Steering Wheel Help!

[65Mustang2+2]

Ok, I had this bright idea that buying a repro 65 Mustang Steering Wheel was a good idea, 'Right"! Well, the stupid thing just doesn’t want to fit. I won’t go all the way down, it leaves a nice gap between the wheel and the column anybody have the same problem with a 65 non wood repro wheel. Or is it just junk and I'm wasting my time! This is gonna be the last repro part I buy!
Or is there some kind of trick? When I slid the original wheel back on, it fits like a glove! Repro Junk, I can’t stand this **** any more! Thanks for any help!

 

[dodgestang]

1. Reach under dash
2. Loosen 2 nuts holding steering column to dash
3. Pull column up to the proper gap spacing for wheel
4. Tighten bolts holding column to dash

 

[Ronstang]

Nick hit the nail on the head and took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[65Mustang2+2]

I dont quite understand how moving the column up is going to make the wheel sit flush to the column? I wont go down all the way! Where talking steering wheel here! i just dont understand, it's like something is stoping it from moving all the way down. Maybe the hole in the repro wheel is to small?
And the column, does it need to be move up or down? I just dont get it!

 

[dodgestang]

The new wheel is installed on the shaft and the nut is tightened up and it turns the wheel correct?

The steering column is nothing more than a sleeve that sits on top of the steering shaft and can easily slide up and down the shaft. By pulling up on the colum with it loosened it will close the gap between the installed wheel and the column itself.

 

[65Mustang2+2]

Nick,
The other problem is that the wheel won’t sit flush so there’s no much thread to catch the nut with? That’s what makes me believe that the wheel is not going all the way down! And that’s the reason for the big gap, but I’ll try what you said to do. But I’m a little concerned about the thread not sticking out that far to catch the nut! Maybe when I tighten the nut maybe it will draw the wheel in more?

 

[J-Scratch]

I had the same problem on my 67. I just left it that way. I tried the loosening and pulling and what not, but it did not work. Then the horn did not work so I disconnected it. It looks nice though as long as you don't look at it from behind and see the gap. lol

 

[Ozsum2]

Some wheel installation kits come with different sized adapters to close off the gap. Did you use one from Grant? I only have a full nut of threads when mine is on and I know it is on correctly.

 

[65Mustang2+2]

Thanks Nick

Thanks Nick,
I did like you said, i pulled on the column and it closed the gap! thanks man I owe you big time!