2 Steering Wheel Questions

[ubtripn]

First question is which steering wheel is best for viewing a standard set of gauges when installed. The 67-68 three spoke or the 69-72 two spoke? Also, are they the same diameter?

It seems as though the 67-68 have thinner spokes and might be better but the 69-72 has fewer spokes so I can't figure out which one would block my view of the gauges less. Thanks for any help you can give.

[oldgold70c10]

I think the 67-68 3 spoke is better for viewing the guages. The thick spokes of the 69-72 are basically right in the way to read the guages unless you're making a turn.

[leddzepp]

I have OEM wheels on both my 72 trucks and have no problem seeing the gauges

[ubtripn]

Thanks to both of you. On your two trucks, which steering wheel has the larger diameter? Or are they the same?

[oldblue1968chevy]

I like the look of the 3 spokes..

[oldgold70c10]

I've never actually measured them, but what I've read says the 67-68 wheel is 16.5" across, while the 69-72 wheel is slightly oval and 17.5" x 17" in diameter. I really like the look of the 67-68 wheel in my truck, and like the thin rim better. The 69-72 wheel in my burb has a slightly thicker rim, though not much.

I've noticed too that its easier to find a 67-68 wheel in good condition. Sure, it will have cracks, and these wheels were painted instead of being made of colored plastic, but is seems they just crack, the plastic doesn't start falling off with big missing chunks like the 69-72 wheels.

[oldgold70c10]

Forgot to mention that the 40-60 series trucks used the 67-68 wheel all 6 years, but they were 18" in diameter, and starting in 69 they started making them out of the same colored plastic that always breaks off.

[ubtripn]

Right on, thanks everyone. I think the drivers height is probably a variable too when it comes to obstruction. I am going to go with a 67-68 three spoke. Then I will wrap it in leather. Thanks for the feedback everyone.