Cutting down steering wheel - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jolby · 05-02-2013, 11:32 PM

I am thinking about cutting down my steering wheel since I have power steering and I am switching over to Silverado seats with the built in seatbelts. Wondering if this is something I should take on or just buy a new one. I have a brand new steering column that came with the 9 bolt adapter but I modified the horn contact to work with the horn ring on my deluxe wheel. Thoughts or suggestions. Thanks

racecougar · 05-03-2013, 10:14 AM

theastronaut did a great job on documenting how he did it. It starts at post #211:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=474456&page=9

theastronaut · 05-03-2013, 10:33 AM

^ Beat me to it ^

MalibuKasey built one too, but he found a 15" boat steering wheel and just swapped rims. Much less welding, reshaping, and filling with epoxy. I would have done the same but couldn't find a 15" wheel with the right grip style.

He has a few pics on page three, post number 55.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ttercup&page=3

Jolby · 05-04-2013, 12:48 AM

Jumped right into and cut up the wheel today. I think "so far, so good", will work on building up the gaps maybe tomorrow or Monday.

theastronaut · 05-04-2013, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jolby

Jumped right into and cut up the wheel today. I think "so far, so good", will work on building up the gaps maybe tomorrow or Monday.

Looks good, and I like that you built a jig to keep everything lined up. I didn't and I had to do some tweaking that caused more cutting/welding and filler work.

**aerotruk63** · 05-04-2013, 07:18 AM

That looks great!

61_FL_Apache · 05-04-2013, 10:43 AM

Subscribed.. I have my original wheel too minus the center parts.. I would like to do this too!

Your is looking great!!

Reyals Bemus · 05-04-2013, 10:50 AM

I'd love to do this to mine as well. Question: the steering wheel outer shell doesn't crack when bent into a smaller radius?

theastronaut · 05-04-2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reyals Bemus

I'd love to do this to mine as well. Question: the steering wheel outer shell doesn't crack when bent into a smaller radius?

Mine did when I re-arched it, just ground out the cracks and filled them with epoxy.

shawno72 · 05-04-2013, 10:53 AM

Sub'd great work guys!

sambudo · 05-08-2014, 02:06 PM

sweet job

1963c-10 · 05-08-2014, 02:12 PM

Nice work....

ChefCy · 05-08-2014, 05:31 PM

Nice! Looks like you know what your doing. I might have to drop by and visit and see this up close

Im in Stafford.
I wanted to do this but since I am welded(ly?) challenged i went an found an impala wheel.

earl84 · 05-08-2014, 09:32 PM

Very nice, this is one of my future projects.

supercharged · 05-08-2014, 11:41 PM

Any pics of the finished product?

theastronaut · 05-09-2014, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by supercharged

Any pics of the finished product?

Here's my 15" in primer.

**62bagger** · 10-30-2023, 05:40 PM

Because I am tall I was having leg room issues and wanted a smaller steering wheel. I also did not have the budget to have my wheel cut down. I found Jolby's post and thought all I can do is mess it up. It turned out ok. I know where all the flaws are but I like the result so far. I need to get the paint matched to the column. If someone knows the white paint codes for the 62 that would be appreciated.

**62bagger** · 10-30-2023, 05:44 PM

If you do not like sanding you might not want to start this project. It takes time and patience. Not something I am great at. Lots of sanding.

**Getter-Done** · 10-31-2023, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62bagger

Because I am tall I was having leg room issues and wanted a smaller steering wheel. I also did not have the budget to have my wheel cut down. I found Jolby's post and thought all I can do is mess it up. It turned out ok. I know where all the flaws are but I like the result so far. I need to get the paint matched to the column. If someone knows the white paint codes for the 62 that would be appreciated.

Pure White 521.

Nice job on the wheel.

joesscamaro · 10-31-2023, 08:51 AM

Looks good from the pictures! I'll be doing this to mine soon!

SkinnyG · 11-10-2023, 10:47 PM

Nicely done!

I bent 1" 16ga round tubing around the dropped center of a cut down 15" Cavalier wheel, which gave me a 14.5" outside diameter. Blended it all in with JB Weld putty (a wet finger helps blend it all in), and like you did, sand sand sand sand and paint.

**62bagger** · 11-11-2023, 12:44 AM

Your wheel turned out real nice as well. There is a ton of sanding with this project. When you think you have it finished you notice spots that need more attention. I am happy with the finished result.

**62bagger** · 11-11-2023, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

Nicely done!

I bent 1" 16ga round tubing around the dropped center of a cut down 15" Cavalier wheel, which gave me a 14.5" outside diameter. Blended it all in with JB Weld putty (a wet finger helps blend it all in), and like you did, sand sand sand sand and paint.

I looked at your video on the build of your wheel when I did research for this project but I didn't think I could get the tubbing bent in a nice flat ring like yours.

SkinnyG · 11-11-2023, 01:37 AM

It was easier than you might think, but you'd really want a 10' length.

On the other hand, the steel hoop is pretty cold now, as we're heading into winter. I might like a cover of some kind on it.

**62bagger** · 11-11-2023, 04:42 PM

I like the fact that it has a larger diameter than the original wheel. I agree that it might be cold in the winter.
Your truck looks great. Nice build.

05-02-2013, 11:32 PM	#1
Jolby Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Richmond, TX Posts: 26	Cutting down steering wheel I am thinking about cutting down my steering wheel since I have power steering and I am switching over to Silverado seats with the built in seatbelts. Wondering if this is something I should take on or just buy a new one. I have a brand new steering column that came with the 9 bolt adapter but I modified the horn contact to work with the horn ring on my deluxe wheel. Thoughts or suggestions. Thanks

05-03-2013, 10:33 AM	#3
theastronaut Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Anderson SC Posts: 3,901	Re: Cutting down steering wheel ^ Beat me to it ^ MalibuKasey built one too, but he found a 15" boat steering wheel and just swapped rims. Much less welding, reshaping, and filling with epoxy. I would have done the same but couldn't find a 15" wheel with the right grip style. He has a few pics on page three, post number 55. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ttercup&page=3 __________________ Project Goldilocks '66 C10 Short Fleet BBW Build '65 C10 Highly Detailed Stock Restoration Thread '78 Camaro Targa Roof Build '55 International Metal/Body/Paint Work '66 F100 Full Rotisserie Restoration '40 Packard 120 Convertible Coupe Restoration How To Restore and Detail an Original Gauge Cluster How To Detail Sand Body Panels, Edges, Corners, Etc

05-04-2013, 12:48 AM	#4
Jolby Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Richmond, TX Posts: 26	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Jumped right into and cut up the wheel today. I think "so far, so good", will work on building up the gaps maybe tomorrow or Monday. Attached Images

05-04-2013, 07:18 AM	#6
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Cutting down steering wheel That looks great! __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

05-04-2013, 10:43 AM	#7
61_FL_Apache Who Me? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL Posts: 4,067	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Subscribed.. I have my original wheel too minus the center parts.. I would like to do this too! Your is looking great!! __________________ Steve 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 2001 Blazer 4D 2WD 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold)

05-03-2013, 10:14 AM	#2
racecougar Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 1,003	Re: Cutting down steering wheel theastronaut did a great job on documenting how he did it. It starts at post #211: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=474456&page=9 __________________ Rod @ AzzKicker Cars 1965 C10 SWB - Build Thread

05-04-2013, 10:50 AM	#8
Reyals Bemus Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Billerica, MA Posts: 329	Re: Cutting down steering wheel I'd love to do this to mine as well. Question: the steering wheel outer shell doesn't crack when bent into a smaller radius?

05-04-2013, 10:53 AM	#10
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Sub'd great work guys! __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

05-08-2014, 02:06 PM	#11
sambudo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Vancouver,Wa Posts: 339	Re: Cutting down steering wheel sweet job __________________ 1968 C10, 250, L6 4spd OTF, Fleetside Upgrades: Power Steering .......................____ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/

05-08-2014, 02:12 PM	#12
1963c-10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: fayetteville nc Posts: 10,338	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Nice work.... __________________ 1963 Short bed step side SBW 427 big block and borg warner T-16 HD 3 speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=519869 1963 Short bed fleetside BBW 348 1st gen big block w/Powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619024 1964 Short bed trailer

05-08-2014, 05:31 PM	#13
ChefCy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Houston,TX.....Hometown of San Jose Cali Posts: 361	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Nice! Looks like you know what your doing. I might have to drop by and visit and see this up close Im in Stafford. I wanted to do this but since I am welded(ly?) challenged i went an found an impala wheel. __________________ 63 big window lwb bagged and shaved

05-08-2014, 09:32 PM	#14
earl84 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Montrose, CO Posts: 972	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Very nice, this is one of my future projects.

05-08-2014, 11:41 PM	#15
supercharged Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kemah, TX Posts: 210	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Any pics of the finished product? __________________ Supercharged Scottsman Scottish by birth, American by law, Texan by the grace of God. “To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.” ― Aristotle

10-30-2023, 05:40 PM	#17
62bagger Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Sonora California Posts: 285	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Because I am tall I was having leg room issues and wanted a smaller steering wheel. I also did not have the budget to have my wheel cut down. I found Jolby's post and thought all I can do is mess it up. It turned out ok. I know where all the flaws are but I like the result so far. I need to get the paint matched to the column. If someone knows the white paint codes for the 62 that would be appreciated. Attached Images

10-30-2023, 05:44 PM	#18
62bagger Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Sonora California Posts: 285	Re: Cutting down steering wheel If you do not like sanding you might not want to start this project. It takes time and patience. Not something I am great at. Lots of sanding. Attached Images



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10-31-2023, 08:51 AM	#20
joesscamaro Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newport, North Carolina Posts: 643	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Looks good from the pictures! I'll be doing this to mine soon!

11-10-2023, 10:47 PM	#21
SkinnyG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Beautiful BC, Canada, eh?! Posts: 2,267	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Nicely done! I bent 1" 16ga round tubing around the dropped center of a cut down 15" Cavalier wheel, which gave me a 14.5" outside diameter. Blended it all in with JB Weld putty (a wet finger helps blend it all in), and like you did, sand sand sand sand and paint. __________________ 1961 Apache: "Grabber Orange" Shortboxed, pancake, step-notch, air-ride, turbo, LS 1977 Silverado: Shortboxed & dropped, potato-potato V8 Pontiac Firefly (Chevy Sprint): The ultimate engine swap: 5.7L in a 1.0L bag Lotus Super 7 Replica: Scratch-built street-legal rollerskate

11-11-2023, 12:44 AM	#22
62bagger Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Sonora California Posts: 285	Re: Cutting down steering wheel Your wheel turned out real nice as well. There is a ton of sanding with this project. When you think you have it finished you notice spots that need more attention. I am happy with the finished result.

11-11-2023, 01:37 AM	#24
SkinnyG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Beautiful BC, Canada, eh?! Posts: 2,267	Re: Cutting down steering wheel It was easier than you might think, but you'd really want a 10' length. On the other hand, the steel hoop is pretty cold now, as we're heading into winter. I might like a cover of some kind on it. __________________ 1961 Apache: "Grabber Orange" Shortboxed, pancake, step-notch, air-ride, turbo, LS 1977 Silverado: Shortboxed & dropped, potato-potato V8 Pontiac Firefly (Chevy Sprint): The ultimate engine swap: 5.7L in a 1.0L bag Lotus Super 7 Replica: Scratch-built street-legal rollerskate

11-11-2023, 04:42 PM	#25
62bagger Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Sonora California Posts: 285	Re: Cutting down steering wheel I like the fact that it has a larger diameter than the original wheel. I agree that it might be cold in the winter. Your truck looks great. Nice build.

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