Steering Wheel Idea....weight in

[Mickm]

Hi guys,

If you seen any of my post about things I am doing to my 'Cuda, you know I am all about driving and enjoying the cars.
I strive to take the original design perimeters and make them appear as if they were designed today.

With this being said, I have an issue with my original steering wheel. Due to it's diameter, when I slide into the car normally the bottom of the wheel always rubs the top of my pants/shorts and leaves black marks.
To keep this from happening, I find myself backing into the car and sitting down then swinging my legs in, sorta side saddle mounting if you will. Not very manly!

So, I thought I would address this by going to a smaller diameter steering wheel. I like the three hole configuration of my original and found a couple that are 14" diameter and look very similar to my original with the holes being ovals (which is pretty cool).

I have not found anyone who makes a crush can replacement that will mount a 9 hole steering wheel or an aftermarket wheel that doesn't have the big hole in the center allowing me to use an original horn button.

I really like the looks of the 70-71 rimblow horn button but it doesn't blow. I think by now you are see where I am going. lol

So, I am working on making a reproduction crush can (from aluminum) that would be painted black, anodized black or left plain that will mount a aftermarket 9 hole steering wheel with a rimblow horn button that will blow using the original horn assembly.



Here is a picture of what I have now



This is what it will look like when completed.

I would appreciate any input or opinions towards my project you would like to share.

Cheers!
Mickm

[brads70]

I like the look of what your planning, kind of an updated look.
I just bought a leather wrapped tough wheel (14 1/4" OD) and a dodge rim blow center. I currently have a grant tuff wheel (15 1/4"OD)

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/161600468991?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/281091412929?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

[dfrazz]

That looks sweet! 

[burdar]

Stock steering wheels look somewhat out of place on a custom build.  I like the look of the new wheel.  Why is the original leaving black marks on your pants?  Is the plastic starting to get chalky?

[Mickm]

The for the input guys.
"Why is the original leaving black marks on your pants?" The wheel doesn't look chalky, it actually looks in excellent condition but it is over 40 years old so it may be. It may be some of the jerry-curl rubber dressing I have on it too. lol
In the end, I just think the OD it too big.

Cheers!
Mickm

[Mickm]

I see the rimblow ring and rubber for sale but the rubber cut I see doesn't have the recess for the fish.
Anyone know where you can buy the one for the fish?
Cheers!
Mickm

[anlauto]

Dales Cuda shop sells a custom "Fish Cap" that works with a horn button inside designed for the Tuff Grip steering wheel. http://www.dalescudashop.com/ricecapfortu.html



I don't understand why you need to modify the crush can ? Why not drill three holes in the new steering wheel ? Three more small ones, tapped for the horn button ?

[anlauto]

I love the look of that custom wheel

[dfrazz]

Dales Cuda shop sells a customer "Fish Cap" that works with a horn button inside designed for the Tuff Grip steering wheel. http://www.dalescudashop.com/ricecapfortu.html
I don't understand why you need to modify the crush can ? Why not drill three holes in the new steering wheel ? Three more small ones, tapped for the horn button ?

Dave at Woodgrain sells the cap too and is a sponsor....  www.rimblowsteeringwheels.com/PRODUCTS_AND_SERVICES.html

[HP2]

Why not drill three holes in the new steering wheel ? Three more small ones, tapped for the horn button ?

This is what I did. I was even able to remount the original horn button assembly too.

[Mickm]

I don't understand why you need to modify the crush can ? Why not drill three holes in the new steering wheel ? Three more small ones, tapped for the horn button ?
[/quote]

The nine hole steering wheel I have has a very large hole in the center where the 3 mounting bolts, and horn mounting bolts would be. I could machine a plate to go between the can and the wheel , with the holes as your mention, but that would push it closer to me.

I am thinking about finding out the height of the original rimblow can and make my aluminum one that height to move the wheel a bit closer to the dash.

Thanks guys,
Mickm

[anlauto]

Oh...okay....I guess none of the nine holes line up with the original three studs ? If you could get the new wheel somehow to sit flat on the crush can by modifying some of the holes, you can just make a sheet metal plate on top for mounting your horn switch ?

[crash340]

Brad, what tuff wheel did you end up buying? are you happy with it, any complaints??

[Fern]

I changed my 3 spoke wheel and installed a Grant wood nostalgic wheel. It has the mopar 3 holes and bolts right up. I didn't like the way the steering wheel is so close to your chest, so I changed the crush can with a B body one, which is 1 1/2" shorter. The new grant wheel is 15" which is 1" less in diameter. The problem with the crush can is since the wheel comes at an angle, the shorter crush can moves the wheel closer to your legs. I am going back to the original crush can.
I mention this since your making a crush can and have leg clearance problems already, so a shorter crush can will move the steering closer to the dash but also closer to your legs.

[roadman5312]

Tilt would have been a nice option. Wonder why they didn't offer it