hey all, this being my first ford, i'm going to have to start asking all sorts of newb questions. my car came with an ugly little grant GT steering wheel and i'd like to replace it with something a little more period. what steering wheels will interchange to the stock '54 ford column? thanks.
1954 to 1962 is a very long time - eight years! And, this was a time when trends came and went very rapidly. I'd suggest you narrow it down to a two or three year span if you're looking to avoid mixing eras. You'll also need to narrow your trends to the region of the country. This may sound extreme, but it's necessary if period-correctness is your goal. This suggestion is not just about steering wheels, but about the entire approach you take to the modification of your car. I expect Custom Crestline to chime in on this as well. He's young, but he's done his homework and is very knowledgeable about what was in style when.
Missysdad, this is not a question of style or period or trends, but simply a matter of what fits what. kinda like knowing which brakes will and wont fit on ford roundback spindles. all i would like to know is what will and wont fit on a stock 54 column. i'll rephrase my question like this: can you please tell me what steering wheels regardless of year, make or model, will and wont fit the stock column in my 54 customline. thanks guys. i really appreciate all the input in gaining my ford literacy honor badge!
Sorry for going all **** on you. I'm a real nut on period-correctness when it comes to custom cars, and tend to ***ume that everybody else is, too.
its not that i'm not a stickler for period, its just that i'm completely ford illiterate when it comes to slab sides. i'm working to build my knowledge base overall, not just as it relates to this particular car. dont worry... i'm working on keeping MY custom period.
Well the 55 Ford was the last of the flat style steering wheels . Then they started to go with a steering wheel with depth . That was the start of the safety changes for Ford . I took my stock steering wheel off but kept it in case I want to change and put it back on . I am using a black 15" 3 hole steering wheel . I have always loved them but will be looking for one with some metal flake in it . I like the solid white , black , then the metal flake , red , blue , gold . I do have a black 10" foam I am keeping for my g***er build but would love to have a small gold metal flake of the g***er . There is a world of great steering wheels out there that would look good in your ford but you can use anything but a damn Chevy steering wheel ! Buick's and Olds from the early 50's look really nice ! Jim
I'm already confused enough, Geno. I'm just going to lay back, keep my mouth shut and hope this works itself out by itself...
All ford steering wheels share the same spline count, if I'm not mistaken. also, just look for a '54 ford wheel, you'll be happiest with that, or a lincoln wheel.
I've already bought my new steering wheel but would be interested in selling the old one if you want one. look in my pics and you will see the one i have.
The later Lincoln wheels should be dished (57s are for a fact), which means a steering wheel in your chest. Just an FYI
I installed a 56 column in my 54 and used the 54 wheel, gave me 3" more behind the wheel. I am in a wheelchair and need to turn sideways to pull the folded wheel chair into the foot area behind the seat. Gave me just what I needed.