I'm trying to get motivated into finishing up my 47 Chevy custom, and with Carlisle/Hershey coming in a few weeks, I decided to concentrate on finding a steering wheel for it. Now, I have already installed a 53 Buick dash, which I wanted for the huge chrome speaker grill in the center, that I can hinge, and hide my modern stuff behind (AC controls, radio, air ride). But for instruments, I grafted in a 48 Caddy cluster. The style of the build is late 40's early 50's, even if it is not entirely period perfect. I am running a straight 6 (though a modern one) to keep the build pre-54 in them, if not detail. So, I'd like to find a really good looking steering wheel to go with the style I've chosen. I am not overly crazy about using the Chevy butterfly wheel, though if pressed, I can live with it. The Crestliner is beautiful, but I'm afraid it may be too common, now that it's reproduced? Other Merc/Ford accessory wheels are nice, but usually too expensive to get and restore (though I can do anything but a full recast). So I'd like to find something different, beautiful, and hopefully available. I did a search and really like the 41-42 Studebaker Presidente wheel, but I'm sure it's either super expensive, or unavailable. Any other suggestions?
The '53 Buick steering wheel is one of the coolest wheels ever in my opinion and definitely would be fitting of a late 40's look, plus it would make sense that a customizer who used that dash would also use that wheel. Pretty sure it's standard GM spline, too.
What I do is just go shopping with a open mind instead of looking for a specific wheel or part. When you come across something it will hit ya like a sledge hammer. THAT'S IT! I GOT TO HAVE IT. Then it's time for the poker face. Have fun. Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.
Dang that is a good looking wheel. Around here the "too common" would be one of those butt ugly garish billet things that they sell at O'Reillys and Autozone. The steering wheel is the one thing you have to look at every time you drive the car an one of the main things people see when they look in the car so it needs to be right from the get go.
Sorry, williebill, no progress at all in the last year or 2.To many customer cars to try and work on (not easy with a bad hand, even after 2 surgeries). Thanks to all for your suggestions. If I don't find anything at Hershey, maybe Carlisle, I probably will go with the 53 Buick. Wish I could find the Stude one, though!
Post on the Hershey thread what you’re looking for, if anyone has one they will let you know. Last year I was looking for a steering wheel at Hershey and posted what I wanted and few guys responded. I found this one, it’s wasn’t cheap, nothing at Hershey is but I talked him down $75.
Thanks for the compliments! That wheel's center section could have been taken further, but HAMBER in Australia said he would take care of that if needed. I have one more I will re-do & keep for my car later this winter..................................... https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/steering-wheel-resto-job-finished.590437/
The 53 Buick had beautiful steering wheel. I am going that route on my 51 club coupe. I will use the Buick column and a U joint at bottom to attach to a newer steering box. Planning to cut the rim diameter down an inch or so and have a new smaller rim cast for it. In the late 50’s my next door neighbor’s grandma had that Buick and I noticed the wheel back then and loved the steering wheel ever since. It just looks clean. Gathering all the parts now. Wheels are important because you are holding it and looking at it whenever you drive.
I just checked my 53 wheel and found the 53 Buick splines are a larger diameter than the generic GM tilt columns.
Why not mill out a bigger hole in the 53 wheel, and cut out the splined center of a newer GM wheel and weld it into the 53 Buick wheel. That is what I am going to do with my 53 Buick wheel, going on a GM tilt column.
That should work nicely if you want the tilt wheel. The GM column fits just inside the bottom of the Buick wheel, I think. I want to use the Buick turn signal and thinner column for a more fifties look on mine.
I may have made an erroneous statement. My 51’s tilt column, which I will be replacing, has 5/8” od splines and just below, the shaft stub is apparently 3/4”. I thought that was standard GM when I checked it in comparison to my Buick wheel. I am not certain it is standard GM now. Others may verify or refute. My Buick shaft top splines are 3/4” od, with a 36 spline count. The shaft diameter is 13/16”. I apologize for any previous misinformation.
good price. i still have a nos one in the box that i bought for $35 eons ago. going on my '50. usually that horn ring is broken.
I always liked these.... http://www.2040-parts.com/1952-1953...-muntz-jet-ford-mercury-century-boat-i177481/
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