Tec build 2 for 1 modifying a steering wheel the custom reconstruct dash.

This it our entry in the Baileigh tec contest with a 2 fer deal first is a steering wheel adapt 50's buick wheel adapted on to a modern gw style colum. First the donor wheel mid 60's GM.

Cut with a hack saw or cut off wheel the center is what we need.

Next we broke off all the plastic on the needed part. Thru it on the ground to start fracturing the plastic then finished knocking off with a hammer & chisel to clean up the rest.

The wheel it will be adapted to from a 50 buick I was told.


Screwed the wheel down back side up to a wood block that was screwed to some plywood.

Next select a hole saw that will just go over the outside diameter of the old hub center section.


Now the center is cut out.

Next turn the 60 donor section down for a nice tight fit into the 50 wheel, we used a lathe if you dont have one it could be done using a flap disc on a hand grinder then chuck up the part in a drill. you need the part as round as possible.

Tack in place.

Now fully weld.

clean & centered.

Next phase will come.

 

Now for phase 2 the dash. First the doner is out of a 57 pontiac.


Next was some measuring then cut the sucker up.

Gages sitting above.

More cutting & checking.


Playing with the layout.

On to more.

 

On to more build the new gage cluster opening after cutting & fitting.

Tacking it together.

The center section is where it needs to be.

Trial fit looking good owner likes a lot.


Now for the ends a little forming & shoving to get some shape.

Welded & ground smooth.

Next will it all work out lets see.

 

On we go with the ends welded & ground now check for fit & general looks.

Gage cluster pattern ckecking.

Gage cluster mesh screen from a old steel screen door.

Gages in place & reworked wheel.


Looking good.

Getting close.

Just about finished.

 

Cool!! Nice work!!!!

 

wow i like it the wheel looks pretty cool ,gage panel fits nice , good job

 

A few more pictures with the horn ring still need a center cover & a colum drop need to be made, but its getting close.

 

Nice dash work!
For a slightly different take on the steering wheel here is a thread I posted several years ago: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120327&highlight=steering

 

Great help. Thanks for both your tips and they were well illustrated too.

 

Very nice!

 

Nice, like em both. Now to attempt myself.

 

Enjoyed the 2 for 1!

 

A little finalizing of the dash had to be done lower support.

Buick nail head rod for colum drop.

Colum drop mount tab.


Colum final mounted in.

Dash end cap.


End cap with door closed.

Thats it for now brake pedal & lines plus wiring next week then its done & out the door.

 

GREAT!! I love that dash.