Steering wheel originality question

[Blue/72]

Looking at this 69-72 black steering wheel and wondering if it is original? I've read that it is a later GM produced replacement but not sure. Should I expect to pay original steering wheel price for it or is it considered aftermarket? Thanks guys, here is the part number

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

From what I've read that's original and maybe a "replacement" part. The variance being the mounting plate. Here's some info. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=575539

[Blue/72]

Yeah I looked at that thread. So does that mean that this was an NOS at one time and is now used but still GM?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by Blue/72

Yeah I looked at that thread. So does that mean that this was an NOS at one time and is now used but still GM?

NOS is a bit subjective, but yes, it was once a new original part. Probably a replacement, meaning the original stock was depleted. Only difference is the plate and stamp number. That's all I know anyway.

[special-K]

That has a GM part#, so it's OEM. Vans used these wheels in black through '78(?). I think that's why there was a second batch with slight changes and different part# were produced. It's the parts GM started selling under the GM Restoration Parts program that are mistaken for N.O.S. Those parts were made decades later when the aftermarket started producing reproduction. Certainly not a same for same factory replacement. More like same as other reproduction.

[Blue/72]

Anybody have amy more info? Are these more or less valuable that the original wheels that came in these trucks considerI got ting they are GM replacement? I saw a NOS wheel with this part number sell for $550 a while black, so can I assume $400 for a PERFECT one with this part number?

[special-K]

I think they are just as valuable because, basically they are the same. To be perfect it needs to be fairly shiny. I had a perfect one I am sure was N.O.S. or brand new take-off. It was complete with the yellow bowtie horn button. I sold it two years ago for $300 which was the price they were going for on here.

[jocko]

As far as steering wheels go - I could care less if it's NOS or GM replacement parts, etc - as long as it is actual GM. They have the stiff inner core, one thing that all the aftermarket ones (that I've tried) seem to lack. I swear, I fell like I was steering with a piece of spaghetti with my LMC olive wheel. There is a reason that uncracked GM steering wheels command a high dollar. I think the one pictured is worth about $305, to be exact
Maybe a little less if I decide to buy it...

[Blue/72]

This one will be the 4th in collection of non cracked 69-72 black steering wheels, this one being the nicest

[FirstOwner69]

Below are 2 pictures of my 1969 original steering wheel. I covered it with a lace-on leather cover when the truck had about 20,000 miles. The grain appears to be different from the one pictured in post 1.

[Blue/72]

I've seen a few different grain styles. I have had 5 wheels with grain like yours that were original 69-72 wheels with the part number given to wheels put on it the years 69-72. Then I have seen 1 NOS wheel, one early takeoff and this one that have a stightly different grain so that and the part number are the only differences I know. Here is a picture of another I have out of a low mile 71 that I just bought, same grain as yours

[Blue/72]

Up close

[FirstOwner69]

Close up of the same area on mine.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

I believe a mint NOS with that part number recently sold for $450-500. There's always a "risk" involved, because even if their perfect today they may crack tomorrow. I can't say how much exposure to the elements causes cracking, but from what I've read, it has to do with expansion/contraction of the plastic. Nice wheel First Owner

[davepl]

I've heard it's actually slow outgassing and shrinking of the plastics, and that even if stored indoors, after 40 years it's going to be hit or miss whether it develops a crack.

That's ultimately why I went with an OER repro, which seems quite strong (I have tilt so it has to be when you're gripping it up top and hit the release, for example).

The grain is a little more pronounced than I think is correct, but otherwise I'm happy with it.

I'd sure be content to run that black wheel, though I'd paint or replace the faded horn cap. What it's worth I'll defer to those that know.

[dubds10]

Last time I bought a mint black steering wheel, it wasn't anywhere near $500 lol Remember parts are only NOS at one time in their life. Once they are used, they are used and once a NOS part is out of its package and open to the elements it does affect the value as damage can occur.

The one in your first post is nice, but not $400 nice in my mind. Looks the same as the one I got for a lot less. Maybe $200 nice though if I really needed one lol

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by davepl

I've heard it's actually slow outgassing and shrinking of the plastics, and that even if stored indoors, after 40 years it's going to be hit or miss whether it develops a crack.

That's ultimately why I went with an OER repro, which seems quite strong (I have tilt so it has to be when you're gripping it up top and hit the release, for example).

The grain is a little more pronounced than I think is correct, but otherwise I'm happy with it.

I'd sure be content to run that black wheel, though I'd paint or replace the faded horn cap. What it's worth I'll defer to those that know.

Yes, I had it wrong.

My wheel does have 2-3 short hairline cracks. I'll likely slap it back on, but if ever need a replacement, will run with a repro. unless there's an original I can't pass up.

Just cleaned mine up for these images. Sadly, I haven't washed the interior or exterior of this truck in decades, all in anticipation of the rebuild now in process....I've only kept up on the engine compartment and under carriage........Other than those in images, I having nothing to compare this wheel to, but I'm happy with it.

[Blue/72]

So in all we have found that the later run gm wheel has a different part number and grain, and that they will cost just about as much as a normal 69-72 un-cracked wheel? And as for condition of steering wheels for ddubbs10, all the wheels that I buy undergo a small "restoration" before selling which includes 5 wet sanding papers starting at 500 grit to remove any big blemishes and build up to 2000 grit, then I polish them with a low speed buffing wheel which doesn't build head on the pad surface that would normally cause the plastic to heat up and dis-form, next they get a coat of amour-all which sits for a few hours then followed by 2 coats of wax then removed with the buffing wheel again. Both of these wheels will be coming up for sale this week and both will receive this treatment. I have had great success with this process on 3 previous wheels and it really brings out the shine of the steering wheel along with pointing out any imperfections I have missed. And as for price I have sold the last 3 at $310,$230 and $225 all not quite in as good as condition as the 2 pictured above, so I guess we will have to wait and see what they actually go for and if the later run GM wheel can compete with the factory 69-72 one

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Can anyone describe the variances in grain and how they apply to production years or models?

[davepl]

I'll try to get pictures of my original and replacement; truck's not at home but will see if I can get there.

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Anyone know if they used a clear coat on the original steering wheels, or the paint make-up?

[Blue/72]

As far as I k ow and I'm pretty sure, they aren't painted, they are molded black plastic. I sanded a large area down on one wheel with low grit paper and get black plastic shavings and after resanding with 2k and polishing you could never tell a difference from other areas of the wheel by touched. No matter how far down you go with sanding you can always give it the factory appearance

[davepl]

Here's a picture of the repro showing the very pronounced grain pattern. Of course my original has 45 years of wear to smooth it out, so you'd have to compare to an original to know much.

I took it at an angle to highlight the texture.

Until vBulletin figures out which way is up, it'll be upside down...

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Apparently so Blue 72