Hi Folks, Been away for a while but the rod is now on the road (just in time for Scottish winter). I have a tech question - so here it is. I have a Ford early style steering column with a taper shaft and keyway. It has an original 40 deluxe wheel, which, at 17" is just too big. I need a 15"wheel, but like the 40 Ford look. Problem is, no-one seems to make a 40 Ford in 15" with a Fortd fitting. I can get a GM column fitting 15" repro from Limeworks, but does anyone make a conversion piece to go from early Ford column to GM column? Appreciate any help on this.
Both Lecarra and Vintique make the wheel you want. The Vintique wheel has a square base to fit a GM column, but it also had the taper and keyway allowing it to bolt up to a stock '40 column. The Lecarra wheel had different available adapters, so the wheel itself is universal. Then you buy the adapter to fit your column. The Lecarra wheel has more of a rounded off back end, which would look better with the Ford column. They also have a better selection of horn ****ons (V8, ford script, plain, etc.)
I spoke to a retailer (and HAMB member) who said the Vintique wheel was only for GM. Are you sure on this?
Yup. Just pulled one off the wall (I'm a retailer too) and have it in my hand...it's made to fit both.
Cool, I am in Scotland and I can't find a Vintique retailer here. Out of interest what are you charging for one of these?
find a machine shop and have the hole tapered, and a keyway slot cut in. I had it done in the 60s to put a 57 ford wheel on my 36 Ford. Make sure to mark the wheel for the keyway with the steering box in the center. or the wheel will be off center when you are driving. You can't adjust the wheel to shaft alignment the way you would with a splined shaft.
Decision made guys, I'm going for the Vintique wheel as it fits straight on. Thanks for all who replied.
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