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'68 Steering Wheel Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
'68 Steering Wheel Question
I've always found my steering wheel to be a little bit on the "large and annoying" side. I measured it at 15.5" diamater and 4" depth. Did I get it right?
I know it all changed for 1969.. what was the new diamater and depth?
Anyone else but me find the '68 wheel annoying at times?
-W
I know it all changed for 1969.. what was the new diamater and depth?
Anyone else but me find the '68 wheel annoying at times?
-W
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,315
Likes: 4,418
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi W,
The 68 is called out as 16" and the 69 as 15". It's only an inch but does seem to make a difference.
I notice how thin the rim is compared to newer cars more than the size, but my 71 does have the 15".
Regards,
Alan
The 68 is called out as 16" and the 69 as 15". It's only an inch but does seem to make a difference.
I notice how thin the rim is compared to newer cars more than the size, but my 71 does have the 15".
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
A '68 wheel is 16" with a 4" offset and I like the old car feel of the thinner, larger wheel. I can see where a larger person might not like it so much.
I'll check the offset on my brothers '69 tomorrow but I know the '69 was still a thin wheel.
I'll check the offset on my brothers '69 tomorrow but I know the '69 was still a thin wheel.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 613
Likes: 3
From: Fleetwood PA
I have two 68's and they have the stock 16" wheels. And yes...I hate them. I'm not even all that big( 6' 200lb) and it's a real pain getting in and out. My 4 spd can even be a problem with my knee hitting the bottom of the wheel on a quick brake to clutch move(like pulling out on a hill). I'll prolly take it off and go with somthing smaller soon. I'll keep it for the whole "original" aspect for shows, unless someone offers the right price. It's a teak wood wheel from a 68 L71.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
I have two 68's and they have the stock 16" wheels. And yes...I hate them. I'm not even all that big( 6' 200lb) and it's a real pain getting in and out. My 4 spd can even be a problem with my knee hitting the bottom of the wheel on a quick brake to clutch move(like pulling out on a hill). I'll prolly take it off and go with somthing smaller soon. I'll keep it for the whole "original" aspect for shows, unless someone offers the right price. It's a teak wood wheel from a 68 L71.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
I'm also curious as to the diamater and offset of the '77-'82 wheels as well.
I've ruled nothing "out" - the only thing I've ruled "in" is that the '68 wheel is coming out. I don't have power steering, so I'm a little skeptical of a 14" wheel not having good leverage for parking type turns.
I'm 6' @ 210lbs and that damn wheel is more of an issue now than it was when I was 18. Heh....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Thanks! I'm curious as to the offset of the '69-'75 wheel that's 15".
I'm also curious as to the diamater and offset of the '77-'82 wheels as well.
I've ruled nothing "out" - the only thing I've ruled "in" is that the '68 wheel is coming out. I don't have power steering, so I'm a little skeptical of a 14" wheel not having good leverage for parking type turns.
I'm 6' @ 210lbs and that damn wheel is more of an issue now than it was when I was 18. Heh....
I'm also curious as to the diamater and offset of the '77-'82 wheels as well.
I've ruled nothing "out" - the only thing I've ruled "in" is that the '68 wheel is coming out. I don't have power steering, so I'm a little skeptical of a 14" wheel not having good leverage for parking type turns.
I'm 6' @ 210lbs and that damn wheel is more of an issue now than it was when I was 18. Heh....
This picture is of my spare 68 wheel and I just wanted you to see how I measured my brothers 69. The offset on the 69 is 2 5/8" btw.
I don't think it'll be much harder parking with a 14" wheel.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Thanks!
OK we know the '68 is a "16 inch" wheel with about a 4" offset
and the '69-75 wheel is "15 inch" wheel with about a 2.5" offset
The way I see it.... losing the inch in diamater and 1.5 inch of offset gives me at least 2 more inches of belly room. I don't mind the thin rim on the early wheels.
Now i'm curious about the '77 - '82 wheels... I *think* they are 14" and I don't know the offset - yet.
-W (thinking ahead is all)
OK we know the '68 is a "16 inch" wheel with about a 4" offset
and the '69-75 wheel is "15 inch" wheel with about a 2.5" offset
The way I see it.... losing the inch in diamater and 1.5 inch of offset gives me at least 2 more inches of belly room.
I don't mind the thin rim on the early wheels.Now i'm curious about the '77 - '82 wheels... I *think* they are 14" and I don't know the offset - yet.
-W (thinking ahead is all)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
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From: Chetwynd B.C.
shmoky
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
I have a 77 w/ the shorter st. column & put the Grant black leather one on my Corvette a long time ago. It has polished slotted spokes & a shallower dish which moves it closer to the dash. Nice, direct bolt on about 13 1/2". Ideal, esp. if one is tall.
I would definitely put that Grant on an earlier model in less than a heartbeat & fix the turn lever to work w/ it!
