When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi all,
I'm trying to find the exact duplicate of the Corvette steering wheel I installed on my 61 Corvette back in 1970. That wheel was given to me by my friend who owned a 1968 Corvette (I think I got this right). As you can see in the picture (no that's not me) the wheel is a split type with stainless center. Can you confirm what year Corvette wheel this is??
1968's were 16" in diameter and 1969 onward were 15", This was for burgermeister thigh clearance as well as left knuckles clearance.
I installed in my 1961 ... as I was and still am 6'4" and the extra leg clearance was needed! It worked great! - so both 68 and 69 Corvette steering wheels had the stainless center rim splitting the black textured plastic as pictured? I do not recall if it was 16" or 15".
Last edited by 66BBCoupe; Aug 9, 2021 at 11:30 AM.
I'm hearing you....I have a 14" aftermarket thick rim wheel in my 69. It wasn't the diameter that was bothering me so much, it was the thin/sticky/ non grippy vynil on the OEM wheel that made me say 'meh'. (and this is in a car with no power steering! Mind you!)
I got mine from a supporting vendor when Reagan was in office!
Yes, They were the 'same' except for diameter.... black vinyl rim, brushed stainless spokes. 68 & 69...and onward to 75.....when the Vega made by Rubbermaid wheel took over. For 4 years.....
I just looked at a 'base' 79 with the dang Vega wheel.
so the question is .... did both 68 and 69 Corvette steering wheels have the stainless center rim splitting the black textured plastic as pictured?
Thanks all for your help with this ... I need to know what steering wheel is pictured so I know what to hunt for!
To answer your question, 66BBCoupe, '68 steering wheels did NOT have the stainless center rim splitting the black textured vinyl as in your picture of your '61.
And if you are advertising something for sale, please list it in the Parts section, with an asking price.
You appear to be correct! It's wood-grained plastic!
First youse guys tell me my Harrison copper radiator isn't the OEM radiator, now the steering wheel, next week I'm gonna find out it's not actually a Corvette! /s
Last edited by wadenelson; Aug 9, 2021 at 04:10 PM.
This is what you need:
13-1/2" diameter, [black] leather-wrapped steel web; chrome or brushed steel web. Most of the Corvette aftermarket suppliers sell this wheel for around $100. You can shoot vinyl dye on the leather to match your interior (as I did). GREAT improvement...
You appear to be correct! It's wood-grained plastic!
First youse guys tell me my Harrison copper radiator isn't the OEM radiator, now the steering wheel, next week I"m gonna find out it's not actually a Corvette! /s
If you can't find an original one, Volante makes 15" wood wheels. They don't have a step, though, so you'll need a spacer, or just run without. I can't speak for the quality of these, but I'm happy with their 14" S6 leather wheel.
1968's were 16" in diameter and 1969 onward were 15", This was for burgermeister thigh clearance as well as left knuckles clearance.
Interesting. I had been told that the steering wheel diameter went from 16” to 15” as a means to improve the reach for turning the key when ignition switch was moved from the dash to the steering column. The real answer is prolly “D - all of the above”.
C3 Steering wheel - what year?
