62 Corvette 17" to 15" Steering Wheel Conversion
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
62 Corvette 17" to 15" Steering Wheel Conversion
I have been thinking on converting my 17" steering wheel to a 15" wheel on my 62. Anyone that has converted their steering wheel, any thoughts would help me.
What are your thoughts after the conversion?
Where you purchased the wheel?
Pictures would help me
Thank You
Jerry
What are your thoughts after the conversion?
Where you purchased the wheel?
Pictures would help me
Thank You
Jerry
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Jermo (09-21-2018)
#3
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The 15in steering wheels are nice to have on cars which have STANDARD steering. I have added the fast steering adapter to my 56, which increases the steering effort, so I need to retain the stock 17in steering wheel.
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Jermo (09-21-2018)
#4
Racer
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#5
Le Mans Master
I put the 15 inch wheel on my 57 but I also converted to rack and pinion power steering and I like it but without power steering it would be harder to turn or park . The only disadvantage to the 15 inch wheel is it partially covers the line of sight to the speedometer , if you use the speedometer .
#6
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I’ve been thinking about doing the same but the leather wheels are well over $400 and the plastic wheels in Red, are too Red for my Venetian Red interior. Get the leather wheel and if you don’t like it, I’ll buy at a reduced price.
#7
Race Director
You can always get reg'lar wheel and install a Wheelskins cover. MUCH better quality than off the shelf covers. Takes about 45 minutes to put on. It gave a finishing touch to my leather seats and leather door panels.
Doug
Doug
#8
Racer
Thread Starter
Where did you purchase your wheel? I ordered one though CC and the quality was not good(returned it) looked at CA and the quality is the same, I really want one just like a original but 15". Any ideas
#9
Le Mans Master
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I love the 15" wheel. I installed a '62 steering unit on the '57 which reduced the length by a couple of inches and, then, installed the smaller wheel. Perfect combination. The 15" wheel is thicker which is a drastic improvement over the skinny 17".
#11
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I also shortened my steering column when I had the steering box rebuilt. It is much easier to get in and out of but as others have commented it makes it harder to turn at slow/parking speeds. I am currently contemplating putting electric steering assist on it.
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Jermo (09-21-2018)
#12
Race Director
I still have an original 17" wheel. BUT, it wasn't as nice as the rest of the car, and the Wheelskins cover both cleaned it up nicely,and made it thicker (but not too thick) for better feel, and wasn't nearly as expensive as a repop or getting the original remolded.
Doug
Doug
#13
I bought the leather wrapped wheel. Source was a guy here in MI that makes them I believe. Fawn Beige is a excellent color match. Finish on spokes is good, not great. Leather / stitching work is very good. My old wheel was extensively cracked and welds broken where spokes meet the rim and needed to be replaced anyway.
Yes, I would do it again.
Yes, I would do it again.
#14
Tether Man
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Leather rap, Black, easy to install, replaced horn, actuator and horn parts while installing 15" wheel. Very pleased.....as stated, W/O Power steering, it's slightly more difficult turning in parking lots at very slow speeds.
#15
Le Mans Master
#16
Le Mans Master
#18
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I put a 15" wheel on mine years ago, and I would definitely do it again.
I really don't notice the difference in steering effort, but it does tend to block the speedometer a bit.
Pat
I really don't notice the difference in steering effort, but it does tend to block the speedometer a bit.
Pat
#19
Burning Brakes
I went with the CON2R 15" black wheel a few years back and other than obstructing the speedometer vision as others have mentioned, I love it. Thicker than stock for a nice feel, and my 5'2" wife has no problem driving or parking it (although she tries REAL hard to avoid parallel parking!).
I'd do it again.
Mike
I'd do it again.
Mike
#20
Racer
Thread Starter