68 Steering Wheel(s)

[Richard D.]

I installed a (rebuilt) wood look wheel in my 68 over the weekend. My 68 came with what looks like an original black vinyl wheel, from a 69 or later, the ones with the stainless middle portion reveal around the perimeter of the wheel.

Got the redone/repro wheel from Pacific Corvette. It looks like it was rebuilt/redone over an original, larger, deeper dish "frame".

Ques. - This rebuilt one I put in looks pretty good, but it has a "Wood Grain" look to it, not just a "solid brown" color thoughtout. Would this be correct?

Somehow, I do not think so.

Also, did ALL 68's get made with the larger wood look wheel?

I have pictures of what was supposed to be an original 68 BB that was on Ebay (black with tan interior)some months back, and it had a vynly wheel with the stainless perimeter reveal.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Regards,

Rich

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 Steering Wheel(s)

Rich, I have looked at a few 67 and 68 wheels because I heard there were variations on grain/tecture. My feeling is that they varied a bit on how much grain they had. Over time, some of the grain would be worn off. Not much help am I. I have worked with Pacific a lot in the past (out of Puyallup WA). If you ask Bob Jr. and he says it is the same as original, then it probably is. He has seen a lot of parts and has a good idea what a low milage wheel would look like. Regards, Terry

[Reba Whittington]

Re: 68 Steering Wheel(s)

Yes, all 1968 steering wheels were 16 inches in diameter and had a grained look. All I have seen are pretty uniform, but I suppose it could have varied from car to car. I judged one in Waco this past weekend that had a very definite grained appearance in spite of the fact that this car had high mileage and was unrestored.

Sounds like the EBay car had a later model wheel.

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 Steering Wheel(s)

Thanks for the infomation Reba, much appreciated.

Rich

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 Steering Wheel(s)

Terry, thanks for the info.

I have bought a couple things from Bob, and have found them to be very knowlegeable and helpful.

Actually, a friend of mine got the wheel for me as a gift, and I did not have a chance to ask Bob myself how close it is relative to the orginal.

I will email him and ask him though.

Thanks again,

Rich