steering wheel

[lynx5653]

Any problems using an 18" wheel with power steering in the 2nd series trucks?

[OrrieG]

check to make sure it will work with the seat you choose. I am using a 48 wheel on my 82 Eldo column, works fine for me but I am not a big person and wheel is tele/tilt.

[mr48chev]

If it's in the same location as stock you are good unless the beer and biscuits have taken a tole on the waist line.

The problem comes when you start moving the location of the wheel or angle of the wheel or put a seat in with a leanback that takes up too much space behind you.

[Coupeguy2001]

I have the original wheel on mine with power steering. The wheel is super sensitive to changes because you have so much leverage. There is a power steering place here in phoenix that increases the effort in the box and makes the sensitivity a lot less.

[lynx5653]

thanks for info, I plan on an ididit tilt column and 03 silverado buckets.
think this combo will work with a 55 chevy wheel?

[mr48chev]

I don't see why not as I don't think the backs on those buckets are all that thick. If you had buckets out of a 2000 extended cab like my son has I'd say it's iffy as the backs of those seats are very thick.
The worse buckets I've seen for these trucks are the mid 70's Camaro/Firebird Highback seats that were popular in the 80's as the backs angle back so far that they push the cushion way forward even when the seat is all the way back. I've got a pair of early 90's Grand Caravan captains chairs in an 80 something Dodge mini ram van panel that would work pretty good in an AD as the backs are pretty well upright and the seats sit about the same height as the stock seat. That van is my 35.00 storage shed for parts right now though.

[Coupeguy2001]

I used 86 buick somerset regal (the little regal) buckets with the tops (headrests) cut off.
I went to a fabric store that sells auto cloth and picked out what I wanted, then had an upholstery shop recover them.
The seats have looked great for over 10 years, and the fabric is just beginning to fade.
I used cloth because it is 115 here in the summer, and leather just makes you sweat more.
The seats are similar after being cut to 67 Camaro buckets, or early low back chevelle.
Plenty of room for me, I'm 5'7. I made my own seat mounts, and raised them up a little for leg room.
I have a Ididit chrome tilt column and a factory 57 wheel.
it is at the normal angle all the time, I never have to tilt it. but no beer gut either.

[lynx5653]

coupeguy, thanks for info. I tried looking at your truck but link doesnt work in your signature.

[lynx5653]

this is the wheel my wife would like in the truck. 1949 crestliner, a tad pricey but we will see.

[Flysocal]

So many cool wheels made in the 50s and 60s. Just too damned big. Reducing and refurbishing can be done for 500 and up to north of 1500. I got a quote for 1800 from quality restorations to take my 54 wheel and reduce it to 15". Did a bunch of research and decided to try it myself. Bought the kit from Eastwood and am in the middle of the project. Not sure how it's going to turn out but so far so good. Enjoying arts and crafts time.