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I love my Vega style steering wheel on my 76 Stingray
I love the Vega style steering wheel on my 76 stingray I just want to find a new or reproduction to replace mine. It is not only worn from age and use but also has a sticky feel to it like it has either been rubbed down with a corrosive substance or is just simply "old"
Why do they call it a Vega Steering wheel? Did it come out in the Vega's first? If not then why isn't the wheel in a Vega called a Corvette steering wheel?
I don't see anything wrong with that wheel. Do people think it looks bad because it came from a Vega? I don't get it.
Interesting mines gone sticky too, wiped it down loads with degreaser helped it a bit. I like the idea of getting it leather wrapped. Would painting it with interior paint work or would it wear/chip off ?
...Why do they call it a Vega Steering wheel? Did it come out in the Vega's first?...
No. It came out in several GM models, including the Vega. The automotive writers tagged it the "Vega" wheel when writing about Corvette.
FWIW: Dave McLellan didn't want it and lobbied GM not to put it in the Corvette. That got nixed, but the 3 spoke leather wrapped wheel was authorized for 77 for tilt/tele. If you did not order T/T in 77 or 78, you got the Vega wheel.
Interesting mines gone sticky too, wiped it down loads with degreaser helped it a bit. I like the idea of getting it leather wrapped. Would painting it with interior paint work or would it wear/chip off ?
I have cleaned standard rubberized plastic steering wheels with a good degreaser, such as 409, with excellent success in the past. I've also seen more than a few original steering wheels covered with a leather wrap. I even did an '80 Honda Accord back in the day with a factory accessory, leather cover that when done, looked like it came that way. If done correctly, it looks excellent and provides the feel of a genuine leather wrapped wheel.
This company offers leather wraps for a wide variety of wheels including a 1976 Corvette (it may be the 3 spoke wheel, but it should also work on the subject 4-spoke), for $45. Based on my experience with the Honda leather wrap, if I had a 'Vega' 4-spoke that I really liked, I'd certainly give this a shot.
I believe the reason this wheel took on the 'Vega Wheel' nom de guerre, is because it was offered only on the non T/T wheel in the Corvette and it was also used in the Vega, along with a few other 'lesser' Chevrolets, where I believe it was labeled a Sport Wheel.
From MCG knowledge base. Was just reading this yesterday trying to find some info and facts on my 76.
"The 1976 Corvette sported a new modified hood that directed air close to the front of the car at the radiator due to an annoying ‘howl’ sound the old hood was known for.
“Astro Ventilation” was removed and the ducts on the rear deck were removed along with it. Aluminum wheels were now available, and so was a new Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 transmission that was lighter and improved shifting at wide-open throttle. A partial steel underbody replaced some fiberglass to improve rigidity and block out excess heat from engine and transmission.
Interesting to note, the steering wheel was from the Vega GT and did not sit well with Corvette enthusiasts, therefore this was the only year for such wheel. Sales were at an all-time high this year."
No. It came out in several GM models, including the Vega. The automotive writers tagged it the "Vega" wheel when writing about Corvette.
While it may have appeared on several other models over the years, the 'Vega' wheel first appeared on the 1971 Vega GT. Hence the reference.
Still a great wheel IMO.
While it may have appeared on several other models over the years, the 'Vega' wheel first appeared on the 1971 Vega GT. Hence the reference.
Still a great wheel IMO.
Beat me to it. It was a Vega wheel years before they put it in the 76-79 Corvettes.
I LOVED that wheel on my Vega GT. That and the manual trans made it a fun little car.
When I got my Vette the wheel was sticky from sitting for 7 years. I scrubbed it with spray nine and used a firm bristle brush I had for my convertible roofs. After the 3rd time and normal driving the stickiness when away.
While it may have appeared on several other models over the years, the 'Vega' wheel first appeared on the 1971 Vega GT. Hence the reference.
Still a great wheel IMO.
They used it on Camaros and others it was a nice wheel
I love the Vega style steering wheel on my 76 stingray I just want to find a new or reproduction to replace mine. It is not only worn from age and use but also has a sticky feel to it like it has either been rubbed down with a corrosive substance or is just simply "old"
To get rid of the "sticky" feel you can simply wipe the wheel down with acetone on a terrycloth rag. As the steering wheel ages, oils from the plastic rise to the surface and give the wheel a tacky-gummy feel, which also comes off on your hands. This is also a problem for the 1969-75 3 spoke wheels as well. I have used this method countless times and it works beautifully. It removes the oils and restores the wheel back to it's original feel without damaging the plastic.
A word of caution: be sure to WEAR PROTECTIVE GLOVES when doing this, and exercise caution to keep the acetone from coming in contact with other painted surfaces.
Does Armor All help with the stickiness of the steering wheel? Sometimes it will help neutralize that.
The Vega wheel isn't that big of an issue for me, it's a steering wheel. I do like the look of the 3 spoke wood wheels and at one point looked at potentially changing to that but never went through with it. The 180 horsepower motor that came in my Corvette I found much more offensive than the steering wheel.
Does Armor All help with the stickiness of the steering wheel? Sometimes it will help neutralize that.
The Vega wheel isn't that big of an issue for me, it's a steering wheel. I do like the look of the 3 spoke wood wheels and at one point looked at potentially changing to that but never went through with it. The 180 horsepower motor that came in my Corvette I found much more offensive than the steering wheel.
Not in my experience. The ONLY thing I have ever found to remove the tackiness from steering wheels is acetone. And I do mean Acetone, NOT nail polish remover...although nail polish remover contains acetone, it is not the same.
Yeah, I had that wheel on my 81 Z28. I know it was used on Camaros, Chevelles and even my 79 Vette would have had it if if were not ordered with the tilt/tele option.
01-04-2018, 09:32 PM
I love my Vega style steering wheel on my 76 Stingray
