Steering wheel options for us Early A drivers

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gdizzle

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Any help here would be great. I am newbie (2 years) and just have the 1966 dart 270 with the original big steering wheel (cracks) with the full circle horn ring, 2 spoke. My hands always getting hung up in that damn spoke ring. And the wheel is really big, I am tall so it hits my legs.

So what are my options for other steering wheels, that are thicker, smaller, yet still allow me to use the horn etc... dont want to have to modify the turn switch. Just bolt on and go.

Thanks for any help. I am down for finding used wheels off newer cars, or buying something new that isnt made for a race car.
And what if I said my budget is $100?
 
One of the reasons the steering wheel is so large is to add leverage to turn it as a great many early A's were equipped with manual steering. With PS a smaller wheel would be more desirable but back then the only option was the large wheel. I believe something like a Tuff wheel might solve your problem.

Although later, smaller wheels will fit, you'll find that the later steering wheel's hub is much larger than the early A's small diameter steering column. Functionally, it will work although you may find ethically, it might look out of place.
 
I have manual steering on my 66 also. I didn't like the full circle horn ring either. I switched to the simulated woodgrain wheel. I bought it at the Nats from a member here for $100. You can find them for a hundred occasionally in pretty good shape. Much easier to use because you can underhand the wheel and pull down instead of going hand over hand on the top.
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My 64 has this stupid wheel in it. I'd love to have a stock 64 valiant wheel on it. Hell even one of those wood grain ones would look great. Haven't driven with the little wheel yet. The bigger stick wheel would look a ton better.



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My 64 has this stupid wheel in it. I'd love to have a stock 64 valiant wheel on it. Hell even one of those wood grain ones would look great. Haven't driven with the little wheel yet. The bigger stick wheel would look a ton better.



View attachment 1715024125
My dart has the power assist steering. And turning the wheel is super easy, too easy in fact.

Hey there is a 64 Valiant at my Pick a Part with the original steering wheel still on it, very cracky but it is there.
That wheel looks cool with the 3 spokes. Does it easily interface to the existing set up, with the Turn signal return, and the horn??
 
My dart has the power assist steering. And turning the wheel is super easy, too easy in fact.

Hey there is a 64 Valiant at my Pick a Part with the original steering wheel still on it, very cracky but it is there.
That wheel looks cool with the 3 spokes. Does it easily interface to the existing set up, with the Turn signal return, and the horn??
Just a simple exchange to install it.
 
My dart has the power assist steering. And turning the wheel is super easy, too easy in fact.

Hey there is a 64 Valiant at my Pick a Part with the original steering wheel still on it, very cracky but it is there.
That wheel looks cool with the 3 spokes. Does it easily interface to the existing set up, with the Turn signal return, and the horn??

Not sure. Haven't gotten the car running yet so I haven't really seen if the turn signals cancel or not. Looks like it has s proper wheel adapter kit on it.
 
Hey Toolman that looks like a great steering wheel. Where do I find it for $100? What is Nats?
 
Hey Toolman that looks like a great steering wheel. Where do I find it for $100? What is Nats?
You just have to look around. Sometimes they sell here, e bay, and at swap meets. The Nats is the annual Mopar Nationals car show.
 
Just a thought, if you find a 3-spoke wheel but it's cracked, there are leather covers made by Wheelskins that have an improved method of lacing, they come in many colors and they give you a comfortable grip, I found it made the car more of a pleasure to drive and it looked good.
 
Grant has all kinds of different wheels to choose from.
They also have installation kits for the wheel. Bolts right on.
Something to keep in mind when changing wheels. There is a slot, or groove on the steering column shaft, that the steering wheel must align with when you install it. Not aligning it properly will ruin your day.
www.grantproducts.com
 
Thanks for the help. Wow so many choices on the Grant Site. If I can find one of those used it would be great. I still need some clarification: do I need a special adapter kit? my wheel has 2 bolts, all these new ones have 3 bolts? some have 5? Do these new wheels have the same type of turn cancel peg sticking out of the bottom?
Lastly, I read the install instructions for the horn switch, it is saying something about sticking some disc onto the switch? but then if I need to remove the wheel, how do I remove the adhered-to disc thingy??? little confused.

And finally size, my wheel is 16.5 inches in diameter. Would 15 be a good change?
 
Thanks for the help. Wow so many choices on the Grant Site. If I can find one of those used it would be great. I still need some clarification: do I need a special adapter kit? my wheel has 2 bolts, all these new ones have 3 bolts? some have 5? Do these new wheels have the same type of turn cancel peg sticking out of the bottom?
Lastly, I read the install instructions for the horn switch, it is saying something about sticking some disc onto the switch? but then if I need to remove the wheel, how do I remove the adhered-to disc thingy??? little confused.

And finally size, my wheel is 16.5 inches in diameter. Would 15 be a good change?
My Dart has power steering. I got a Grant GT black four spoke 13 1/2 inch wheel with kit. The driving feel is way better than the original large diameter steering wheel. I think the GT wheel is about $55 or so and install kit is about $30. Got it at Pep Boys. Not a difficult install. The foil for the horn is kinda flimsy. Be careful with it. Mine came all beat up so I used aluminum foil. Horn works fine.
 
Thanks for the help. Wow so many choices on the Grant Site. If I can find one of those used it would be great. I still need some clarification: do I need a special adapter kit? my wheel has 2 bolts, all these new ones have 3 bolts? some have 5? Do these new wheels have the same type of turn cancel peg sticking out of the bottom?
Lastly, I read the install instructions for the horn switch, it is saying something about sticking some disc onto the switch? but then if I need to remove the wheel, how do I remove the adhered-to disc thingy??? little confused.

And finally size, my wheel is 16.5 inches in diameter. Would 15 be a good change?
With power steering you can use any diameter you choose. Manual steering needs a bigger wheel for more mechanical advantage.
 
Any help here would be great. I am newbie (2 years) and just have the 1966 dart 270 with the original big steering wheel (cracks) with the full circle horn ring, 2 spoke. My hands always getting hung up in that damn spoke ring. And the wheel is really big, I am tall so it hits my legs.

So what are my options for other steering wheels, that are thicker, smaller, yet still allow me to use the horn etc... dont want to have to modify the turn switch. Just bolt on and go.

Thanks for any help. I am down for finding used wheels off newer cars, or buying something new that isnt made for a race car.
And what if I said my budget is $100?

These guys have some nice wheels and is where I got my new one, though it might be tough to stay within the budget.
Interior - Steering Wheels
 
I have manual steering on my 66 also. I didn't like the full circle horn ring either. I switched to the simulated woodgrain wheel. I bought it at the Nats from a member here for $100. You can find them for a hundred occasionally in pretty good shape. Much easier to use because you can underhand the wheel and pull down instead of going hand over hand on the top.View attachment 1715024123
I run the same wheeel and need the same horn button as that
 
well , collecting is an sickness that must be satified or it can get out of control , lol . well you get the picture , more stuff still . lol .
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There is a Grant wheel in the FABO for sale section right now. If I remember right it's even in CA.

My daughter in law said the steering wheel in my 64 Valiant was the first RED one she's ever seen. Now that's funny.
 
well , collecting is an sickness that must be satified or it can get out of control , lol . well you get the picture , more stuff still . lol .View attachment 1715024859 View attachment 1715024861 View attachment 1715024863 View attachment 1715024864 View attachment 1715024865 View attachment 1715024867 View attachment 1715024868
Well, don't move into My township, or the D**kheads will cite You,& fine You unless all those vehicles in "outdoor property areas" are registered,insured,& inspected. I didn't
fully understand what the "East" in My twp. really meant when I moved into the coal patch, apparently Siberia class East........................
 
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