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Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 10, 2017, 7:06 pm
by ryanjay11
I'd like to find an OEM appearing 3 spoke 14-15" steering wheel for my 65 Custom Cab. I have the chrome horn ring and would like to be able to use this with the new wheel.

I've wore my google skills out on this one. I see there are several people selling a reproduction wheel that appears to come from the same source for around $200. Is there another one available that is smaller?

Is there a wheel from another Ford of the same vintage that would work?

My last option, which it appears I'm going to end up doing, is to buy one like I have, a smaller wheel that is similar, then weld the ring to it, fill in the cracks, etc. and paint to match. I'd hate to find out there is a more simple option before going this route, so here I am, hat in hand.

Help! :?

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 10, 2017, 7:37 pm
by ryanjay11
This is the factory steering wheel on my new Ididit column. I measured the steering wheel at 17".

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I might reuse the steering wheel wrap for nostalgia purposes, so technically I could just chop the three spokes and attach a rim from a smaller diameter wheel.

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 10, 2017, 8:06 pm
by SteveCanup
RyanJay....I wanted the same and ended up cutting my original 3 spoke wheel apart. I cut the outer ring from the 3 spokes and removed enough out of the outer ring to make it 15" in diameter. Welded it back to the spokes, covered it with wood and used epoxy putty from AdvanceAuto to repair the spokes. I now have a "one-off" original wooden 15" steering wheel....here's a link to a youtube video that helped me to decide to do it....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l93LL43EjkU

By the way...I would post pics of my steering wheel but Photobucket took all of my pictures away because I would not pay them $$$$

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 10, 2017, 8:52 pm
by longcabjohn
Don't know for sure, but the 63 Galaxie wheel looks similar and is smaller with power steering



Johnny

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 11, 2017, 10:39 am
by chris401
longcabjohn wrote:Don't know for sure, but the 63 Galaxie wheel looks similar and is smaller with power steering



Johnny
I to remember a Galaxie steering wheel that appeared to bolt up. Never measured anything or tried it though. The cam maybe in the same spot.

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 11, 2017, 12:52 pm
by SteveCanup
There is currently a 1963 Ford Galaxie Steering Wheel for sale on ebay for $100 or best offer with $15 shipping. I messaged the seller who told me that it is 16 inches in diameter...only an inch smaller than the original wheel....(it also had the chrome horn ring with it...)

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 12, 2017, 4:47 pm
by LM14
Most of the aftermarket, small diameter, stock appearing steering wheels start around $350 and go up from there. They are all GM based, too, that I am aware of.

Con2R is one company that makes several different custom style wheels. Take a deep breath before you buy one.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/CON2R-SW ... 58566.html

SPark

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 15, 2017, 2:07 pm
by theastronaut
I built a 15" original style wheel for my '66 C10 by sectioning it and reforming the rim with a tigher arc, then welding it back together and using PC7 epoxy to fill in the gaps. It would be much easier to swap on a whole rim from a 15" wheel though. I'm about to build another for a '51 GMC using a 15" rim I found on ebay for $45 bucks.

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Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 20, 2017, 11:12 am
by orangeRcode
Looks good. Be sure and post finished product!

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 27, 2017, 9:46 pm
by SteveCanup
Here's pics of what I did...
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Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: October 27, 2017, 9:47 pm
by SteveCanup
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Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: December 13, 2017, 4:31 pm
by theastronaut
Got started on the GMC wheel, it's roughed in and on the second round of epoxy. I'll lightly blast it next and shoot a few coats of epoxy.

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15" vs the original 18" rim.

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Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: December 14, 2017, 8:06 pm
by oldsmiley
I found 3 companies who specialize in steering wheels, one of them may be able to help you, OR refer you to someone who can.

http://www.truecustoms.com/


http://www.craftcustoms.com/


http://www.qualityrestorations.com/

I saw a 1956 F-100 at the Myrtle Beach Run to the Sun a few years ago who had an original steering wheel professionally downsized. I don't know what it costs, but it sure had everyone's attention. That was one of the coolest things I'd seen in a while.

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: January 17, 2018, 11:06 am
by theastronaut
Finished the GMC wheel. Supposed to do a '49 Ford wheel soon.

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Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: January 17, 2018, 12:34 pm
by SteveCanup
That steering wheel is a work of art....fantastic!

Re: Reduced diameter factory style steering wheels?

Posted: January 17, 2018, 2:56 pm
by oldsmiley
It sure is....GREAT job. Of course that wooden wheel is an eye catcher too. I love thing like nobody else has. Both of you guys did great.