I’m looking at new steering wheels for my 73 restomod.
I’m redoing the interior in all original panels, seats, gauges, etc and want to keep with a leather rapped, 14” replacement steering wheel that looks similar to the oem wheel.
I’ve seen the ones for sale from Corvette Central, Wilcox, and the Lecarra steering wheel shown in the photo below from Summit Racing.
What did you replace your oem steering wheels with, are you happy with the quality, and how was the fitment?
Thanks for the info,
Greg

 

I actually just put in the Corvette Central version this morning. The wheel came in a box labeled Auto Pro USA. I have mixed feelings. Installation was not straightforward, but in the end, it looks like it will work well.

I too wanted to come as close as possible to a stock look, and my original wheel was in great shape, but at 6'5" I need to do everything I can do to fit comfortably. I also wanted a bit more direct feel after installing Borgeson power steering. There is still a little salt on the roads and I will hold off until the next rain for a drive to test the feel, but it seems good in the garage.

The spokes are a bit thicker than the original and the dish may start too close to the center. If you have a telescopic wheel, the rotating mechanism will bottom out on the spokes before the center seats. I first tried shimming under the rotating mechanism, but the screw that locks the telescopic function is then too short. I had to also insert a spacer down the center hole then so the screw that is attached to the rotating mechanism was able to lock the telescoping function.

This is where it hits:


After shimming and installation, it looks good. I may go back to make a little shorter spacer for the bottom of the screw. Right now the telescoping action is not as smooth, but it works fine.

It looks good all said and done. The extra 1/2" per side clearance makes a big difference getting in and out. The fatter wheel feels better in my extra-large hands.



I may question Corvette Central on this, but it looks like it is just the way these wheels are made.

 

Hey Greg-

Here's simple solution to open your search up a bit-

Since the Vette's steering wheels are notched-

I milled down the hub- and ended up with a sweet deal a on a Nardi (Porsche Classic 360mm)

Got a adapter ($20 IIRC) - milled it down a bit too -then notched it for the stock horn.
Used some teflon machine screws/nuts ( few bucks at the hardware store) to raise the Horn button

 

Ive been looking at steering wheels myself for the last 2 weeks... this one looks more like the oem wheel in design https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1982-C...MAAOSwOWBeybMs
And the brushed version,https://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-1982-C...YAAOSwEHJgQ7Mu Ive been going back and forth between leather and wood.
But I think im going with a wood wheel to match the inserts in my "deluxe" interior

I really like this one too, https://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-1982-C...oAAOSwcnVgBJGk

 

[QUOTE=VetteLooking;1603143322]I actually just put in the Corvette Central version this morning. The wheel came in a box labeled Auto Pro USA. I have mixed feelings. Installation was not straightforward, but in the end, it looks like it will work well.

Is this the wheel they offer at $119.00 or is it the one for $99.00.
Thanks for the response, this is exactly what I need.

 

[QUOTE=Richard454;1603143438]Hey Greg-

Here's simple solution to open your search up a bit-

Thanks Richard!
That’s a great idea.
As always you have another great option to share!

 

Thanks, Those are all great and just what I’m looking for.
Now I have even more choices!

 

My fear is with a 14" wheel , it will block my vision the the gauges behind it. ... which is why im also considering the 15" wheels like this https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volante-ST3...a/402717254641

 

Here’s. Mi

ne

 

I still have the stock one but put this in when I replaced the column and put in a borgeson. Love it!

 

[QUOTE=OldCarBum;1603143776]Part # 103834

I took it for a drive this afternoon. I like the response a lot. It did not block guages for me. In fact, if you are about 6' it would frame the guages perfectly.

I am very happy with my mods. The Borgeson, a small pump orifice, tie rod in the fast knuckle holes, and the 14" wheel are a great combination. Feels sporty and modern. I think the high profile tires are the weak point, but I am not parting with the original look of the rally wheels.

 

That is also a nice wheel.
I’m deleting all the wood paneling in my interior so, even though Inlike the wood wheels, I’m going with a black leather wrap.

 

I really like the way your wheel goes with the shift ****!

 

This wheel looks pretty flat in the picture, is it dished at all, if so what is the offset?
How close is it to the turn signals?
It is nice who makes it and where did you purchase it?

 

it is dished some. I find it perfect distance to hit the signal and you can still have the same hand on the wheel and just slide your hand up or down. I’ll get you a better picture tomorrow with it on the car. It is the Manta 4 Personal. Made in Italy. They sell around $200 on eBay. The previous owner gave this to me when I bought the car. I installed it once I rebuilt the steering. Really like it. Even has the Corvette center cap for the horn. Here is a pic I found on the internet.

https://images.app.goo.gl/st51ynp3XJFK3fDQ9

 

Thanks for all your inputs!
Today I ordered a new 14”, black leather rapped, steering wheel from Corvette Central, # 562134-14 and all the components to rebuild the non-operating horn on my 73 restomod.

 

Awesome, post pics when its done!

 

Just a heads up. 63-66 hubs do not have the notch They are made for flat spoke wheels.



Tom

 

I love this MOMO wheel I installed a couple of years ago. It has a little less dish than the factory wheel to get the wheel a little farther away from me.

 

That is great information, Thanks!