Hi everyone. I just picked up a new project and had a question because I’m new to the Plymouth world. I wanted to replace the steering wheel with a Mooneyes style steering wheel but the guy there said there is no adapter for that car. Does anyone know a good solution or alternate cool steering wheel that will fit? Thank you
Mopar used a rather big hollow steering shaft between the steering box and the steering wheel until into the early/mid 60s. The horn wire runs through the tube! If you want a cool wheel (other then a different Chrysler wheel), you either have to make your own adaptor, or modify the top end of your steering shaft. The bottom of the steering shaft is part of the steering box.
Paint your stock wheel custom. Flake, candy, pearl, whatever. Then it's really custom, not store bought. Just a thought. Me personally, I kinda like my stock 53 wheel.
A short search shows that right now we need someone who has an old horn kit catalog from way back when I was a teenager to dig it out and see if there was actually a horn kit for that car ever built. This may be the one but I wouldn't spend the money until one of the Mopar guys confirms it. NOS VINTAGE SUPERIOR 500 HORN ADAPTER KIT STEERING WHEEL 1952-60 CHRYSLER DODGE | eBay This is a Superior 500 number 168 horn kit for those who don't click on links.
Thanks guys. I really like the idea of painting the steering wheel. I was just thinking of a replacement because it is so big and I’m a short guy. But it’s not that big of a deal and painting it would be more fun.
How do you paint a steering wheel ? that would be a neat and cheap way to get a custom wheel I did one a while back and it chipped and peeled off pretty easy .
I did not paint this one,,,,but it is always the right prep and the right paint process. Yes, clear coat will make it last longer and it looks better,than 1 stage paint.
Mine was badly cracked, went with PC7 epoxy, sanded and sanded. Primed and painted using Duplicolor paint. Looked good for a while, now cracks are coming back. If I had power steering, it may have not cracked as badly. But you need a big wheel with manual steering, keep that in mind.
^^^^^^^ Thin cracks are a hell to fix, you have to make them bigger! We use this kind of tool,works on plastic, fiberglass or carbon fiber. And it will hold up.
Is the only issue adapting the horn? I thought there was a fitment issue with adapting an aftermarket wheel? I’ve been dying to put a new wheel on and have only been told to find the elusive Grant/PIP 3311 kit…
No, the horn kit is not the only issue. But it may solve or indicate what else is pertinent. For example, shaft diameter and spline count….which are the main factors. It is possible to safely replace the upper steering shaft section but the manner and quality of the modification is very important to your (and others’) safety. Ray
Alternative to paint is hydro dipping. Practically any image you can print from a computer can be applied to any surface and then clear coated. I have had wheels "wood grained" and marbled
For sure it’s got to be safe…any idea what the size and spline is? I find it bonkers that there are no options out there that will work to adapt, but it really seems like that’s the case….
Do you shoot clear over the hydro film ? I bought some woodgrain hydro dip film but haven't tried it yet.
Yep, hardened clear. My roadster wheel is the woodgrain one above and it has been top down and driven for a few years now and no evidence of wear.
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