Stock steering wheel color? Were they painted or as-cast plastic?

[cgrocen]

Hello everyone,

I recently acquired this standard steering wheel. It is not painted, but the color is as-cast plastic. There are virtually no cracks in it except at the perimeter of the hub as shown. I thought that these wheels would have been painted. But this one shows no signs of ever being painted. Is this correct? Would the color be correct for a certain year? Any comments welcome.

Regards.

Chris

[AcampoDave]

It sure does look moulded in color. I've seen quite a few that look like they were moulded in black and then painted to match.

[cgrocen]

Yes, I thought that these wheels would have been painted. Odd to see it molded in color. I am in Saskatchewan, Canada so I would think that this wheel came from a Canadian truck. Maybe this is a Canadian thing?

[AcampoDave]

The horn button looks a bit different to me too. I've had a deluxe wheel now for a long time but it seems as if I don't recall seeing those black circles on my old one.

[60-66]

I see your from Canada. USA wheels are painted , Canada cast or molded them in body color or colour . I have one in my Canadian built 1965 C20.

[aerotruk63]

My American Deluxe 63's are black base painted white. Same for 62-64.
My old Canadian built 62 was white through and through.

[vince1]

Mine is like the picture above but it has a lot more cracks. It would have fared much better if it originally had power steering. If I can't find a cover to fit I think I'll rap it in leather. The ones that are base black are probably stronger.

[factorystock]

US trucks got the cheapie painted wheels, Canadian trucks got the better quality molded in color. The two exceptions are the US 1960 dark charcoal pickup wheel and heavy duty US GMC trucks with the larger ivory wheels.

[cgrocen]

Thanks for all of the input. That answers my questions.

Best regards, Chris