C3 Steering Wheel Advice
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2022
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C3 Steering Wheel Advice
First post so be gentle.
My husband gifted me a 1976! It spent a year and a half in the shop between the rebuilding and paint job. It even needed a donor car ~ I guess the $5,000 price tag wasn't as good of a deal as it seemed.
Anyway, she is home and looks and runs beautifully. Now we are starting the DIY and sweat equity part.
The steering wheel is painted metal, but it had chipped, been repainted, and was chipping off again. I have it mostly down to the metal now and need to know what I should paint it with for the best results.
I don't think spray paint is an option as I am not comfortable taking the steering wheel off. New or professional is not a cost-effective option at the moment.
Is there a good paint on option?
My husband gifted me a 1976! It spent a year and a half in the shop between the rebuilding and paint job. It even needed a donor car ~ I guess the $5,000 price tag wasn't as good of a deal as it seemed.
Anyway, she is home and looks and runs beautifully. Now we are starting the DIY and sweat equity part.
The steering wheel is painted metal, but it had chipped, been repainted, and was chipping off again. I have it mostly down to the metal now and need to know what I should paint it with for the best results.
I don't think spray paint is an option as I am not comfortable taking the steering wheel off. New or professional is not a cost-effective option at the moment.
Is there a good paint on option?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
Taking the steering wheel off should be really easy. It's not the part you need a puller for. BUT, you have a 76. 4 spoke wheel?
I'd still take it off, and spray paint it.
Watch Ben's video, and do it right.
I'd still take it off, and spray paint it.
Watch Ben's video, and do it right.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
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From: Marietta GA
If you search with Google putting in pertinent information, there should be plenty of posts with step-by-step instructions for steering wheel removal. Taking your car to a shop for evert tiny repair/fix will cost you a fortune. There are also numerous videos that should make your repair simple as following what others have done. I have found that research and learning from other folks will make most repairs a no brainer.
Le Mans Master
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There shouldn't be anything metal on a factory '76 wheel to paint. Any pics?
Last edited by SEVNT6; Feb 21, 2024 at 01:02 AM.
Race Director
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The steering wheel itself is extremely easy to remove and install. No kidding! You CAN do it.
But what metal parts could possibly be on a 76 steering wheel??
Pictures really could help us help you.
But what metal parts could possibly be on a 76 steering wheel??
Pictures really could help us help you.
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St. Jude Donor '25
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From: Catawba, N.C. USA
Steering Wheel
1976 is a one off year for the steering wheel also known as the "Vega" wheel. I guess Chevy saved a few bucks by using the wheel from the Vega. There are no metal components unless the "rubber/vinyl is peeled off which leaves the metal frame but it is a big job. I did it on mine and then made a wooden wheel following some youtube videos. Came out great. I'm guessing MJ has a replacement wheel of some kind. I would remove it and paint it with a ceramic spray paint.
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Verdad Gallardo
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From: Orange County Ca
OK, you've 2 problems.
I've no idea on the bearing, BUT, on the active handling issue, I do have some insight.
This code could indicate quite a few problems.
Low battery (this causes MANY non related codes/problems), wheel bearing speed sensor (my problem), loose connection (sometimes just unplugging, cleaning, and reconnecting a connector will fix this), computer glitch (sometimes just disconnecting and reconnecting your battery for a few minutes may fix your problem), etc.
Get your codes checked. AZ did mine and I unplugged and reconnected the connector at my rear wheel and it solved the problem.
Do the easy stuff first.
I've no idea on the bearing, BUT, on the active handling issue, I do have some insight.
This code could indicate quite a few problems.
Low battery (this causes MANY non related codes/problems), wheel bearing speed sensor (my problem), loose connection (sometimes just unplugging, cleaning, and reconnecting a connector will fix this), computer glitch (sometimes just disconnecting and reconnecting your battery for a few minutes may fix your problem), etc.
Get your codes checked. AZ did mine and I unplugged and reconnected the connector at my rear wheel and it solved the problem.
Do the easy stuff first.
