Non-Power Steering Aftermarket Steering Wheels

[Blue_Aura]

For all of you who are still running without power steering in your trucks, what kind of aftermarket steering wheel are you using?

What is a diameter that is available (and affordable) that will work and won't make it ridiculous to try and turn? I figure that a 13" is just too small for a non-power steering truck. Also, what did you have to do in the way of an adapter kit for whatever wheel you are using?

What say you?

[markeb01]

I currently have power steering on my 1960 but from decades past I found the smallest practical steering wheel diameter for a 3500+ pound vehicle was about 15 ½”. I’ve known plenty of guys that ran 13.5” and 14.5” wheels and the vehicles were nearly unmanageable on the street, not only for parking but also for emergency maneuvering. There just wasn’t enough leverage to respond effectively. They looked cool at the dragstrip however.

For a cheap fix you might look into one of the GM compacts from the 60’s, like the Corvair, Tempest, Olds F85, or Buick Special. Most have a decent dish that should look natural on a stock truck column.

Just about any standard 3 bolt Grant or Superior adapter will fit any 3 bolt pattern aftermarket wheel. What becomes important is the depth of the steering wheel in combination with the column. Too much dish plus the thickness of the adapter can push the steering wheel uncomfortably close to the driver.

Most of the more expensive aftermarket wheels come with a compatible adapter for their brand or bolt pattern.

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by markeb01

I currently have power steering on my 1960 but from decades past I found the smallest practical steering wheel diameter for a 3500+ pound vehicle was about 15 ½”. I’ve known plenty of guys that ran 13.5” and 14.5” wheels and the vehicles were nearly unmanageable on the street, not only for parking but also for emergency maneuvering. There just wasn’t enough leverage to respond effectively. They looked cool at the dragstrip however.

For a cheap fix you might look into one of the GM compacts from the 60’s, like the Corvair, Tempest, Olds F85, or Buick Special. Most have a decent dish that should look natural on a stock truck column.

Just about any standard 3 bolt Grant or Superior adapter will fit any 3 bolt pattern aftermarket wheel. What becomes important is the depth of the steering wheel in combination with the column. Too much dish plus the thickness of the adapter can push the steering wheel uncomfortably close to the driver.

Most of the more expensive aftermarket wheels come with a compatible adapter for their brand or bolt pattern.

Thanks for the info. BTW, do you think a 60's Cadillac wheel would fit our trucks?

[markeb01]

Probably. Your best chance would be to find a wheel from 1963 or older. Almost all the GM column/wheel splines were the same from the 1930's up to the 1970's at least. And from about 1953-1967 the column diameter is nearly the same across most of the GM brands. It may be more limited in the Cadillac line because of tilt/telescoping columns.

What gets tricky is the depth and diameter at the hub of the steering wheel. Some models fit farther down into the top of the column while others are nearly flush. Best plan is to pull your current wheel, take photos and dimensions at the back of the hub and keep that with you for reference when you hit the junkyards or swap meets.

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by markeb01

Probably. Your best chance would be to find a wheel from 1963 or older. Almost all the GM column/wheel splines were the same from the 1930's up to the 1970's at least. And from about 1953-1967 the column diameter is nearly the same across most of the GM brands. It may be more limited in the Cadillac line because of tilt/telescoping columns.

What gets tricky is the depth and diameter at the hub of the steering wheel. Some models fit farther down into the top of the column while others are nearly flush. Best plan is to pull your current wheel, take photos and dimensions at the back of the hub and keep that with you for reference when you hit the junkyards or swap meets.

Again, good information to know. The current wheel I have on their now is a 70's Camaro wheel, which does NOT go with the look of the truck. I'll have to go check out this Cadillac wheel tonight and see.

Thanks! You saved me from buying a 14" or 14.5" Grant!!! Almost ordered it!

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by Blue_Aura

Again, good information to know. The current wheel I have on their now is a 70's Camaro wheel, which does NOT go with the look of the truck. I'll have to go check out this Cadillac wheel tonight and see.

Thanks! You saved me from buying a 14" or 14.5" Grant!!! Almost ordered it!

A cool Caddy column/wheel combo would be one that has tilt AND telescoping functions. Olds also had some. IIRC, they all had the bigger diameter wheels during those years. I think I've seen pics of them retro-fitted into our era trucks.
Sam