PistolGrip

I've had my '62 Corvette for over 1/2 a century. I'm a bit lanky & it's always been a bit of a contortion to get in/out the car on account of the size of the steering wheel - and it's not getting any easier.
. I'm thinking of looking into a smaller wheel that resembles the factory wheel....it even uses the same horn button. Has anyone out there used this smaller wheel? If so, are you happy with it? Is the greater difficulty steering worth worrying about? I hardly ever parallel park...
If I go this route, I'd be looking for a black one. Do they show up at swap meets or....??
Thanks,
Mark

Plasticman

The only potential downsides, is the smaller wheel can block the "important" area of the speedometer, and less leverage when turning the wheel when stopped.

I tried one briefly, and went back to my original wheel.

Plasticman

Dreaming60’s

I installed a Corvette Correction leather covered 15" wheel and except for the issues stated by PM I like it and it looks stock except for size. CC's wheel was the nicest looking on the market and least expensive at the time. It does block the top of the speedo, but I can use the tach to gauge my speed. And it does require more body strength at very slow speeds (parking, etc.). But, I like mine.

skids

Oh Oh, looks like it’s time for EPAS and tilt column with smaller steering wheel.

68hemi

I went two steps further with a shortened column and electric power steering. Makes it MUCH easier to get in and nicer to drive.

JF in MI

I have been wondering about this and would like to see what other C1 folks think; I was thinking about replacing the spring pack in the bottom seat section with only foam (firm type) to allow sinking lower in the seat. This might ease entry and exit along with head room issues. It might also allow reading the speedometer with a 15" steering wheel. BTW, EPS is the ONLY way to go with a C1 which eliminates any added effort issues with a smaller steering wheel.

Drummer Boy

Same with me. After I redid the seats on my 62 I REALLY needed more knee room and installed a 15". But as Plasticman said it just blocked the gauges and I spend more energy tying to see the important stuff. I t was actually dangerous because I was always a "distracted driver" eyes looking fir gauges and not at the road.
The seats gradually settled in and now I have more than enough knee room.

I NEVER noticed ANY increase in steering difficulty with the 15 just the lack of visibility. In the end, I actually LOVE the look and feel of the BIG 17.
It just "looks so right."
Eddie

dmtparker

I tried a smaller steering wheel in my 62 briefly. I don't remember an issue with steering effort (much younger then!) but the visibility issue made me go back to original. I had to repair a couple of cracks where spokes met wheel and used a lace on leather cover to hide the repairs. I'm very happy with this set up. I like the feel of the leather and the big wheel just seems right.

68hemi

I guess it depends on how you are built. I did not have a problem reading the speedo in anyway. I am 5’11” with a 32” inseam.

SDVette

I am 6'3". I went with a Chuck Pelton 15" wheel. It looks like the stock wheel, and uses the same hub/horn configuration, plus the finger grips.
I'm very happy with it.






Fred

66BBCoupe

Back in 1969 I used a 1969 Corvette steering wheel to help clear my 6'4" frame! Pardon my nephew in the picture (he's 53 years old now!

Audiophobe

Hey Fred,
Nice looking steeriing wheel.
Does it get in your way of seeing the speedo/guages?

SDVette

At 6'3", the stock wheel blocked a portion of the speedo too.
The 15" wheel blocks a different portion.
A little shift of the head is required in either case!

I did a 2-week, 6000 mile cross country trip in the car last summer. Probably checked the temp and fuel gauges 50,000 times!

Fred

Audiophobe