|
Author
|
Topic: Steering wheel time.
|
Bulldog66
Journeyman Posts: 96
From: Lake City, Fl.
Registered: Nov 2006
|
posted 11-14-2006 10:03 AM
 
On my way to the Gym this morning the horn ring decided it'd had enough and flew off in my lap  It's the original set up so I guess 41 years is not too shabby. The sad part is, it revealed 2 major split points in the steering wheel itself. Now, decision time. My Mustang is a restomod, however, I'd say 90% of the vehicle is still year specific. The only thing that's not is the stereo and rear speakers. ( Interior wise ) Do I go with an original steering wheel setup or do I go with a new handy dandy steering wheel? That is the question... Thoughts? Any tricks I should kknow in getting a steering wheel off that's been there for 41 years? I plan on doing this when I get back from the Swap Meet in GA, this weekend. Rob. ------------------
66' A code 289 Coupe.
95' F250 5.8 on 6" of Rancho lift and 35" MT Baja's.
06' Explorer - wifes truck. [This message has been edited by Bulldog66 (edited 11-14-2006).]
|
68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
|
posted 11-14-2006 10:46 AM
Grant makes some nice wheels. You can also pick up a steering wheel puller at almost any parts store. Don't make the mistake I did, I got a 13" wheel and it's just a little too small for my taste, but it's on there for a while anyway.------------------
William
M&M# 4256
MCA# 64831 68 Coupe
289
C4
3:55's/Trac-Lok
|
minnesotamustanger
Journeyman Posts: 36
From: Hutchinson, Minnesota
Registered: Apr 2005
|
posted 11-14-2006 10:54 AM
I put a Grant GT wheel on my 67. It matches my aluminum dash nicely. It is smaller than the original, but I have P/S so it is OK. I bought it on Ebay for $22! You will also need an intallation kit for about $20.Good luck, Mike
|
rmousir
Gearhead Posts: 1124
From: Amelia, Ohio
Registered: May 2003
|
posted 11-14-2006 12:41 PM
you could get the nice wood wheel or get a wheel that matches your rims. Looks pretty cool when I see that. jmo.Richard.
|
John Z
Gearhead Posts: 506
From: Morgantown, WV
Registered: Jul 99
|
posted 11-14-2006 01:32 PM
On a 67 I once had an original wheel twist off in my hands. Of course this happened while I was trying to negotiate a corner. It was definitely a dirty shorts moment! IIRC there are only a couple of short steel studs that reinforce the hub and the spokes and the spokes pulled out of the studs. So do not go too long before repairing/replacing. Good luck with the Grant install kit. It can be frustrating to get the horn button to work correctly.
|
Scott H
Gearhead Posts: 1480
From: Chicago area
Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 11-14-2006 02:16 PM
I hate the Grant steering wheels because of the shoddy design of the horn connection. I also don't like the thicker feel of the rim.Opinion....nothing looks better on a 66 than a stock original woodgrain (deluxe, pony) steering wheel. I have one in my 66 A-code GT coupe with the standard black upholstery and I frequently get comments about how nice it looks.
|
Bulldog66
Journeyman Posts: 96
From: Lake City, Fl.
Registered: Nov 2006
|
posted 11-14-2006 06:59 PM
Budget - wise, it looks like Grant is going to be my ticket.I checked with the few popular vendors and the ones I want / need are in the 300+ dollar range. I'll grab a puller at the local Napa if I don't have one in my box already. Seems like I have had to pull a few wheels in my wrench turning days. I'm gonna go with the sastalgic styled wheel with the pony emblem. Thanks for the replys. ------------------
66' A code 289 Coupe.
95' F250 5.8 on 6" of Rancho lift and 35" MT Baja's.
06' Explorer - wifes truck.
|
68 Coop
Gearhead Posts: 5847
From: Mesquite, NV. 89027
Registered: Oct 2004
|
posted 11-14-2006 12:48 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Scott H:
I hate the Grant steering wheels because of the shoddy design of the horn connection. I also don't like the thicker feel of the rim.Opinion....nothing looks better on a 66 than a stock original woodgrain (deluxe, pony) steering wheel. I have one in my 66 A-code GT coupe with the standard black upholstery and I frequently get comments about how nice it looks.
I guess I lucked out then, my horn button went on with just a twist. It all went together just like it was supposed to, but I went with the old school wheel, 3 spoke with holes and the rubber grip area.
|
Scott H
Gearhead Posts: 1480
From: Chicago area
Registered: Mar 2005
|
posted 11-14-2006 08:08 PM
quote:
Originally posted by 68 Coop:
I guess I lucked out then, my horn button went on with just a twist. It all went together just like it was supposed to, but I went with the old school wheel, 3 spoke with holes and the rubber grip area.
The rubber grip wheel has a better horn design, I should have been more specific...the wood with the pony emblem is the one that usually pops off or shorts out. Since the steering wheel is in your hands and in front of your face 100% of the time when you are driving, I would definately spend the extra dollars for a nicer one. It will add to your enjoyment of the car, add to the value of the car, and won't detract from either one.
|
mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 8198
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
|
posted 11-15-2006 01:24 PM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scott H:
Opinion....nothing looks better on a 66 than a stock original woodgrain (deluxe, pony) steering wheel.
YES! The best Mustang wheel of all time! Unbiaaed opinion  Like to have one on my 68! Have the wheel just got to "rig" it a bit! [This message has been edited by mellowyellow (edited 11-15-2006).]
|
Bulldog66
Journeyman Posts: 96
From: Lake City, Fl.
Registered: Nov 2006
|
posted 11-21-2006 06:22 AM
So at the Moultrie swap meet, I picked up a Grant wheel.I installed it yesterday. It looks really good, I like the woodgrain and the feel in my hand is nice while cruising. I absolutely hate the horn button. Thank goodness I only paid 80 bucks for it. I don't feel bad. Atleast I know first hand now that that style Grant wheel sucks for early Mustangs. I had to change the wheel, even if it was with a POS one. The cracks were severe and I didn't want any issues going down the road.
Back to the searching board...
------------------
66' A code 289 Coupe.
95' F250 5.8 on 6" of Rancho lift and 35" MT Baja's.
06' Explorer - wifes truck.
|
nickmobile67
Gearhead Posts: 200
From: NJ
Registered: May 2003
|
posted 11-21-2006 07:49 PM
I have the same mixed feeling. I took the stock wheel out of my '67 about a month ago. I put in a $20 swap meet grant type wheel. It's got chrome drilled spokes and a hard rubber grip. I like that it's from the '60's, I don't like the new foam grips.I bought a new grant adapter/horn kit and it went together fine. It's slightly improved over the old style grant horn adapters, so the chrome cap twists on like most steering wheels instead of snapping on like they used to (same button though) I like the look and feel of the new one, but I'm definatly hanging on to the original.
|
