55.2-59 Steering wheel options

[popeyestruck]

What are the bolt on options for a smaller steering wheel on a stock column? 59 chevy

[Hcb3200]

Basically any steering wheel you want. Stock to aftermarket to custom.
They make kits to bolt them right up.

[popeyestruck]

Thanks that makes it easy

[mr48chev]

You want a flat spoke wheel though. Dished wheels will put the wheel too close to your chest and too uncomfortable for your arms.

Also without power steering you don't want a wheel that is too small. Too small and your arms get stronger and your chest muscles hurt.

Most GM car steering wheels from the same time frame will go right on the truck column but the horn may not work.

[Southcity]

Good info provided by mr48chev. Other considerations would be looking into a tilt column or even a shortened tilt column (stock steering wheel or aftermarket). This is a nice way to retain a stock steering wheel, improve driver comfort and room. Another potential option is reducing the size of a stock steering wheel. There are several threads on this board that provide great detail on both of the above.

[mr48chev]

I've got an "I took out of something I scrapped" steering wheel in the 48 that I can't remember what it came out of but it might be Vega GT and that bugger is right up in my chest. I put it in after a guy gave me way more money than I thought it was worth for the 59 Corvette wheel I had in it.

I have a 53 Bel Air wheel for the 48 but may go with a 51 Bel Air wheel.

[vintovka]

Once put a fancy new wheel on the 54 before it had Power Steering. Being smaller than the stock wheel it made the truck very, very hard to steer around corners. Tight turns like off the scale muscle wise. Immediately put the stock wheel back on and sold the new one.

Should say whatever wheel you choose it seems to get closer to your gut with age.

[popeyestruck]

I'm putting power steering in it once CPP gets it off backorder (3months)

[vintovka]

Originally Posted by popeyestruck

I'm putting power steering in it once CPP gets it off backorder (3months)

Smart move.

[mr48chev]

If you are going to put power steering in it and either modify or change the column your options are as big as your imigination.

As long as the rim of the wheel doesn't get closer to you or change position up or down except in the name of your personal comfort life is good.

I tried to buy a wheel for a 51 Bel Air off a guy on FB last night because I really like the looks but I got scared off by the methods he wanted to be paid by.

I've Got a Nardi wood wheel that was made for Miatas that I bought used from somewhere in Asia off Ebay a few years ago that I really like. I bought an adapter hub off another Ebay seller to put it on my 71 column.

Just do your figuring and measuring so that the wheel you choose fits in the right spot.

I still had the 68 Bench seat that my friend Gary gave me in the truck when the photo was taken. It's got a Silverado split bench now.