C-3 steering wheel

[Jim K.]

I have a 70 coupe, when I took of the steering wheel to do the dash and all, I noticed that the wheel is not symetrical. In that I mean that if I hold the wheel so the blak ring is perpendicular to the floor and look down at it, the left spoke seems bent and is not the same as the right spoke. Is this because of the angle of the steering column which appears not to be perfectly straight with the car? or do I have a makor problem to address??? My semi-educated guess is that the column is angled and the wheel angled to match, I hope I'm right

[Jack H.]

Re: C-3 steering wheel

Yes, it's possible for steering wheels to be 'distorted'. The two top causes are: (1) car was in a crash and driver's body weight went against the wheel, and (2) wheel was mounted on T/Tele column and prior owners used the wheel as a 'grab' assist to hoist their weight out of the seat.

BW to tell is to remove the wheel from the column, lay the center on a flat surface and view the wheel rim from the side. It should be flat & symmetric.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 steering wheel

I'm not sure I understand your description, but as I understand it, I think the wheel is bent. Asymsetry in a turning object, like a steering wheel, would be un-acceptable.

The rim of the steering wheel has to be in a plane, and that plane should be perpendicular to the steering shaft. Otherwise, the steering wheel would "wooble" when you turned a corner...not good for the customer's perception of build quality.

[Jim K.]

Re: C-3 steering wheel

Definately bent spokes, but with manual steering, I don't feel the wobble. Although it feels like power steering compared to the 61
Thanks!!!

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 steering wheel

Oh...Manual steering. No wonder you can't feel the wobble; with those F70s on the front, you're a little pre-occupied while you're cranking it around the corner, and so relieved to have it over when you're done that you don't think about finesse.

But, Jim...There's a silver lining! Just think how much easier it will be to to make Top Flight without that pump/reservoir, pulleys, belt, hoses, and hydraulic cylinder installation to be judged. (You don't hear these high-optioned owners beeching when it comes time to sell, do you?) Yuk, yuk.