One of the first things you notice when you look at the interior of any car is the steering wheel. Years of handling tends to make them ratty and, frankly, disgusting. A fresh steering wheel almost feels like fitting a good pair of new shoes.
This particular car had a non-tilt column with vinyl covered steering wheel. Those plastic wheels exude sticky resins and keep your hands fouled with goop all the time. Yuck!
Corvette Central offers a wide variety of steering wheels that are easy to install and will complement your interior. Let’s start our new steering wheel installation!
We are using a plastic weatherstrip tool to pop off the horn button. Screwdrivers can scar paint and this paint was fresh. You may want to disconnect the horns or pull the horn fuse until you finish installation to avoid aggravating neighbors. (Yes, we know the horn button is for an earlier year Corvette but we happen to like the look of a rounded horn button.)
Once the button is off, remove the horn contact assembly. Keep shims with contact assembly. You should be able to use the same amount of shims with a replacement steering wheel. When internal column components are replaced, the stack-up can be different, requiring more or less shims. There should be enough clearance to rotate the telescope lock ring without rubbing on the horn contact assembly or spacer ring.
Outer screws hold the inner tele lock screw to the lock ring. These screws can be stripped easily; ensure both are started, then tighten them evenly. The tele lock ring has multiple holes for correct positioning on the tele lock screw. We usually hand tighten the tele lock screw in the center and then center the lock ring tab. This allows you to tighten the tele function securely and releases easily.
Once the wheel and cover are removed, the horn contact is visible. This contact on the upper left has a plastic lock that locks into the turn signal cancel cam. Be careful! If the cancel cam is damaged, a puller must be used to access the cancel cam. The contact lock rotates clockwise to secure in place.
Remember to line up the cover correctly. It has a depression to allow the vertical steering wheel spoke to sit flat on the hub and cover. Freshen up the paint and clean the cover, attaching pieces before installing the steering wheel and components.
10-24 screws hold the steering wheel to the hub. If the screws are in rough shape 10-24 x ¾ long stainless steel screws work well as replacements. Original screws are flat on top. We found replacements with a slight bevel that worked fine. Tighten the screws evenly and you are ready to install the horn and tele pieces.
Story and photos courtesy Chris Petris
Is the steering wheel part # 563123-62 a direct replacement for a 1971 Corvette W/O telescopic or tilt steering column?
Hello,
These are the deep-dish style wheels so they will fit any C3 columns except for the 76s.
Nate
what is the diameter of these? and the spokes are shiny chrome not brushed chrome like stock? thanks!
Most of what we have is 14″, we have some different choice available, as well as brushed chrome.
https://www.corvettecentral.com/search?CurrentSearchCategoryId=&q=steering+wheel
What is the exception on the 1976 model year? It says it fits all C3’s except 76. Thanks
1976 had a one year steering wheel and hub design that was unique from other C3s. If you wanted to use a different year steering wheel, you would have to switch the hub.
Hi, I understand that there is a spacer so that you can mount a 78 steering wheel to a 63-66 steering column hub without notching the hub. Does CC have this item. Thanks Scott
A spacer?
Maybe you mean the hub itself.
If that is the case you need the 1967 hub which has the notch – 562083, $51.95
Gus Gustafson
Product Assistance
Corvette Central
800 345-4122
I have a 1977 corvette with a telescoping steering shaft the horn didn’t work so I took apart the horn part of steeling wheel and I cannot get it back together, I’m also using a new horn kit. is it posable to talk to some one about this
Call product assistance 800 345-4122
Gus
Is there a tech tip on replacing the two bearings on a C-2 with non telescoping/ non adjustable steering?
please respond to email listed for me.
Thank you,
We do not have a specific tech article on the standard column bearings, but there is some good information on the C2 section of the Corvette Forum. I have sent an email to the address on file.
I too need help on my C2 steering wheel installation (ie) how the parts go together to make my horn
work. When I got my 64 convertible the column was gutted and the drawings showing the parts do
not really show me enough. Can you help me, Please?
Wish you would have continued to include rebuilding the steering column including turn signal, ignition and horn assemblies. Currently restoring an 81′ and could use some help.
You can find the items needed to rebuild your steering column in our C3 section of our website https://https://www.corvettecentral.com/c3-68-82/steering/
thanks for your help