Steering wheel/horn question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Dutch · 10-15-2002, 11:38 AM

I installed a late 80's/early 90's 4 spoke chev steering wheel in my 1972 tilt/auto column.

Fits up real nice. I need to get the horn going and wonder what I need and if anyone here had the parts to sell. I used the contact ring from my 72 behind the wheel with the contact coming through into the steering wheel hub. I have the horn cap with a spade terminal on it and a spring clip deal that I assume contacts the wheel hub to complete the circuit when the button is depressed. What is the correct way to finish this installation? I'm guessing there's one or two little pieces from the later wheel that I need... Thanks!

*racedvl* · 10-15-2002, 01:03 PM

First things first. Remove the old wheel. Now the fun part. The old turn signal cam has a bearing cone at the bottom for the top of the steering column. For obvious reasons, you’re going to need that, and the new style turn signal cam does not have one. So, pull out the old hacksaw and cut just the bearing cone off the old turn signal cam. Now you want to install the just that bearing cone. Next, the new cam has copper tabs that stick through the top of the cam assembly. These tabs when they come into contact with the back of the steering wheel will set the horn off. Not good. So what I have done is covered the tabs with duct tape. I believe that black electrical tape would also work. In a newer vehicle the tabs where covered by the wheel lock assembly. So that is why that tape deal is necessary. Now just install the new wheel as you would any other wheel. BTW I used a turn signal cam out of whatever veichle the wheel came from. At any rate, there seems to be alot of Astro van in the bone yard here. Bummer is that you need to get the lock plate off the newer veichel to get to the cam. If you don't have the tool to get this off, bring a freind with ya to the bone yard. You're gonna need his/her help.

Hutch · 10-15-2002, 01:29 PM

I used a short piece of wire with a spade lug on one (horn Button) end and electrical alligator clip on the other(Hot horn lead)
also added some tape so it would not short.

I did this as a quick fix for state inspection but it continues to work correctly 3 years later.

Dutch · 10-15-2002, 05:40 PM

You and I think alot alike, Hutch. I was going to try just what you suggested, but I figured the clip wouldn't stay.

I'll probably get a wild hair for a diiferent wheel before three years are up anyway :p

10-15-2002, 11:38 AM	#1
Dutch Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Leipsic, OH Posts: 81	Steering wheel/horn question I installed a late 80's/early 90's 4 spoke chev steering wheel in my 1972 tilt/auto column. Fits up real nice. I need to get the horn going and wonder what I need and if anyone here had the parts to sell. I used the contact ring from my 72 behind the wheel with the contact coming through into the steering wheel hub. I have the horn cap with a spade terminal on it and a spring clip deal that I assume contacts the wheel hub to complete the circuit when the button is depressed. What is the correct way to finish this installation? I'm guessing there's one or two little pieces from the later wheel that I need... Thanks! __________________ Dutch 1972 Super Cheyenne K20 1976 MGB 1950 Harley FL 1997 Arctic Cat ZR580 "Maybe if I had a couple less hobbies, I'd have time to enjoy one!"

10-15-2002, 01:03 PM	#2
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	First things first. Remove the old wheel. Now the fun part. The old turn signal cam has a bearing cone at the bottom for the top of the steering column. For obvious reasons, you’re going to need that, and the new style turn signal cam does not have one. So, pull out the old hacksaw and cut just the bearing cone off the old turn signal cam. Now you want to install the just that bearing cone. Next, the new cam has copper tabs that stick through the top of the cam assembly. These tabs when they come into contact with the back of the steering wheel will set the horn off. Not good. So what I have done is covered the tabs with duct tape. I believe that black electrical tape would also work. In a newer vehicle the tabs where covered by the wheel lock assembly. So that is why that tape deal is necessary. Now just install the new wheel as you would any other wheel. BTW I used a turn signal cam out of whatever veichle the wheel came from. At any rate, there seems to be alot of Astro van in the bone yard here. Bummer is that you need to get the lock plate off the newer veichel to get to the cam. If you don't have the tool to get this off, bring a freind with ya to the bone yard. You're gonna need his/her help. Attached Images

10-15-2002, 01:29 PM	#3
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,142	I used a short piece of wire with a spade lug on one (horn Button) end and electrical alligator clip on the other(Hot horn lead) also added some tape so it would not short. I did this as a quick fix for state inspection but it continues to work correctly 3 years later. __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

10-15-2002, 05:40 PM	#4
Dutch Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Leipsic, OH Posts: 81	Thanks, Guys... You and I think alot alike, Hutch. I was going to try just what you suggested, but I figured the clip wouldn't stay. I'll probably get a wild hair for a diiferent wheel before three years are up anyway :p __________________ Dutch 1972 Super Cheyenne K20 1976 MGB 1950 Harley FL 1997 Arctic Cat ZR580 "Maybe if I had a couple less hobbies, I'd have time to enjoy one!"



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