Author Topic: New smaller steering wheel install - how to  (Read 4460 times)

Offline Mickm

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New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« on: March 28, 2015 - 10:46:01 PM »
Thought I would share my latest project on the 'Cuda. I had the original standard wheel and horn button and while I liked the looks of the original, it's diameter of 15" was a bit too large for my taste.

I felt a 14" half wrapped wheel, that looks very close to the original design, would be the answer. The only problem would be mounting. I wanted to keep the original crush can so an adapter would need to be fabricated to accommodate nine mounting holes and the horn switch.

I found a perfect candidate that is the right size  but where the original has 3 holes the new version has 3 ovals in the newer.

If this sounds interested follow along as I show what I did.


This was the stock configuration.


This is the new wheel with a 3/16" circle to be made into the adapter.


The small "horn representative ring" was removed and the wheel ground and polished


The crush can was chucked up in a lathe and the top face parted off. This shortened the adapter .75".


After all mounting holes for the new wheel and original horn switch were drilled and tapped, a plug was made to hold the new adapter plate in position in the crush can
so it could be welded all around.


This is the assembly before installed into the car


Here's the new wheel, horn and crush can assembly in position. I am very pleased with the results as it resembles the original, feels much better and it makes getting in and out of the car much more comfortable.

I am working on a new all billet horn button and will post a pic of it when completed.

Cheers!
Mickm
MickM




Offline brads70

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2015 - 11:33:57 PM »
Great job, looks great! :clapping: :2thumbs:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline Katfish

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2015 - 06:46:41 AM »
Good info, well done

Offline TelisSE440

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2015 - 07:05:18 AM »
Nice job, you did there, the wheel is nice too  :thumbsup:

Offline CUDA JAS

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2015 - 09:10:33 AM »
hey that's pretty cool!

Much nicer then the Grant adapters that I have seen.

I would forego the billet horn button, I like the look of the stock button.  You have to look twice to notice the aftermarket wheel.

Jason
74 'cuda 360/727



Gearhead: car nut, automotive enthusiast, one who loves hot rods, muscle cars, hot trucks, burnin' rubber and neck snapping performance. 

Just call me a gearhead!

Offline anlauto

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2015 - 09:46:39 AM »
Nice, I really like that wheel for a 72-74 resto-mod....nice subtle upgrade :2thumbs:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
www.alangallantautomotiverestoration.com

Offline mr_340

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #6 on: March 29, 2015 - 11:04:21 AM »
Nice upgrade . :thumbsup: looks great

Offline brads70

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #7 on: March 29, 2015 - 12:48:21 PM »
Nice, I really like that wheel for a 72-74 resto-mod....nice subtle upgrade :2thumbs:

 :iagree: :2thumbs:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline johns cuda shop

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #8 on: March 29, 2015 - 01:20:43 PM »
Yup, Looks great... :bigsmile:
71 Cuda Gen III Aluminum 426 Hemi T56 6 speed 4.10 8.75 Modified & Lowered RMS coilover suspension Wilwood discs

Offline Mickm

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #9 on: March 29, 2015 - 09:09:29 PM »
Thanks for the kind words guys, I am very pleased with the results, even more than I realized on the test drive.
This smaller wheel is very comfortable.
Cheers!
Mickm
MickM

Offline Rich G

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Re: New smaller steering wheel install - how to
« Reply #10 on: March 29, 2015 - 11:57:02 PM »
Its all  in the details. Nice job!