Car Care
Steering Wheel Install
Pull a fast one and turn a few heads
Created by Dan BurrillHere is a great way to update an older car's interior for a small amount of money in a short amount of time. A new steering wheel is fairly easy to install and doesn't require a lot of expensive tools to get the job done. And it doesn't take a lot of time to do the change. There are several steering wheel styles to choose from, everything from the old Banjo wire steering wheels to the more modern spoke and woodgrain wheels.
Full Circle
While there are many wheel companies out there, Grant Products is the largest manufacturer of custom steering wheels in the U.S. for all types of cars and trucks. The company has an automotive and racing heritage that began in 1922 with its founding by Gerry Grant. Over the years, Grant has sponsored many types of racecars, including a record-setting Indy 500 car. He's also one of the original sponsors of the prestigious 200 MPH club. Many of today's racecars and boats, in all motorsport venues, race with a Grant steering wheel.
A Round or Two
To get started on the installation, point the car wheels straight ahead and disconnect the car battery. Next remove the horn button or ring on the stock wheel so you can see the large nut holding the old wheel on. (Usually there are two screws on the back holding the horn ring and center cover on.)
Now remove the large nut holding the wheel to the shaft. Mark the shaft to indicate the location of the top of the wheel. Next you will need a small inexpensive wheel puller (available at most auto parts stores) to remove the old wheel.
If a puller is not available, you may improvise an efficient one to do the job. By drilling two holes of the proper size in a short steel bar and using two screws of the proper length, you can tighten them and pull the old wheel very easily. Then simply reverse the procedure and you'll have a new steering wheel in short order, giving your resto project a shot in the arm.
Resource
Grant Products, 700 Allen Ave., Glendale, CA 91201 800-952-6947, 818-247-2910, Fax: 818-241-4683, www.grantproducts.com
Step 1
For this application on a late 1960's pony car, the wheel of choice features a mahogany wood grip, polished aluminum, three-spoke design with a billet horn ring and a black button trim ring. The wheel is 14.5-inches in diameter, has a 3-inch dish and includes a black styling sleeve. To make this work on your car you will need an installation kit. Total cost for both is around $200.00.
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Step 2
After you remove the old wheel, this is what you will see. You are now ready to install the mounting kit.
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Step 3
Position hub on the splined shaft so that your "top" mark lines up with the hub.
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Step 4
Press down firmly on the hub with your thumb(s), pushing it down as far as it will go.
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Step 5
Now feed the two horn wires through the black post cover and the black styling sleeve. Align the three holes of the post cover and the black styling sleeve with the hub and install the three shoulder bolts provided. When tightening the three bolts, keep in mind that they are not meant to hold the wheel to the hub, but only to position the wheel to the hub.
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Step 6
Now with a deep well socket, reinstall the center nut and tighten securely.
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Step 8
Next mount the wheel and the chrome outer ring with the five Allen screws.
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Step 9
Plug the horn wires into the bottom of the black horn button and push the button into the center of the wheel.
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Step 10
Here's the wheel installed. Note how it fits with the rest of the interior and upgrades the car. Don't forget to reconnect the battery.
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