'68 steering wheel and hub reproductions?

[G B.]

I'm trying to straighten out a '68 convertible that was modified for drag racing.

The steering wheel and hub have been changed out. Finding a '67-8 walnut grain wheel is relatively easy, but locating a stock non-tele hub is tough. It appears that this hub is unique to the '68 Corvette. A '69 -'75 hub is on the column now. It bolts up fine, but the outside diameter is larger than the column by 1/8" or so.

Is there a source for a reproduction '68 hub? Also, does anyone have first hand experience with a "restored" walnut grain wheel from Corvette Central or the reproduction wheel sold by Classic Industries?

[Joe L.]

Re: '68 steering wheel and hub reproductions?

Jerry-----

1968 Corvettes with non-tele columns did use a unique steering wheel hub. This hub was GM #3923696. It has been discontinued for more than 15 years and, as far as I know, it is not being reproduced. You might check with Contemporary Corvette in Bristol, PA or Pacific Corvette in Puyallup, WA. Either may be able to come up with a used one. Also, there is a firm by the name of Corvette Steering Service that carries a lot of Corvette column parts. I don't have any info handy on them, but I think that you will find it in the archives. In fact, I think that they're located somewhere in the southeast.

[Carl R.]

Re: '68 steering wheel and hub reproductions?

Hi Mr. Bramlett!

I think you are correct the 1967-8 steering wheel is unique. The third spoke (6 0'clock position) protrudes slightly (earlier midyear wheels are flush). Now I may be of some assistance to you - when I purchased my 1967 car it had a mongrel 1967-8 column installed (few pieces interchange). Somewhere - buried in my garage I think - is a non-tele 1968 hub with two or three of the small screw holes that hold the wheel on stripped out. Since it's constructed of pot metal I'm not sure how amenable this would be to heli-coils. I also have a quite rough 1967 "simulated-wood" wheel. Unfortunately no experience with restorations of such.

Carl

crose@adclinic.com

[chuck]

Re: '68 steering wheel and hub reproductions?

I delt with Corvette Steering last year, what I liked was the fact that the owner would happily answer questions which it seems like us corvette guys all have. They are located in Anderson, SC, phone no. 864-287-9990. There is also a web site www.corvettesteering.com. Please let me know how you make out, I plan to deal with him again. Chuck

[G B.]

Here's what I'm going to do.

Thanks to all for your responses.

I'm trying to buy Carl's hub. If he finds that it isn't a '68, then I'll call Corvette Steering Service and try to buy a '68 hub from them. It will be a few weeks before Carl can inspect his hub.