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Old Sep 6, 2023 | 04:46 PM
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Default repro steering wheel

My steering wheel has to come off to repair the ignition cylinder so I'm thinking the original wheel is a little worn and a little sticky so I'll just replace it. Don't want anything different just OEM factory look. Anybody have any recommendations for a quality wheel? ZIP has one that seems like it would be good and made in the USA. Anywhere else?
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Old Sep 6, 2023 | 04:50 PM
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Checking my crystal ball to see what vehicle you own....
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Old Sep 6, 2023 | 04:55 PM
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lol..........79
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Old Sep 6, 2023 | 08:12 PM
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Originally Posted by C6-CYa
Checking my crystal ball to see what vehicle you own....
So do you actually have a pertinent response or are you just being a richard cranium?
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Old Sep 6, 2023 | 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Capt. Shark
So do you actually have a pertinent response or are you just being a richard cranium?
Since you didn't originally mention what year you have, and since there were 4 different wheels used on C3 Corvettes between 68 and 82, I'd say he did have a fairly pertinent response.

You've now updated us with the year, so that does help narrow it down some. In 79 two different wheels were used, the plastic, four spoke so called "Vega" wheel that came on cars with the standard column, and the three spoke leather wrapped wheel that came on tilt/tele columns. I assume that you have the plastic four spoke wheel, since you said in your original post that the wheel was getting "sticky", a typical problem with the plastic wheels.

To my knowledge there is only one maker of the plastic four spoke wheel, and I think it may be a Camaro parts company, since those wheels were also used on Camaro's. I think this is your only option, other than changing the hub and associated parts to use an earlier wheel, or and after market one.


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Old Sep 6, 2023 | 09:29 PM
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I just bought a 79 wheel from Top Flight. Built to order, I'm assuming at the Corvette America facility in PA, but I didn't ask.

It seems pretty nice, though it had a more prominent seam than I was expecting. It's much nicer than the wheel it is replacing, though. I'll try to remember to post a photo.

https://www.topflightautomotive.com/...ear_range=1979
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Old Sep 7, 2023 | 06:21 AM
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Originally Posted by gbvette62
Since you didn't originally mention what year you have, and since there were 4 different wheels used on C3 Corvettes between 68 and 82, I'd say he did have a fairly pertinent response.

You've now updated us with the year, so that does help narrow it down some. In 79 two different wheels were used, the plastic, four spoke so called "Vega" wheel that came on cars with the standard column, and the three spoke leather wrapped wheel that came on tilt/tele columns. I assume that you have the plastic four spoke wheel, since you said in your original post that the wheel was getting "sticky", a typical problem with the plastic wheels.

To my knowledge there is only one maker of the plastic four spoke wheel, and I think it may be a Camaro parts company, since those wheels were also used on Camaro's. I think this is your only option, other than changing the hub and associated parts to use an earlier wheel, or and after market one.
It's the three spoke wheel, the leather is starting to wear.

Originally Posted by Bikespace
I just bought a 79 wheel from Top Flight. Built to order, I'm assuming at the Corvette America facility in PA, but I didn't ask.

It seems pretty nice, though it had a more prominent seam than I was expecting. It's much nicer than the wheel it is replacing, though. I'll try to remember to post a photo.

https://www.topflightautomotive.com/...ear_range=1979
Thanks, that's what I'm looking for. Looks like the same one ZIP sells.

I would like to see a pic if you get a chance.
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Old Sep 7, 2023 | 06:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Capt. Shark
Thanks, that's what I'm looking for. Looks like the same one ZIP sells.

I would like to see a pic if you get a chance.
I strongly suspect that TF (who owns CA) and Zip are both selling the same CA wheel.

I'll try to get a pic tomorrow.
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Old Sep 7, 2023 | 06:39 AM
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thanks
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Old Sep 8, 2023 | 10:46 PM
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Photos. The new steering wheel is an exact match for the leather seats (also from CA). It is certainly nicer feeling than the worn wheel it will replace.




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Old Sep 8, 2023 | 11:00 PM
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Man those both look great
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Old Sep 9, 2023 | 12:04 AM
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Originally Posted by interpon
Man those both look great
That doesn't show the worst part. The stock wheel has no padding left, and makes your hands unhappy, just like the automatic transmission lever in this picture. Both problems are being fixed!


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Old Sep 9, 2023 | 08:09 AM
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Meant the seats and new wheel !

i learn as i get older..spend money on things you use/ touch often..
doors, faucets, computers, and of course that fine oyster leather your hands and butt touches.!
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Old Sep 9, 2023 | 08:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Bikespace
Photos. The new steering wheel is an exact match for the leather seats (also from CA). It is certainly nicer feeling than the worn wheel it will replace.



That looks very nice. Gonna order one.
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Old Sep 9, 2023 | 10:13 PM
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13.5" leather-wrapped wheel with C3-similar spoke designs are available from most aftermarket Corvette parts suppliers. I recolored mine to match the interior as shown below.......


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