![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: PLANO, TX
Posts: 75
|
Steering wheel re-size
Has anyone taken there stock steering wheel and reduced the size to 13"?
__________________
1955.1 GMC 100 RestOMod 1972 T120RV 1967 C200 Trail 90 2014 TRD Quad CAB |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Surrey BC
Posts: 726
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
not personally but thinking about it. others have
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=457422 somewhere there is a older thread where the person used a plywood jig to help get the shape right and hold the parts - I can't find it. it appeared that he cut the rim into three sections, re-radiused them and welded back then filled/reshaped with epoxy A recent thread somewhat related in that it involves mods to wheel https://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vbo...d.php?t=848994 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Spokane, Wa
Posts: 226
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
13". wow.
Most of us have done 15". 13" sounds like chrome chain size.
__________________
Chip '51 Chevy 3600 5 window C4 Vette front/rear suspension & drive train full Rusto-Mod ![]() '92 GMC Sonoma GT VIN #0015 '91 GMC Sonoma GT extended cab 1 of 1 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: PLANO, TX
Posts: 75
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
hahahhahahaha.....not a Low rider!
So Sorry meant 15" or anything less than stock radius! I have a 55.1' GMC and would like to retain my original center cap and I have always liked the finger grooves in the originals!
__________________
1955.1 GMC 100 RestOMod 1972 T120RV 1967 C200 Trail 90 2014 TRD Quad CAB |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,342
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
`Now you have me wondering if I kept the wheel I took out of the 51 donor cab.
I'm thinking that the one I saw and it may have been a HAMB tech article used a smaller hoop welded to the spokes and they routered grooves in the plywood or mfd board to make a mold to pour the resin in to mold the wheel. The big problem with AD truck wheels and probably the 53 BelAir wheel I have saved back for my 48 is the bakelite that the wheel is made of to begin with. That stuff gets brittle and does't play well with other materials.
__________________
Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Spokane, Wa
Posts: 226
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
Before I worked on my wheel, I did a ton of research.
When fixing cracks, not just open up the finite cracks but under-cut an inverted v into the wheel then pour or jamb the epoxy. That way the filler wont 'pop' out. I wore a respirator while cutting, grinding and sanding, being the center seemed a bit dry powdery or fiberus. Wasn't sure if it might contain asbestos, which alot of bakelite objects did. I used stick form Polywater and J-B weld epoxies. Made molds for pouring with very heavy aluminum tape that has a sticky side. The rim was a 2 spoke Lecarra from Speedway. Hours and hours of sanding.
__________________
Chip '51 Chevy 3600 5 window C4 Vette front/rear suspension & drive train full Rusto-Mod ![]() '92 GMC Sonoma GT VIN #0015 '91 GMC Sonoma GT extended cab 1 of 1 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Surrey BC
Posts: 726
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
Is it possible to cut the AD rim into 3 or 4 sections and tighten the radius of each section?
This is what I saw in a post somewhere, but the pictures did not really show the process well. The final result looked good in the one picture but I could not tell if it was a true circle or a 'clover' shape. I have concerns that trying to bend it might break the Bakelite off you could make a silicon mold of a section of the AD rim with the finger grooves and use it to recast the rim with epoxy at the welded spots. Smooth-on is a brand commonly used by model makers |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Spokane, Wa
Posts: 226
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
I tried using the mold method but the transition from rim to spoke you had to make was a PITA. You are dealing with 3 different transitions on a new rim to an old spoke. If it was old to old, the mold method for a transition would be easy with minimal cleanup on mold before casting. Mine leaked out J B weld.
But on just a rim repair pour, that would be easy. Had to cut back enough bakelite to weld, then fill back in. have about 30 hours in, not counting the hurry up and wait for the goop to harden.
__________________
Chip '51 Chevy 3600 5 window C4 Vette front/rear suspension & drive train full Rusto-Mod ![]() '92 GMC Sonoma GT VIN #0015 '91 GMC Sonoma GT extended cab 1 of 1 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: PLANO, TX
Posts: 75
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
This is the subject at hand!
I've always liked how my hand fits on the center piece, and would like to keep as much of that a possible to have a 15" wheel. This Wheel has a very nice GMC center circle! Someone make's a Chevrolet flat top circle center piece 15" wheel that looks real nice but I'd lose my GMC center circle so I'm out on that one. There are a lot of really nice wheels out on the market and I am just trying to weigh all my options out. My IDIDIT column should be here any day now, it's been months since I ordered it!
__________________
1955.1 GMC 100 RestOMod 1972 T120RV 1967 C200 Trail 90 2014 TRD Quad CAB |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#10 |
Senior Member
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Glendora, CA
Posts: 6,336
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
If you're willing to spend the money there is at least one company that is already making them in a smaller diameter and will color them anyway you want INCLUDING clear with color! I'll post a couple example photos from their site and link below:
https://qualityrestorations.com/chevyreduced-diameter/
__________________
'55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Concord, CA
Posts: 133
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
Quote:
I like the idea of doing one myself but no matter how much time I put into it, I doubt I would ever get to that level of quality.
__________________
55 Cameo w/ 409/700r4 |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Morris, Alabama
Posts: 179
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#13 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Concord, CA
Posts: 133
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
Quote:
__________________
55 Cameo w/ 409/700r4 |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: PLANO, TX
Posts: 75
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
I just put a request in on pricing and lead time, I will let you know what I am told when I hear back.
Those sure are some beautiful looking wheels!!!
__________________
1955.1 GMC 100 RestOMod 1972 T120RV 1967 C200 Trail 90 2014 TRD Quad CAB |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 |
Junior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: PLANO, TX
Posts: 75
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
Here is what Dennisqualityrestorations.gmail said:
single color with lifetime warranty $2900.00 these are not painted but solid color wheels for the continental us there is a return shipping charge of $75-$125 with insurance of $3200.00 For the 2 color cast wheels add $700 for the 2nd color 8-10 week turn around! Wheels can be modified to fit GM style aftermarket columns such as Flaming River and IDIDIT add $200 I will say his wheels look amazing to me!! I love the 2 tone GMC wheel and would love one in my colors ![]()
__________________
1955.1 GMC 100 RestOMod 1972 T120RV 1967 C200 Trail 90 2014 TRD Quad CAB Last edited by JDarby; 05-16-2024 at 11:41 AM. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Concord, CA
Posts: 133
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
Yes, they do look amazing.
That's a big price tag for improvement but I'm thinking I would go that route before attempting the DIY route. (When I take on a new project, it usually takes three times as long and costs three times the money, and it rarely turns out exactly as I had wanted.)
__________________
55 Cameo w/ 409/700r4 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Warsaw IN
Posts: 884
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
I have a 53 3100. I shortened my column tube and shaft I think 3 or 4 inches so I could use the 57-59 dished wheel and the cool integrated turn signal switch. I restored one wheel but I have another unrestored wheel to try with. I paid less than $20 for it. I'm now adding EPAS Performance electric P/S and a 1.5 steering quickener. A smaller wheel would be nice. I'm going to give it a shot. I have the tools we'll see about the talent. It's a pretty simple wheel. I could probably mold a red band at the top center. When I restored the first wheel I used the P something epoxy and it went well.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Concord, CA
Posts: 133
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
Quote:
__________________
55 Cameo w/ 409/700r4 |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Warsaw IN
Posts: 884
|
Re: Steering wheel re-size
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|