Technical Sprint car flat steering wheels

I’ve got a couple vintage sprint car steering wheels that are slightly different, and am hoping that some experts can let me know the manufacturer and age of each. The first is exactly 17” diameter, with a no-finger grip that has a very slight pebble surface. The grip goes a little ways farther down the spoke than many, and doesn’t have a rib at the edge. The center looks to have the middle hole opened up more than usual, and lots of bolt patterns drilled in it. I’ve got no idea which is the original pattern.

















The second wheel is slightly larger than 17”, and has a smoother grip and finger notches. The grip doesn’t cover as much spoke as the first, but doesn’t have a rib at the end either. As you can see, it has the original four mounting holes, and no extras. The spokes are slightly fatter than the first wheel.












So, can anyone identify the maker or age of these? And feel free to add photos of your own vintage sprint car wheels.

 

I sold 4 finger Frankie my sprint car steering wheel to replace the one he was missing, we lost Frank in 2022. HRP

 

Look like Bell Auto

 

@Pete Eastwood
@Joshua Shaw

 

The multi mounting holes on one look likes a Bell and the one with just 4 holes looks like it was made for a specific brand hub. I have a 17" Bell with a removable hub in my avatar.

 

A friend gave me this 4-spoke for my champ car. I plan to wrap the rim in cord soaked epoxy, or rawhide.
Period correct
I think he said it was a Grant.
While we are on the topic of 4-spokers may I ask which orientation of spokes is preferred, N-E-S-W, or 45 degrees off TDC?

 

Now this is just me, but that would depend on the arrangement of the gauges. A big featured single with smaller satellite gauges, I would go with "X" diagonal spokes. For a balanced pair of featured gauges, I probably would go with the "cross" style.
But the thing is...... unlike in a road car, a circle-track car steering wheel is not going to be held for a lot of straight-ahead driving.

 

I am with you. I am going with only three curved glass gauges on the dash panel. I will have a hidden (behind upholstery) gas gauge and a digital volt meter (between my feet) since it will be streetable. With this array of gauges I like the "X" pattern too. Thanks.

 

The main two makers of these that I know of were Bell and Schroeder.

Here's an old ad that mentions both -
Schroeder 17" Bell-style Sprint Car Steering Wheel | The H.A.M.B.

 

Some have holes for horn trigger some don’t?

 

I thought that Schroeder was a vendor of these wheels, not a manufacturer. But I could be wrong.

 

Schroeder no more.
Got my midget wheel from them directly.

 

I’ve got a 1990’s production small three spoke like yours Denny, but without the Schroeder sticker.