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I own a 1971 ls5 convertible. The clearance between the stock steering wheel (non-tilt) has amazingly gotten less and less over the past 20 years. Is buying/installing a smaller diameter steering wheel a worthwhile solution to my problem? Has anyone done this with good results? If yes, what steering wheel/adapter(s) were used? I guess the best solution is to acquire a t/t 1969-76 column and replace mine with it. The `71 is seldom driven and for only short trips. I too have considered modern, aftermarket tilt columns offered by both Ididit and Flaming River.
Regards,
Bob
I went with a T/T column and a 14" stock (I think 78') wheel. Worked perfect. It's been a few years so don't remember exactly what I bought. Had to hunt for the correct wheel adapter to make it work.
If you replace the column stay away from the 76 as it's a one year only and you'll be stuck with a very fugly and nasty vega style wheel.
I find this funny... I've looked at several 76 cars and they all have the "vega" steering wheel. It appears to be more common everywhere but a vega tbh. I honestly do not see why anyone would think it ugly, or "vega-like". Seems more like "chevy-like" to me. Just sayin', don't mean to start nuttin!
(yes, I have a 76, LOL).
I find this funny... I've looked at several 76 cars and they all have the "vega" steering wheel. It appears to be more common everywhere but a vega tbh. I honestly do not see why anyone would think it ugly, or "vega-like". Seems more like "chevy-like" to me. Just sayin', don't mean to start nuttin!
(yes, I have a 76, LOL).
Each to their own, my 76 was tan, very sticky and I bought a Vette not a vega. If you're happy with yours so be it as obviously many were not since there is a kit to change them and yes they are FUGLY!
i thought about going to a smaller wheel in my 71 non T&T column but i knew i still would not have the room a T&T would give me.i ended up buying a nice rebuilt 69-71 T&T column and installed it. should have done that when i bought the car. it really helped an old man like me to get in and out of the seat. also pretty easy job to swap out and it still has the oem look.
We put in an aftermarket wheel for ease of entry/exit and a better “feel” from the wheel itself. No adapters were needed. The wheel is mounted centered, it just happens to be turned slightly left in both photos.
Last edited by Jstan2014; Dec 30, 2019 at 09:07 PM.
Who makes/sells you aftermarket steering wheel/kit? I certainly like the look of it and the added space I'm seeing in your photos. Thanks and Happy New Year.
Bob
That wheel looks really good. I’m considering a similar one for my ‘72. As for the “Vega” wheel, it was also the “Camaro” standard wheel from’73 thru ‘81. It was also the optional sport wheel on a ‘72 Camaro SS350 I used to own.
I'm sure the wheel is skewed that way to account for the upcoming high-bank right turn at the track...
Roger that! But seriously, my “racing” days are behind me. I’m all about the highway cruising now.
Originally Posted by armstrrw
Who makes/sells you aftermarket steering wheel/kit? I certainly like the look of it and the added space I'm seeing in your photos. Thanks and Happy New Year.
Bob
That wheel looks really good. I’m considering a similar one for my ‘72. As for the “Vega” wheel, it was also the “Camaro” standard wheel from’73 thru ‘81. It was also the optional sport wheel on a ‘72 Camaro SS350 I used to own.
The funny thing is, the previous owner mounted the original upside down. I don’t even know why the wheel had been removed. No new parts were located from steering wheel to rag joint.
Last edited by Jstan2014; Dec 31, 2019 at 09:59 AM.
Looking past all the "fugly" comments, that really does look good Jstan. It's thicker like the one I have on my Mustang, where did you get it, just in case?
That wheel looks really good. I’m considering a similar one for my ‘72. As for the “Vega” wheel, it was also the “Camaro” standard wheel from’73 thru ‘81. It was also the optional sport wheel on a ‘72 Camaro SS350 I used to own.
And thank you... I didn't realize that steering wheel on my 76 made such a fuss, but oh well. I'm relatively new to the Corvette thing.
Looking past all the "fugly" comments, that really does look good Jstan. It's thicker like the one I have on my Mustang, where did you get it, just in case?
Thanks! I think we were both posting at the same time. I posted above, but it’s from Ecklers. It makes a really big difference. It’s thicker, smaller in diameter, and more flush (not as concave as the original). All combined, except for the thickness, contributes to more space between the bottom of the wheel and the drivers seat. I love it. They also have one that has a brushed finished in case the bright chrome is not your style.
Check all the usual Corvette parts vendors. Many have that type of wheel. One thing to note about them is the diameter of the center hub which mounts to the column. Some of this design wheel have a hub that is the SAME diameter at the column (like the one in my photo). Others have a slightly larger center hub (as in Jstan2014's photo). Both are great looking wheels, but the center hub sticks out a bit on some. If that is important to you, ask the vendor about the size of their center hub.
First off you don't want a '76 column in that it is 76 Specific and is built for the dreaded VEGA wheel!
I have a 69 and converted to a smaller diameter wheel...which was a ten minute job...super easy. I do not have power steering, so if I can do it, so can you!
I have bought a tilt wheel from a 73 and are in the process of rebuilding it.....lengthy, labrythine and a bit of an *** pain, but worth it.
Why does everyone call it a Vega wheel on the '76? I had a Chevelle with that wheel and as others have said it was used on the Camaro. It also wasn't just a 76 item. Non tilt tele Vettes had the same wheel at least until 1979. So I guess it was also a Corvette wheel. I've seen a couple of Cosworth Vegas I wouldn't mind owning either.
Steering Wheel
