One more project down - new steering wheel

[t_chelle16]

Just finished installing my new steering wheel.

Dad doesn't really like it (he prefers the 4-spoke version), but it's not his car so .

The installation really wasn't too bad and the horn works just fine (I did manage to get the wheel a little crooked, but I'll fix it later).

I do have a minor problem with the turn signal lever, though. I now have about 1/2" clearance between the lever & the wheel so when I make turns, I keep hitting the lever with my knuckles. I figure I can just cut the lever shorter and re-thread the end, though.

My next project is going to be installing 3-point seat belts. I'll probably try to do a pretty good write up with lots of pics on that one since there isn't a whole lot of info available. I will be following this method:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Strip/1121/seatbelt.html


-Chelle

 

[krash kendall]

Looks great! Does the horn still work though?

I replaced my turn signal lever with a shorter tilt steering lever from another Ford. It had the exact same ends on it.

 

[t_chelle16]

Yup, horn works just fine.

I replaced my turn signal lever with a shorter tilt steering lever from another Ford. It had the exact same ends on it.

Cool, I'll have to look for one. Between the 2 cars, I do have 2 levers, though. So if I can't find anything else I can still cut & rethread one and I'll still have a good one if I mess it up.

-Chelle

 

[chepsk8]

I had the same problem when I put in a GRANT GT in two of my Mustangs. Same solution, a shorter stalk.

Looks Good 'Chelle!

 

[Realmongo]

Looks real good!

 

[jes72mustang]

For your turn signal issue, would it work to put a small bend in it to give you a little more clearance? Just another low cost thought.

 

[t_chelle16]

Dad thought of that, but then I wouldn't be able to get it back on w/o taking the steering wheel off.

-Chelle

 

[chepsk8]

Now that I remember, I made a custom stalk for the DCVR from 1/4" Aluminum flat with a "S" shape. Worked good, looked cool! Threads into the switch were funky though, some odd SAE thread, 12-20 or something not used much.

 

[65stanger]

Nice work Chelle! It's always a good feeling to finish a project, even a "minor" one like swapping steering wheels! Just be sure the nut behind the wheel is tight!

 

[Capt Dan]

Dad thought of that, but then I wouldn't be able to get it back on w/o taking the steering wheel off.

-Chelle

Which you have to do anyway because the wheel is crooked, right?

The shorter one seems like the best solution though, IMHO

 

[t_chelle16]

Which you have to do anyway because the wheel is crooked, right?

The shorter one seems like the best solution though, IMHO

Yeah, I got thinking about it today and if I can't find a die that has the right threads, I might go ahead and just bend one & pull the wheel again. I was looking around for one from a tilt column and it doesn't look like they're available repro yet and the only one I found on eBay was $35 and I don't really want to pay that much for a metal stick.

-Chelle

 

[65stanger]

Chelle, try NAPA for the die. Just because Dan says 12-20 is an "oddball" doesn't mean they aren't available, if that doesn't pan out, let me know I may have a spare (from my Grumman days) clunking around the basement.

 

[t_chelle16]

Dad thinks it's just a standard pipe thread so maybe it won't be too hard to find after all. We have 2 tap & die sets around here somewhere so we may already have one.

-Chelle

 

[t_chelle16]

In case anyone is interested, I fixed the turn signal lever clearance issue.

I just threaded it further down and cut off about 2". For future reference, it's a 1/4"-28 die.

I have about 1/2" of space between my fingers & the lever now. Dad said I should have cut another inch off because he still has clearance issues, but it's my car so it's fine the way it is.

-Chelle

 

[Dark Knight]

To bad you got it done, I was thinking that a piece of stainless steel rod would look cool polished, then thread the end you grab the same as a tire valve stem. Then you could put something like this
View attachment 483799

or this..

View attachment 483801

on the end.. kind of a cool little touch I would think..

 

[t_chelle16]

That is a cool idea. I might still do that. Although I'd hate to buy 4 spiffy new valve stems and have 3 leftover. Maybe I could find an individual one at a swap meet or something.

-Chelle

 

[mustangdave]

Why have leftovers; use them around the house. Buy a couple of sets and use the extras for knobs on the stove, alarm clock knobs, stereo knobs, or just glue them to your keyboard.

 

[65stanger]

In case anyone is interested, I fixed the turn signal lever clearance issue.

I just threaded it further down and cut off about 2". For future reference, it's a 1/4"-28 die.

I have about 1/2" of space between my fingers & the lever now. Dad said I should have cut another inch off because he still has clearance issues, but it's my car so it's fine the way it is.

-Chelle

Geez, what is your father using for fingers....bratwurst?