So I've been looking at aftermarket steering wheels lately. I recently found this one on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-C5-...YAAOSwy~JfmkfM
I tried to buy it, but it tells me that it isn't available . I guess the seller doesn't want my $950.00.
Honestly, I've never really had a huge issue with the stock steering wheel, but I noticed after driving my SUV for most of the winter that the C5 steering wheel just isn't as comfortable to hold as the one in my SUV. That's what got me searching for a replacement. I want something that is more ergonomic, but looks like it could be stock (but perhaps a bit nicer quality). It should definitely match with, and allow me to use the stock airbag. Also, I really want to keep it under $1000.00 shipped. I would also PREFER to buy American, but am willing to consider non-American if I can't find what I want in the states. Finally, I'm not a big guy, but I like the look of the flat bottom steering wheel, so that would also be a big plus.

For those of you have an aftermarket steering wheel, can you please post pictures, tell me where you got it, and give me your impressions of it. I know there a few threads on this subject, but a lot of the links in those threads are dead now. Thanks!

 

I have a Driven 350mm diameter wheel and NRG quick release and hub. I am tall and sit far back so I like the deeper dish wheel to bring it closer to me when I am strapped in.

 

I plan on changing mine after it wears out

 

Thanks for your response. Your wheel looks good. However, I need something that works with the stock airbag, and is more ergonomic.

 

ASA is on facebook/instagram.

You can also get a stock wheel reworked by these guys: https://vqcarboncustoms.com/

 

There were threads on here not too long ago about installing C6 steering wheels, airbags, etc., on C5's. IMO the C6 wheel does not look that much better. I would prefer a slightly smaller diameter wheel with a slightly thicker rim, but I have to say I don't see it as worth spending a lot of money on.

BTW, it's worth noting that in many states, removing an airbag means the car is no longer legally drivable on public roads. Also, your insurance likely becomes void. In any case don't try claiming for injuries received as a result of having no airbag...

 

The steering is wheel is the part of the car you interact with the most. Of all the things on the car you could upgrade, you're going to look at, touch, feel, and use an upgraded steering wheel more than anything else.

Redline Goods is worth looking into. I don't think I've ever read a bad review of their products. Chevrolet Corvette C5 1997-04 Flat bottom steering wheel by RedlineGoods

 

Just checked them out. I'm VERY interested in what they have to offer. I'm pretty certain they can make me something that I'd be happy with. I was looking at their custom wheel, but I'd like to see pictures of what some of the different options look like. (for example their matte black carbon fiber vs gloss black). I definitely want the flat bottom, but I'm sort of torn on the flat top. I like the look, and suspect I would like the feel, but I'm concerned that it might block the gauges a bit. Does anyone have a flat top wheel who can comment on that?

 

I'm not really interested in a C6 steering wheel. I don't want my steering wheel to have buttons on it (especially if they don't actually do anything).

As I said, it MUST work with the stock airbag.

 

I can tell you, though, that a friend of mine has a wheel from ASA, and I've used it. It's very very nice. No personal experience with VQ though, but his products look amazing.

 

I've sent an email to VQCarbonCustoms. They say I should hear back within 48hours. I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Meanwhile, keep posting those pics.

 

not the best quality picture but bought one off vqcarboncustoms

 

https://www.mikescustomsteering.com/products/

 

I purchased mine from AZA via E-Bay back in November. I LOVE the wheel! Alcantara Top & Bottom, Perf Leather Sides.

 

I went with a company out of Texas called Craft Customs. They will wrap your wheel in whatever you like, add ergonomics, etc. The only thing they will not do is "D bottom" the wheel. What I did to save downtime was I bought a wheel off Ebay and sent it to them to be covered. In total the whole thing cost me a little over 600 bucks. Ebay wheel was 100 and covering and contrast stiching was a little over 500. I don't have a picture on here, but I will try and upload one for you.

J

 

Is that the matte black (or gloss black) carbon pattern with black perforated leather, and black stitching? It clearly looks great. How long have you had it, and what are your impressions of it? Is it more comfortable than the stock wheel? Are you generally happy with it? have you had any issues at all? I am likely to be buying from VQcarboncustoms, and I am very interested in anything you may have to say about them.

 

You could also look into what APSIS, a forum vendor, has to offer.

 

My wheel on their IG page

Here are a couple of pictures for you. Also I want to mention they (Craft Customs) were super easy to deal with, and the day my donor wheel arrived they were on the phone with me going over my order form and talking specifics with me. Overall, very happy with the wheel and their customer service.

 

I'm very impressed with what I've seen of VQcarboncustoms. I emailed them just before bed last night, and I had a reply before I got up this morning. David sent me a ton of very useful info including pictures of all their different carbon patterns and all of the different colors they had available. I emailed back with an additional question this morning, and heard back from David in just 40 minutes. I'm very impressed with their customer service. As such, I think I'm likely going to go with VQcarboncustoms over AZA. I was originally going to go with an all leather wheel, but VQ has really won me over with all their different options, great customer service, and competitive pricing. They do have an 8 week lead time right now, but I'm fine with that since they were totally upfront about it. The one thing that I have not decided on yet, is if I want a flat top or round top. Is there anyone on here who has a flat top wheel (from any manufacturer) who can give me their impressions of it? Does it block the view of your gauges at all? Does it feel weird when making sharp turns? Thanks for any feedback.

 

I know OP said he wasn't interested in a C6 wheel with redundant buttons, but just wanted to post up my C6 wheel w/ functional airbag as a comparison. I am very happy with this upgrade.