Steering wheel replacement to 14" dia.

[Harpoon13]

Need to replace the existing steering wheel (17.5" dia) with a smaller 14" dia wheel to allow for more driving space. I am looking at a flat dish "universal" wheel. Has anyone done this? If so, what wheel did you purchase and did you need an adapter kit or how did it fit on the existing hardware. I know I have to release the clip on the steering box to remove the horn rod, then pull the wheel using a Model A wheel puller (Snyders). Aside from that ?????

[1931 flamingo]

Not sure if you have to pull the horn rod or not ?? If you do, do NOT bend it.
Paul in CT

[Tom Wesenberg]

Unless your top folds down, you'll have to remove the steering from the car, or cut the light switch/horn rod.

You'll likely want the shorter pitman arm with the smaller wheel.

[denis4x4]

Grant makes an adapter for the A to use steering wheels with the three bolt center hub. There are several companies that will cut down a stock steering wheel so you can maintain the stock horn button and light switch.

[TerryH]

Not sure if it is a problem, but with a smaller wheel, you will have less leverage to turn the steering wheel, at least with the stock steering box. Steering will be harder at low speeds....

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

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Originally Posted by TerryH

Not sure if it is a problem, but with a smaller wheel, you will have less leverage to turn the steering wheel, at least with the stock steering box. Steering will be harder at low speeds....

Very true however a shortened Pitman arm should help with this issue.


I have often wondered about making a cut-down steering wheel just to see how it would work out. My plan was to take a worn stock wheel and remove all of the Bakelite to expose the metal framework. Then use a ring roller to roll a new smaller diameter handgrip ring and weld to the existing spider.

As far as the wheel is concerned, I was going to draw the new wheel in SolidWorks, and then export the drawing to a CNC Router to have a mould made out of either wood or UMHW where the steering wheel framework can be covered with a resin to surround it mimicking what an original wheel looked like. Then trim the flashing and lightly beadblast to create the Bakelite texture, and my guess is it would fool most people most of the time.

.

[CarlG]

Go for it Brent, I would buy one!

[denis4x4]

http://qualityrestorations.com/ford-2/

Check out the '32 Ford wheel that has had the diameter reduced.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by denis4x4

http://qualityrestorations.com/ford-2/

Check out the '32 Ford wheel that has had the diameter reduced.

Very nice!!



Carl, I wish I had the time for projects like this. Sure wish others would take the time to take on a project like this. If someone was interested, I would be happy to assist with a drawing or share my experiences with casting plastic.

[Tiny]

I have a smaller diameter wheel in my Speedster. I don't really notice it needing more effort but because of the reduced circumstance it seems to turn quicker at speed. I wouldn't jump right into a shortened pitman arm if you change the wheel see how you like that first

[Harpoon13]

Thanks to all who replied. I have a "new" F-100 steering box that lightens the steering considerably. I think what I am going to do is to take the original steering wheel, gut out the center hub and have it welded in place on a new flat (no dish) 14" steering wheel, powder coat and install. This way I am assured that the wheel will fit the tapered splines on my column. I have a Phaeton, so the top goes down and makes any removal very easy. Should give me an additional 3" of Belly clearance for a bigger guy like me (6'1" - 230#). The other option is to reduce the size of the back of the seat by removing the springs and replacing with dense foam. This will give an additional 2" of leg / belly room and hopefully make the car more comfortable to drive!

[Tom Wesenberg]

You can use zip ties to tie back the springs for more room.

[Tiny]

Snyders can make you "thin" seat springs also

[Russ B]

I have the F100 steering and a short arm. I rolled a 15-1/2" steering wheel rim and found someone to make a new grip around it. The one inch extra clearance made a big difference and still left me with plenty of leaverage to be easy steering. For best visibility, I had to make a thinner seat bottom. Nylon ties on a reproduction replacement springs did not give enough of a seat drop. A little customization of ergonomic factors can make a big difference in how much the car is driven. My car fits me quite nicely now.

[Harpoon13]

Okay folks, the plan is in place, the steering wheel is done with very little problems. Removed the center spline hub (my '29 does not use the Woodruff key version wheel) had a flat (no dish) 14" steering wheel fabricated to fit the hub, had the 3 pieces powder coated and will install this week. Should work fine as I will gain an 1 1/2" additional clearance and another 1 1/2" of distance (the original steering wheel has a 1 1/2" dish) giving me more room and more comfort. As I finish the project I will take photos and report back if it worked.