Topic: 65 Deluxe Steering Wheel

[ChrisV289]

Was looking at the wheel in my blue fastback and contemplating changing it back to the standard wheel. I don’t believe the wheel is an original deluxe wheel but want to be sure. The center cap appears original but the part number looks funny. The C is backwards. Is this normal? Has both the fomoco script and block lettering.

[jwc66k]

Looks good to me. I'll admit the backwards "C" is a puzzlement, and what is that chunk of seaweed? I assume it goes under the center cap. The deluxe wheel was a factory option, so consider that in your decision. Finding a NOS or good used steering wheel will not be easy.
Jim

[Hipo giddyup]

I'm not up on knowing everything about the deluxe wheels but your wheel has joints in the rim?? Is it real wood?? My deluxe wheel is more of a plastic molded wheel/rim (of course it is also on a 66' maybe that is the difference). Right off I would say it is an aftermarket but then again, I'm not the aficionado of deluxe wheels. Curious what others will have to say.

What is the correct color standard wheel you are looking for? I have a few folks locally that might have an NOS or good used wheel if you go that route.

[196667Bob]

Original Deluxe Steering Wheels were never real wood ; always simulated wood, plastic. Some years ago, a company (I can't remember who  it was), made a nice imitation out of real wood. This is what I believe you have. The good thing, you'll not have to worry about the plastic cracks opening up as happens many times on originals.

And yes, the Deluxe Steering Wheel was a Factory Option in 1965, but in 1966, it also was available as an Accessory (attached from the 1966 Accessory Catalog).

Bob

[ChrisV289]

What is the correct color standard wheel you are looking for? I have a few folks locally that might have an NOS or good used wheel if you go that route.

Looking for a white wheel.  Also looking for the dark ivy green one for my other fastback if your friends have any of those running around.  I didnt think the wheel was original but I think the center cap part is but questioned the part number since it was backwards.  Jim, not sure what that foam is on that metal piece but it holds that center piece tightly to the edge....

[Hipo giddyup]

Sounds good Chris. I'll put my feelers out. 

[Jondors]

15-20 years ago "Dallas Mustang" would "rebuild" a Deluxe steering wheel and replace the original factory "plastic" wood with real wood.
Your steering wheel wood looks identical to one of those rebuilt deluxe wheels.
I found that the replacement wood was an excellent reproduction of the original plastic wood.

 

[Brian Conway]

The C is backwards on my OE center cap.  The wadding serves the purpose you have surmised.  On my original cap it was a piece of circular, 1/2 inch or so tall, gray foam. It went between a backing plate and the emblem.  Brian

[jwc66k]

Thru the gaps in the retainer plate, I can see the backwards "C" in one of my caps as well. It's part of the real wood steering wheel I took off my "K" Fastback and replaced with a rebuilt plastic wheel several years back.

15-20 years ago "Dallas Mustang" would "rebuild" a Deluxe steering wheel and replace the original factory "plastic" wood with real wood.

That's about the time frame for mine. I wondered who was doing the real wood conversion.

I found that the replacement wood was an excellent reproduction of the original plastic wood.

Yes it is, and it "feels" a lot better than the original plastic.
Jim