Original Wheel fit S10 column?

[MiraclePieCo]

My '50 pickup came with an S10 tilt column installed, but I'd like to make it at least look more original with the installation of a vintage steering wheel. Anyone know if an original wheel will fit the S10 splines? If not, what are other options for getting a more vintage-appearing steering wheel?

[joedoh]

the splines are the same from 38-present, the only problem I have ever had using an older flat wheel is when the high beam switch stalk would hit the wheel. that should not happen with a stock 50 wheel. if it was an airbag column you will need to remove the clockspring.

[mr48chev]

I've never tried it but one thing to think about is getting the turn signal canceling cam to work right along with the horn. There are guys on here who are quite good at figuring out how to adapt things like this though and one may give a suggestion.

[torchlight]

I put a lot of thought to this for my build also. There were a couple problems that I came up with. While the original wheel may fit on the modern column splines, it has a much smaller "neck" than a modern wheel, so there will be a significant size mismatch between the column and the hub of the steering wheel. Also the og wheel is a larger diameter than a modern wheel - not sure I'd want to use a wheel that large with power steering.

As an option, I ended up getting a three-spoke wheel from CON2R. I thought the "t" arrangement kept some of the style of the original wheel.

[1952ssr]

Here's what I did to mine. I drilled out the center hole in the original wheel using a large step bit, then I cut out the center hub from the S10 wheel. I cut/ground the bottom of the original off flush where the hub was then welded onto. I cut a header flange to down and welded it on as a cover and took some plastic cut it to the same size as the column and center drilled it. To line up the wheel you have to cut the horn stud off, but it is no big deal. I have thought about putting a floor switch attached to the horn. I love my big wheel compared to the S10's.

[joedoh]

that is a ton of work! did you try just bolting it on? the splines fit!

[1952ssr]

I did, but I didn't like how close the wheel was to the turn signal either. It was a lot of work, but well worth it.

[MiraclePieCo]

^^^ Nice installations!!! ^^^

Originally Posted by 1952ssr

I did, but I didn't like how close the wheel was to the turn signal either.

I have bent those turn signal arms.

[MiraclePieCo]

Edited

[OrrieG]

I installed a 48 steering wheel on my 82 eldo tilt telescope. Splines are the same, but had to figure out how to get the horn to work. message me with an email if you want the detailed information, too much to put into a post.

[MiraclePieCo]

^^^ Wow, that looks great! ^^^

I wimped out and ordered a Grant 3-spoke. Not the cool factor of an original wheel, but better than the stock S10, and installation is a snap.

[joedoh]

nice work orrie!

[MiraclePieCo]

As stated earlier, I chickened out on installing an original steering wheel on my S10 column and took the easy route with a Grant Classic Nostalgia wheel. Unfortunately, upon receiving it via mail order, it was obviously too deep of a dish at over 4 inches - too close to my stomach and looked funny besides. So I cut the spokes, removed the extra metal, and re-welded them back together in stainless. This took the dish down to a perfect 2-1/2 inches. I really like the way it looks and feels now:

[55dude]

that wheel looks good!

[joedoh]

wow that was a good solution