I'm after some suggestions for steering wheels to fit my Fairlane. As it has factory power steering it doesn't really need the truck sized standard wheel on there. The car is basically stock but with a 60's mild custom flavour (chrome wheels, pinstriping and about to do roll and pleat upholstery in off white and gold. I would love some ideas, hopefully with pictures thanks.
I recently saw an ad for a guy who makes reproductions, same as oem, except 15 inch instead of 18 inch. The ad was in a free low quality paper magazine, so couldn't tell much from the pic. '57 Ford was one he had listed. I recall he didn't have a website, just a Tel. No. and no pricing. If your interested I'll figure out where I saw that ( in some stuff I brought home from Phoenix). I'll bet they're expensive, but I'm just guessing.
Other than that, I would think it's a matter of finding an aftermarket wheel, or newer oem, you like and figuring out if the horn wiring will be a problem.
ask Jim Noland, he had one made, very expensive,
If you want a stock steering wheel to enable you to use your old horn ring and give a stock appearance other than being 15" instead of 18", look these people up on the internet. PearlCraft Steering Wheels PO Box 261, Kerrimuir, Bictoria, Australia 3129
As far as I know, no one in the US recasts Ford Steering Wheels. And the Chevy guys that make them for Chevy's wanted $1000.00 just to make the molds when I got mine done. PearlCraft started doing 55,56,57 T-Bird wheels a long time ago because people were tired of climbing in their cars like mounting a horse, and they didn't even have recast Chevy steering wheels back then.
Thanks guys. From what you are saying, Jim, is the T-Bird wheel 15" instead of the 18" on the Fairlane?
No. A T-Bird wheel is 18" too. But T-Birds here in the US that wanted their Steering Wheels cut down is how come they have the molds for the Fairlane.
I've got an appointment this morning, when I get back I'll try to find the ad I saw.
Never mind, found it. Note the '56-'57(?) Ford wheel is new, on sale 315. Sounds like they are already made..not a special order.
hi Rich, sorry, didn't c the phone #s'
There are two phone numbers on the add. Going from 18" to 15" will give you 1.5" more room.
Before you get your steering wheel cut down let me give you a piece of advice. I had mine cut down to 15.25" for a specific reason. You can get your fingers caught between the horn ring and the steering wheel if your not careful. The guy at PearlCraft turned me on to that fact before he cut mine down. You want to make sure the horn ring has clearance to the steering wheel. There's a picture of my steering wheel on his website under the heading of custom and show cars. Look at the steering wheel and you'll figure out what I'm talking about. Mine has worked great at 15.25" and I couldn't be happier. The only reason I had mine cut down was my stomach was dug into it about an inch with the seat positioned all the way back. lol
I bought one of the retro 15" steering wheel for a 57 T-bird ,it comes with a smaller horn ring,so you won't have the problem that Jim had. I took the center plasic out that came with it annd put in a stock 57 bird plastic center. It cost me $350.00, only comes in black, so I had to have it painted blue. I am very happy with it. Check on Ebay #280703088488 or sure for retro fit 1957 T Bird 15" steering wheel. Hope this helps Tom
LOL...ok..now that we have that option pretty well sorted out......Junior: what knid of wheel were YOU thinking about?
$300+ for an inch and a half? Not for me. I would rather try to put the '64 fat man swing away steering column in mine then
I would think it would be the way to go for guys trying to keep the 50's look. I've got a friend who has a '56 Bird with alot of upgrades that have a oem look to them...not oem, but not so you'd notice...except for an aftermarket steering wheel. He just didn't like the oem 18" wheel size. The newer style looks totally wrong for his car. I can hardly wait to tell him about the smaller ford size wheels! I'll bet he orders one. He just spent 3500 to replace a perfectly good A/C system because he didn't like the looks of the one that was in it.
Tom,
I looked at the steering wheel you're talking about. It doesn't have the finger pockets on the backside of the wheel does it. And, it looks like the wheel has groves in it all the way around. Am I looking at it right.
Thanks for all the info guys. As I'm in NZ it's a bit harder to track this kind of stuff down, even with the interwebby thing, that's why this forum is so helpful.
Rich, I'm not 100% sure of what I wanted, hence the request for suggestions / pictures. The car is basically stock, but as I mentioned, I'm looking to keep to early 60's mild custom theme, so don't want to load it with late model stuff. I had thought of retro style like the smaller version of OEM, or something out of the Moon or Grant selection that still looks a little old skool.
At Detroit autorama there was four 57/58's, a sweet fairlane had the smaller wheel, I thought it looked good. I'll post some pics of the cars when I get a moment. Mark
early Falcon wheels surely aren't as big and fairly plain like the 57 wheels. anyone know how big they are ?
Zap- :unitedstates:
Here's mine.
Jim, The wheel has groves in the bottom 2/3rds in the front and finger pockets all the way around the back.
Tom...I told my friend with the '56 Bird I'd find out where you got the wheel, if you don't mind sharing.
Rich, I got it off Ebay, look at my first post and check out the auction. They are always about the same price,but you can sometimes save a little on shipping.
That's a good looking wheel. Is that the stock horn button?
Here is a photo of the retro 15 inch steering wheel.
This one was 350.00 comes in black
that looks real nice. A lot cheaper than PearlCraft.
That retro 15" wheel does look good, need to shorten the gear shift lever a little though. On current exchange rate, it would work out about $400 plus shipping to New Zealand. The decision is now between that and a 15" Moon wheel.
I have been thinking about a 15" wheel, too.
But...while driving yesterday I visualized a smaller wheel. I have to say I love the way the stock wheel frames the dash. Would the smaller wheel get in the way of seeing the speedometer?
Photo of my stock wheel framing the dash...
Sure is a good thing that you have power steering on your 57, you would really need some Popeye arms in order to turn the wheel if smaller that the stock one. Mine without power steering is a chore getting out of the garage or when backing into a parallel parking spot.
Bob
57 AGIN
So, I have pretty much decided on a 15" Moon gold flake wheel. The problem now is trying to get an adaptor. Moon don't list anything for Ford pre 1962 so I emailed them. They came back saying that Grant list adaptors for up to 1956 and from 1958, nothing for 1957 (I'm guessing Grant may make them for Moon). Moon also said that they are out of stock of both types and may not be able to get any more, and can't get info out of Grant as to whether they are going to be available again. My question is, other than the horn wiring running up the centre of the column on the 57 (which I can get around), are there any other differences from other Ford adaptors, such as spline count, or master spline etc?
just got one from auto zone 3 weeks ago
spline should be the same, 1962 Mercury and 1957 Mercury and 1957 Ford easily interchanged on mine. offset might be a bit different and the turn signal reset might not work. Mooneys wheel might get sticky in a short time. I am not so sure about their quality. IMHO would think about an original or similar. I have a Merc Turnpikecruiser.also looks Custom
I installed a 13" Grant Wheel with the Grant adapter from the 57 T-bird, bolted right on. As for the horn wire i just pulled the brass cap and wire out of the center of the column a bit and wrapped the adapter wire around it and popped it all together. Works like a charm!
(http://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/v/t1.0-9/1385860_10201359930654025_30018283_n.jpg?oh=864ad62f9c84776e1e181512c0e9ac54&oe=53DEF82D)
My steering wheel, old school came out of a Henry J gasser from the back in the day.
I was quit impressed with the condition the steering wheel was in. I wanted the old look for my build so I'm very happy that I found this one....ebay 75bucks. HRD
That's exactly what I'm after HRD
Grrr, continuing saga, seems anything to do with 57, be it Ford or T-bird, from Moon and Grant, are currently not available. Moon have one listed for a 58 T-bird, will that work? Sorry to be a pain.
I've got a Moon wheel for my Ranchero. It fits but I've not sussed out the horn set up yet, I've got a new horn assembly for a 56 so I'm hoping I can lash something together using that as a start. If not I'll just leave it off and lean out the window and shout.
Have ordered my Moon gold flake steering wheel and the 58 Tbird adaptor. I'll make it work.
Quote from: junior58 on 2014-04-23 18:29
Have ordered my Moon gold flake steering wheel and the 58 Tbird adaptor. I'll make it work.
Cool, glad you were able to find a gold one. HRD
Got my wheel, 58 Tbird adaptor worked but have to figure out how to get horn working, may have to use separate switch but that's easy done. The fluffy thing was helping.
Just the start of the interior makeover.