A fe 74 Steering Wheels questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 294
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From: Easton pennsylvania
A fe 74 Steering Wheels questions
I need to re-wrap my steering wheel on my 74. it appears to be the original. But I have a few questions first:
1. I would like to get a smaller steering wheel. if I look on flea bay, what should I search for. Do any other Vetts wheels bolt right on? Any other Chevy wheels bolt right on? Any recommendations on a new size?
2. I still want to re-do my original wheel. Was the leather color matched to the car? My Vert has a red gut, but the steering wheel looks pretty darn black, but it does look like it may have been red and just worn off.
3. Any estimate on what an interior shop would charge to re-wrap it if I took it off and brought it to them??
4. Anyone have any other suggestions or pictures?
1. I would like to get a smaller steering wheel. if I look on flea bay, what should I search for. Do any other Vetts wheels bolt right on? Any other Chevy wheels bolt right on? Any recommendations on a new size?
2. I still want to re-do my original wheel. Was the leather color matched to the car? My Vert has a red gut, but the steering wheel looks pretty darn black, but it does look like it may have been red and just worn off.
3. Any estimate on what an interior shop would charge to re-wrap it if I took it off and brought it to them??
4. Anyone have any other suggestions or pictures?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
I thought C3's didn't get leather-wrapped wheels until later 70's; but, maybe there was an 'optional steering wheel' available before that.
Anyway, I purchased a black leather-wrapped 14" wheel with chromed spokes (similar design to C3 wheel). It was $99 and several Corvette aftermarket vendors sell them. You can only get it in black, but spokes can be "brushed" or "chromed". I just cleaned the leather well and masked off the spokes and used my matching interior vinyl dye (SEM ColorCoat) to recolor the leather.
It came out nicely, was not too expensive (compared to other options) and the dye has stayed well without any bleeding or wear for almost 3 years, now. I like it a lot...compared to the big, black, thin wheel that came on the car.
Anyway, I purchased a black leather-wrapped 14" wheel with chromed spokes (similar design to C3 wheel). It was $99 and several Corvette aftermarket vendors sell them. You can only get it in black, but spokes can be "brushed" or "chromed". I just cleaned the leather well and masked off the spokes and used my matching interior vinyl dye (SEM ColorCoat) to recolor the leather.
It came out nicely, was not too expensive (compared to other options) and the dye has stayed well without any bleeding or wear for almost 3 years, now. I like it a lot...compared to the big, black, thin wheel that came on the car.
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From: Chino CA
Team Owner
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Easton pennsylvania
Interesting info. Thanks guys.
The hard black rubber. Did it have "fade" stitching? Could it be that mine is getting old and soft and is truly not leather? I think I assume and never looked closely at it..
The hard black rubber. Did it have "fade" stitching? Could it be that mine is getting old and soft and is truly not leather? I think I assume and never looked closely at it..
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 294
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From: Easton pennsylvania
Dang it. I cant type any more....
I meant fake stitching. I do recal seeing what looked like stitching on the inside of the wheel. Do know if it was actualy thread, lending to real leahter, of fake to simulate it haveing a leather wrap.
I meant fake stitching. I do recal seeing what looked like stitching on the inside of the wheel. Do know if it was actualy thread, lending to real leahter, of fake to simulate it haveing a leather wrap.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
I found the grip to be thin and slippery so I went with a padded leather version of the original. That is real stitching.
Last edited by Paul L; Jun 7, 2012 at 01:25 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 294
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From: Easton pennsylvania