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My '58 has a cracked steering wheel.
Can anyone forward links to "Steering Wheel" threads about choices of where to buy?
I found one discussing 15" vs 17". I'm sure I've seen others on choices of vendors and opinions also but didn't pay too much attention at the time.
I searched, (I know opening old discussion annoys some people- I really tried and even asked a Moderator's help) but got a bunch of stuff unrelated.
The 15" seems to be a good choice for a big guy but the 17" has worked OK until now.
Finding the vendor thread would be great and any new opinions are welcome!
Thanks
My '58 has a cracked steering wheel.
Can anyone forward links to "Steering Wheel" threads about choices of where to buy?
I found one discussing 15" vs 17". I'm sure I've seen others on choices of vendors and opinions also but didn't pay too much attention at the time.
I searched, (I know opening old discussion annoys some people- I really tried and even asked a Moderator's help) but got a bunch of stuff unrelated.
The 15" seems to be a good choice for a big guy but the 17" has worked OK until now.
Finding the vendor thread would be great and any new opinions are welcome!
Thanks
On our 56, I chose to go a little differently. The complete interior is an Al Knoch reproduction, BUT, it is red and black instead of all red. Consequently, I have a black 62 steering wheel.
The original steering wheel is thin and too slick for a good grip, so I ordered a real leather cover for it (which takes every bit of 1hr to lace it up). The grip is improved plus the cracks are covered up. I ordered it from WHEEL SKINS. Later, I ordered a second cover for increasing the thickness of the wheel. LOVE IT.
Thanks DZ!
So you wrapped over the cracks? Interesting. I think mine might be beyond that but the wrap might add reinforcement strength.
I don't think I've seen that color combo before. Nice!
I'm one of those odd ducks that think the original diameter/application early car steering wheel is one of the major plusses in what is the best Corvette interior ever. Replacing with a modern 15" wheel to me is a deal killer. Almost as bad as VW bug tail lights on those fiberglas Duesenbergs. Yech.
I'm one of those odd ducks that think the original diameter/application early car steering wheel is one of the major plusses in what is the best Corvette interior ever. Replacing with a modern 15" wheel to me is a deal killer. Almost as bad as VW bug tail lights on those fiberglas Duesenbergs. Yech.
I can see that.
What do you think about leather? I didn't even consider it until I started looking around.
If it's a big comfort upgrade maybe but for looks?
Thanks DZ!
So you wrapped over the cracks? Interesting. I think mine might be beyond that but the wrap might add reinforcement strength.
I don't think I've seen that color combo before. Nice!
The leather really covers the cracks nicely, plus, I really like the added grip of the leather. Our 56 is a LONG way from NCRS correct, so what the heck!
The 56 and 57 interiors were either all red or all beige. Period.
I once had a 57 Chevy Bel Air that had a factory red/black interior, and I have always liked that in a black or a red 57 Chevy.
I just though it would look good in the 56. The carpet in 56-57-58 was Daytona Weave. I bought an Al Knoch repo interior and since BLACK Daytona Weave was available in 58, I had AK cut and stitch black carpet in a 56-57 pattern. And had the dash and door trim made in black. That was about 40yrs ago and I have no regrets today with my red/black interior (ALTHOUGH, I realize it is not correct).
I can see that.
What do you think about leather? I didn't even consider it until I started looking around.
If it's a big comfort upgrade maybe but for looks?
I like the leather. It adds function and doesn't detract from the vintage charm of the huge wheel. Also, it is period correct with the rest of the car.
I like the leather. It adds function and doesn't detract from the vintage charm of the huge wheel. Also, it is period correct with the rest of the car.
I bought a reproduction 15" black leather wrapped wheel with original looking spokes. The original was put in a box for safe keeping. I am 5'10" and weigh 160 lbs. with no belly. That 15" wheel makes getting in and out of my '61 so much easier. I don't know how anyone that is big with a belly could enjoy the original 17". Leather wheel much more comfortable and looks great.
Last edited by rsavage1; Apr 17, 2021 at 07:56 AM.
My 59 came with a blue leather wrap over the original steering wheel. I’m sure it’s covering a multitude of cracks but don’t intend to remove it. I like it so much that I covered the wheel in my 65 also. Better grip and more comfortable. It’s original brown color that I bought years ago at a garage sale for $1. Thought about staining it the color of a teak wood wheel.
Call Corvette Correction in Seguin, Texas...Billy makes a custom steering wheel that may suit your needs... https://www.corvettecorrection.com
Another vote for CC's steering wheel, which I have in my car. It is also priced below (well in some cases) all the other wheels I looked at. Had a Con-2-R on another car and it was nice, but much fatter than a stock or the CC wheel. Mine is black leather and looks stock except for the 15" diameter.
And yes, It makes egress much more pleasant. The 17" wheel was always hitting my thigh on shifts or egress........15" is much better.
Leather wrapped original wheel in same original Fawn color (over some cracks).
Better feel by far, & slightly larger diameter.
PM me for the people who do it. Took 2 weeks (mostly shipping). They will send out color swatches for your color matching before you send in the wheel.
I bought a reproduction 15" black leather wrapped wheel the an original looking center. The original was put in a box for safe keeping. I am 5'10" and weigh 160 lbs. with no belly. That 15" wheel makes getting in and out of my '61 so much easier. I don't know how anyone that is big with a belly could enjoy the original 17". Leather wheel much more comfortable and looks great.
Try getting in and out of a '57 with the 17" wheel and the extended steering column. I am 5'8" and 135 pounds and pretty flexible. Having said that it was somewhat of a chore for me to enter and exit. I was able to secure and replace my original unit with a rebuilt '62 steering box/shaft which is a couple of inches shorter and went with a 15" wheel. It made all the difference in the world.
That is a beautiful job! Impressive.
BTW, I checked CC's website and couldn't find steering wheels so I emailed them.
otherwiIe, I'll check the usual sites.
A few years ago (2001) I was looking for a smaller, and more padded steering wheel for my wife's '62, which had power steering. Couldn't find what I wanted so I built one.
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C1 Steering Wheel Discussions
