Seems like he formed a new hoop the diameter he wanted then cut the old hoop off, shortened the legs and welded them together but I do not remember what he used to coat the new hoop to bring it out to finished thickness.[/QUOTE]

He Leather wrapped it.

**Boog** · 03-21-2015, 10:16 AM

Yes. That works. Thanks Tom.

**twouvakind** · 03-21-2015, 10:46 AM

"Reduced Diameter" There are a number of restorers out there, just Google!

Failed to mention $, not cheap for sure

**michael bustamante** · 03-21-2015, 11:31 AM

Yes I know. I just wanted to know if anyone who has done one before like Rex, would be willing to do this for board members. At a reasonable cost of course. .
I have a real nice CST horn button and power steering in my 67. Having a larger diameter steer wheel seems unnecessary now but I hate to lose the look and my horn button

**michael bustamante** · 03-21-2015, 11:34 AM

Like the title of the post? It really grabs your curiosity huh?
Smaller diameter. I knew that but at my age brain farts seem to happen more and more

RocketKing · 03-21-2015, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

Rex, that turned out sweet! Did you have a lot of time in doing it?

Thanks for the compliment! It did take me awhile but I am not exactly a pro either.lol
Someone with more experience could be faster

RocketKing · 03-21-2015, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

[QUOTE
I saw Foose resize a couple wheels on his show. Seems like he formed a new hoop the diameter he wanted then cut the old hoop off, shortened the legs and welded them together but I do not remember what he used to coat the new hoop to bring it out to finished thickness.

He Leather wrapped it.[/QUOTE]

That is what I intended to do at first but I simply could not find anyone that would roll a hoop for me. Chip had that sweet little roller in his shop and made it look so easy.

Well I actually did find someone but he wanted me to order 400 of them.

**special-K** · 03-21-2015, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RocketKing

Well I actually did find someone but he wanted me to order 400 of them.

Would it help if I said I'll buy one?

RocketKing · 03-21-2015, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Would it help if I said I'll buy one?

Lol. 1 down 399 to go.

I actually thought getting the hoop would be the way part

texjake · 04-08-2015, 12:55 AM

I am making progress on the steering wheel resizing. I went from a 16 1/2" wheel down to a 15 1/2" wheel. The next step is applying the epoxy and lots of sanding, then primer & then paint.

**special-K** · 04-08-2015, 06:31 AM

Mama's little baby likes shortnin' shortnin'...

68 TT · 04-08-2015, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texjake

I am making progress on the steering wheel resizing. I went from a 16 1/2" wheel down to a 15 1/2" wheel. The next step is applying the epoxy and lots of sanding, then primer & then paint.

Maybe making a silicone mold of a good section of the wheel could save you some work there. It could help rough in the finger rib profile so there was much less finish work to do. It could also copy the spoke to rim transition as well but you already cut that apart.

I know there was another build thread where the guy had his steering wheel modified to make it smaller diameter but can't remember his project name or his screen name. Something with ZL1 in the screen name if I remember right. Very cool truck with tons of mods, a custom frame and stock car brakes.

ERASER5 · 04-08-2015, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

Mama's little baby likes shortnin' shortnin'...

Yes, but that makes a real slippery mess on the steering wheel. But then I prefer lard.

**special-K** · 04-08-2015, 10:31 AM

...Mama's little baby likes shortnin' bread.

Can't wait to see this done.

**michael bustamante** · 04-08-2015, 11:13 AM

you guys........
texjake: keep us posted for sure. as thats the size i need mine to be.
I just dont see the use of a larger wheel when theres power steering now. and it just looks way cooler shorter

19673ontree · 04-08-2015, 12:42 PM

I like the stock wheel but mine had to go this is a great thread and if you google this idea got so popular with the 1955 1956 1957 chevy guys that aftermarket companies started making 15'' reproduction wheels for those cars maybe that is what will happen here !

03-20-2015, 04:32 PM	#1
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,866	steering wheel shortening yes i know... its a spinoff of the "post your steering wheel" thread. theres a steering wheel on there (67-68) that someone shortened. does anyone here on the forum do this on request? id like to get mine done the same way __________________ 1967custom

03-20-2015, 07:04 PM	#2
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,161	Re: steering wheel shortening good question. I'd like to know too

03-20-2015, 08:06 PM	#4
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,130	Re: steering wheel shortening How do you shorten a steering wheel?

03-20-2015, 08:12 PM	#5
EARNHARDT#3 Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: PA Posts: 1,417	Re: steering wheel shortening He means make it smaller in diameter. __________________ 1967 C10, LWB, 250, Powerglide, PS, PB, 3/4 STATIC DROP

03-20-2015, 11:04 PM	#6
RocketKing Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Berryville, AR Posts: 792	Re: steering wheel shortening That was my post in the other thread. I have only done the one, I remember it took me a while to finish and that is the excuse I use to not start another but actually I think I may be scared the next one will be egg shaped. __________________ Rex

03-20-2015, 07:23 PM	#3
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: steering wheel shortening Me too... __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

03-21-2015, 01:42 AM	#7
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,143	Re: steering wheel shortening Rex, that turned out sweet! Did you have a lot of time in doing it? __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

03-21-2015, 07:03 AM	#8
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,559	Re: steering wheel shortening Doesn't Eastwood have a kit for restoring steering wheels? Mainly for filling in cracks and such although some guys have used polyester body filler with success. I saw Foose resize a couple wheels on his show. Seems like he formed a new hoop the diameter he wanted then cut the old hoop off, shortened the legs and welded them together but I do not remember what he used to coat the new hoop to bring it out to finished thickness. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

03-21-2015, 08:04 AM	#9
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,094	Re: steering wheel shortening Would be great to have my stock wheel...smaller __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

03-21-2015, 10:06 AM	#10
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: steering wheel shortening [QUOTE I saw Foose resize a couple wheels on his show. Seems like he formed a new hoop the diameter he wanted then cut the old hoop off, shortened the legs and welded them together but I do not remember what he used to coat the new hoop to bring it out to finished thickness.[/QUOTE] He Leather wrapped it.

03-21-2015, 10:16 AM	#11
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,559	Re: steering wheel shortening Yes. That works. Thanks Tom. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

03-21-2015, 10:46 AM	#12
twouvakind Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,664	Re: steering wheel shortening "Reduced Diameter" There are a number of restorers out there, just Google! Failed to mention $, not cheap for sure Last edited by twouvakind; 03-21-2015 at 12:18 PM. Reason: add. Info

03-21-2015, 11:31 AM	#13
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,866	Re: steering wheel shortening Yes I know. I just wanted to know if anyone who has done one before like Rex, would be willing to do this for board members. At a reasonable cost of course. . I have a real nice CST horn button and power steering in my 67. Having a larger diameter steer wheel seems unnecessary now but I hate to lose the look and my horn button __________________ 1967custom

03-21-2015, 11:34 AM	#14
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,866	Re: steering wheel shortening Like the title of the post? It really grabs your curiosity huh? Smaller diameter. I knew that but at my age brain farts seem to happen more and more __________________ 1967custom

04-08-2015, 12:55 AM	#19
texjake Registered User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Lubbock, TX Posts: 283	Re: steering wheel shortening I am making progress on the steering wheel resizing. I went from a 16 1/2" wheel down to a 15 1/2" wheel. The next step is applying the epoxy and lots of sanding, then primer & then paint. Attached Images __________________ "Now all I need is a shop to go with my shop vac!"



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04-08-2015, 06:31 AM	#20
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: steering wheel shortening Mama's little baby likes shortnin' shortnin'... __________________ "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 ~

04-08-2015, 10:31 AM	#23
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: steering wheel shortening ...Mama's little baby likes shortnin' bread. Can't wait to see this done. __________________ "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 ~

04-08-2015, 11:13 AM	#24
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,866	Re: steering wheel shortening you guys........ texjake: keep us posted for sure. as thats the size i need mine to be. I just dont see the use of a larger wheel when theres power steering now. and it just looks way cooler shorter __________________ 1967custom

04-08-2015, 12:42 PM	#25
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: steering wheel shortening I like the stock wheel but mine had to go this is a great thread and if you google this idea got so popular with the 1955 1956 1957 chevy guys that aftermarket companies started making 15'' reproduction wheels for those cars maybe that is what will happen here ! __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

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