Steering wheels

[junior58]

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.

[RICH MUISE]

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.

[geraldchainsaw]

ask Jim Noland,  he had one made,  very expensive, 

[JimNolan]

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.

[junior58]

Thanks guys. From what you are saying, Jim, is the T-Bird wheel 15" instead of the 18" on the Fairlane?

[JimNolan]

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.

[RICH MUISE]

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.

[geraldchainsaw]

hi Rich,    sorry,  didn't c the phone #s'

[hiball3985]

There are two phone numbers on the add. Going from 18" to 15" will give you 1.5" more room.

[JimNolan]

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

[wildhog]

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

[RICH MUISE]

LOL...ok..now that we have that option pretty well sorted out......Junior: what knid of wheel were YOU thinking about?

[sprink88]

$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

[RICH MUISE]

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.

[JimNolan]

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.