Well, I purchased a mahogany steering wheel (with the polished aluminum spokes) from Corvette America for my 1970 'vert (about $150). It looks much better than the stock black-plastic steering wheel. I just put it on tonight (5 minute change) and took it out for a spin. The first thing I noticed was that the diameter of the mahogany steering wheel is at least 1 inch smaller than the stock one (maybe more like 1-1/2"). Also, the steering wheel itself is more substantial...it's got a much "thicker" grip. No big deal, right? Wrong. It completely changes the driving dynamics of the car. My car seemed to want to "float" more. I don't think this was perception, but I actually think it has to do with the smaller wheel. Plus, with the "thicker" grip, my knuckles kept hitting the turn-signal lever when I would make a left turn. Finally, my car doesn't have tilt/telescopic steering, just the stock colmun. The new steering wheel is in direct line of sight of the speedomter and tach. If I wanted to check my speed (or RPMs), I had to constantly bend down to take a look. I think I'll be putting the stock steering wheel back on tomorrow. Too bad, because I love the way the mahogany wheel looks.
:steering:


[Modified by Motor City Vette, 10:16 PM 3/25/2003]

 

I have the same mahogony steering wheel..i love the way it looks and feels...i don't seem to notice those problems like you do...but i have tilt/telescopic. i'll look for those odd issues the next time i take her for a spin. :auto: