Help - trying to pick steering wheel!

[ubtripn]

I have really been struggling with choosing the right steering wheel. Has anybody ever purchased the model from LMC below and if so do you have a picture of it installed?

[Southcity]

I apologize that I do not have a photo to share but that exact steering wheel was installed on my 68 longbed when I purchased it. It is a good quality wheel but the issue I had with this wheel and any wheel that is smaller than the stock wheel that came on our trucks is the way they cutoff the view to the instrument cluster. That's just me though, if this does not bother you and you want a good quality smaller diameter wheel in your rig, you can't go wrong with that wheel from LMC.

[mclairmo]

No, but it looks very nice. Grant makes a similar one that I have in my 67 Camaro.

[ubtripn]

Thanks guys, I know this might sound ridiculous but I am looking for the following attributes:

1. Does not block instruments - (Thx for the data.)
2. Leather wrapped but not too thick like the majority I see.

I am basically looking for the thinnest leather bound wheel that is 15-16 inches that does not have big spokes.

[ubtripn]

By the way - nice looking interior.

[Southcity]

What steering wheel do you currently have installed in your truck? are you able to provide a photo?

[ubtripn]

I just bought the truck and the owner installed a small 13inch wheel. Just don't like it. I don't have a camera right now to grab a pic.

[junkyardjohn]

ANY NON-AIRBAG STEERING WHEEL THAT GM MADE (I THINK PRIOR TO 86) OUT OF A BONEYARD WILL FIT. WHAT I MEAN IS THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME SIZE SPLINED SHAFT. A DAY EXPLORING IN A JUNKYARD IS ENJOYABLE AS SPENDING MONEY ON A SHOPPING TRIP WAS TO MY EXWIFE. JOHN

[Southcity]

Gotcha, was wondering if the truck still had the stock wheel. From what I can tell from your avatar pic, it's a 67-68 truck. A stock wheel (obviously) works well for what you want but is not leather wrapped. You may be able to find something close to what you want at speedway (link below) they offer 15 inch wheels and sprint car wheels in various sizes:
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Produc...heels&deptId=0

Other choices would be to check eBay, Craigslist, Swap meets, wrecking yards or some internet seaching. I have seen some guys run the larger diameter steering wheels from 50's, 60's chevy cars/trucks too but it may be hard to locate one and I have no idea what your planning on spending for a wheel. Hope some of this info helps.

[ubtripn]

Man, thank you guys! I really appreciate all of the info. It may seem like I am being a bit over the top analyzing each and every decision but this build represents a chance for me to take a truck that fits me great and make it fit perfect. Thanks again!

[Southcity]

Originally Posted by junkyardjohn

any non-airbag steering wheel that gm made (i think prior to 86) out of a boneyard will fit. What i mean is they all have the same size splined shaft. A day exploring in a junkyard is enjoyable as spending money on a shopping trip was to my exwife. John

x2

Originally Posted by ubtripn

Man, thank you guys! I really appreciate all of the info. It may seem like I am being a bit over the top analyzing each and every decision but this build represents a chance for me to take a truck that fits me great and make it fit perfect. Thanks again!

No worries Ubtripn, you simply want the best for your rig just like the rest of us here on this board and we are all happy to help in any way we can, good luck with that project and keep us updated.

[mclairmo]

You are not being over the top. You work hard for your money and want every purchase to be the right one. You also want your truck to be perfect for you. We can all relate and appreciate.

[ubtripn]

Well said. (Now I just need to convince my wife =) Thanks again guys.

[Leviticus]

Originally Posted by ubtripn

Man, thank you guys! I really appreciate all of the info. It may seem like I am being a bit over the top analyzing each and every decision but this build represents a chance for me to take a truck that fits me great and make it fit perfect. Thanks again!

Over the top, no. Hell, it took me over 3 months to decide on wheels, and I ended up getting the first set I saw/liked three months before It can take me a week sometimes just trying to find the right engine breather cap etc.

[mclairmo]

Same with me, I've spent years thinking about what color everything should be, what wheels to run, what kind of interior. Thoughts of truck parts dance in my head every night when I go to bed. Hey, that rhymes.

[big mike71]

Originally Posted by mclairmo

No, but it looks very nice. Grant makes a similar one that I have in my 67 Camaro.

Any more pics?

[68Stepbed]

Have you looked at the late 60's-Early 70's Vette, Chevelle, and Camaro wheels? They're 15" with 3-spoke brushed metal design. They aren't leather wrapped but have a rubber grip. I think they look great in these trucks.

I'll see if I can dig up a pic.

[N2GMTrux]

I have a S-10 Chevy Truck which is similar to the 80's Camaro steering wheels. It doesn't block the gauges an ut about a 15 inch wheel. Very nice steering wheel and it only cost me $5 bucks at the salvage yard.

[miller6t9]

check out a late 70's (probably 78-80) Corvette steering wheel. they are 15 inch and leather wrapped. and they come in several colors.