Jack1976

I understand that the original (ugly)steering wheel for my 76 was only produced the one year.(thank god) I'd like to change over to one of the classic designs available in the early C3 years. Has anyone ever done this? Is it possible? Are there any web sites that show what's available? Any info would be great.

Paul L

You have the infamous Vega steering wheel. Wait for Jim Shea to join in and he will point you in the appropriate direction. I can't find the link this evening in my archives.

1SGRET

I have the ugly Vega steering wheel on my '78 Silver Anniversary and have seen several '78s with the same.

glen242

If I remember correctly, Jim Shea said or had a paper in FAQ stating that the '76 NON tilt/tele was the same as on the prior years. You ran into problems if you had the tilt/tele, but I think he also had a solution for that.

I like my Corvette/Vega wheel!

Paul L

Perhaps the Moderator would wish to close off one of the two identical posts. Jim Shea replied to the other one with the definitive solution. It can get confusing to those who wish to help. Thanks!

TLChydraulics

Mine is the tilt/tele, and have heard many people complain about the look, but I wonder if you didn't know that wheel was in the vega, would you still think of it as ugly? Personally, I think it looks great, and very much doubt I'd change mine unless it became neccessary, then I might consider mods to something else to make it more custom.

Just my 2 cents.



Loren

vttedrm

I also like my wheel. I think you other guys have it all wrong. The Vega (and Camaro) have Corvette steering wheels. Besides I'm used to this style. My 1976 Olds 442 (455 4bbl) has the 4 spoke (brushed aluminum wings) wheel. it's similar to the 1976 Stingray wheel. Three spokes reminds me of the late 60's Pontiac wheels. I'll keep my 4 spoke on both cars!

Ken
1976 Corvette Stingray L82 4 spd.
1976 Oldsmobile 442 - 455 w/ Hurst dual gate


[Modified by vttedrm, 8:14 AM 6/30/2004]

Jim Shea

I thought that I responded last night, but I don't see my reply this morning. So here it goes again.

The 1976 T&T steering column is identical to the 1969 through 1975 C3 T&T steering columns. However, the steering wheel, hub, telescope lock, and horn parts are different in 1976. So if you gather the proper steering wheel and associated parts, they will bolt right on the 1976 column.

If you have a T&T column here is the link. This paper will be a big help.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/T&T69-...To76Column.doc

I haven't gathered the same data for the standard (non-adjustable) column. However, the steering wheel that was used in 1976 is the same wheel that is used on the 1977-1979 standard columns. The 1976 column is the same as the previous 1969-75 standard columns -- so, the old steering wheels and hardware will bolt right up to the later 1977 and up columns. I believe that T&T columns became the only steering column starting in 1980.


[Modified by Jim Shea, 7:12 AM 6/30/2004]

Disco_Mike

I have a 79 without tilt/tele so I have the molded wheel too.

I also like it. Only it needs repainted. The oyster color has worn off or turned dingy of the last 20 years.

Sleper

If I wanted to change my wheel to a smaller aftermarket do you know if I can just purchase the following items if I am reading this correctly:
Hub Asm 3949110 Zip SC-413
Extension 3949109 Zip SC-680
Spacer 3952781 Zip SC-624
Telescope Lever 3949108 Zip SC-336
Upper Horn Contact 3949103 Zip SC-45
Contact Screws (3) 3949107 Zip SC-644

Hopefully someone has tried this? Thanks in advance

3 or 88

I am trying to do this right now and Ecklers BO several items, however I am being told that they may not be necessary that the stock will work. For example I am being told the telescopic locking ring OEM can be used in an assembly to upgrade the steering wheel. Does anyone know if this is the case or what parts exactly need to be changed; any assistance is greatly appreciated

dobroman2001

I did this a few years ago on my '76 using Jim's pages:

Here's the info:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-included.html

Tim H

Why did several 78s have a 76 wheel on them????

Jim Shea

They were most likely '78s with standard (non-adjustable) steering columns. That 1976 wheel for the standard column carried over from 1976 thru 1979. Or if they were T&Ts their owners refitted them with the 1976 steering wheel and telescope hardware (unlikely).
Jim

palmbeachvette76

You only need the conversion kit then you can use almost any corvette steering wheels. Sad part is the kit cost $100 more than most of the wheels

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050G

jb78L-82

Just an FYI that I replaced my "76 Steering wheel" on my 78 with non tilt column about 20 years ago with an exact replica of the 78 Tilt wheel used in those years from Midamerica or Ecklers-can't remember who sold it but I don't believe that either sells that wheel anymore. you may want to call Midamerica (I believe it was them) and ask about it. It was literally a snap to replace. I just used a steering wheel puller, took off the old wheel, and the newer wheel went right on. I changed nothing else to make the switch. I guess my steering wheel now is somewhat valuable since they don't offer the option anymore-you can be sure that I will have my newer wheel reskinned when it needs to be done! Hope that helps!

jcloving

I have a '76 and I like the wheel. It took lots of scrubbing though to get rid of the PO's smoke residue and the sticky stinky gunk that was on there. My hands would smell after I drove the car. But now it is clean and I like it. It truly is a unique feature for the '76.

That being said I have seen the mahogony/chrome wheel kits from some of the vendors. I was tempted....

20mercury

I agree! The Vega owners were proud to show off their Corvette steering wheel!

iokepakai

Changed it out some years ago,along with the radio.Wheel was all gummy and needed to be changed plus I didn't care for the four spoke wheel....
[IMG][/IMG]
STEERING COLUMN UPDATE KIT WITH T &T *USE A 77-82 STYLE STEERING WHEEL
Description 1976
*Use a 77-82 Style Steering Wheel
Installing a 1977-1982 steering wheel onto a 1976 steering column
The 1976 column is very similar to the 77-78 column, both the standard and the T&T (tilt and telescopic) columns.
You can adapt the 77-82 leather wrapped wheel in place of the "Vega" steering wheel. The 76 wheel was unique to that year.
Note: Since the early T&T columns telescoped 2.1 inches while the later columns only 1.3 inches, you may notice if you adapt the later wheel, that when you telescope the wheel all the way to the rear, you will find a small gap appearing between the lower edge of the extension and the top of the column head. However, most drivers want more arm reach not less, so rarely pull the wheel all the way to the rear.
Kit includes:
563034 Steering Wheel Hub � New
563354 Steering Column Bell with T & T
342225 Steering Wheel Mount Screw � Except 76
562138 Tele Steering Column Ring Spacer
563036 Tele Column Lock Ring - Except 76
563110 Horn Contact Button Retainer with Tele
343008 Horn Contact Screw with Tel
563106 Horn Button Kit with T & T
Part# 563066 Pkg KIT Instructions
Price 189.00 Qty Add to Cart
Click Picture(s) for Larger Version
Click to Zoom

Tim H

I have never seen 1 of these on any other vette than a 76???



This is an Olds 4 spoke, not really a comparison to the vette wheel.