Topic: 1966 gt steering wheel

[Hipo giddyup]

Can anyone explain the differences between the 66' Fairlane gt steering wheel vs the Mustang deluxe wheel? I have been thinking about purchasing a good used wheel but i am unsure if there are differences? Also, what other items, center, hardware,etc. would i need to convert from the standard wheel? Thanks!

[NEFaurora]

As far as I know... The only difference is the emblem in the center cap.  The '66 Fairlane GT has a different emblem.  Other than that, They should be the same wheel..

I don't think that there is any shaft difference between the two..

)

Tony K.

[J_Speegle]

Just as a small correction. The fake wood steering wheel has nothing to do with the GT package.
'

Didn't want others to read this and get the wrong idea. Next someone will be referring to the styled steel wheels as GT wheels 

[Hipo giddyup]

Thanks Jeff, referring to the deluxe wheel.. So no noticeable differences?? Even part number?? Shaft size is the same as well?

[J_Speegle]

Thanks Jeff, referring to the deluxe wheel.. So no noticeable differences?? Even part number?? Shaft size is the same as well?

I don't recall any difference between the two other than the center cap as mentioned. Now 67 is another thing

[rocket289k]

I don't recall any difference between the two other than the center cap as mentioned. Now 67 is another thing

+1 for the '65 and '66 Deluxe Steering Wheel ('67 and beyond is indeed a different story)

[Hipo giddyup]

Thanks rocket289k for your input. Good to know..

Does anyone know a good source for deluxe steering wheel restoration??? Most of the wheels I find are broken/cracked and missing pieces of the wheel itself.

[jwc66k]

A quick search on Yahoo (I don't use Google) found a couple dozen businesses that restore steering wheels. Do some research on a couple and let us know.
Jim

[rocket289k]

Thanks rocket289k for your input. Good to know..

Does anyone know a good source for deluxe steering wheel restoration??? Most of the wheels I find are broken/cracked and missing pieces of the wheel itself.

In the event that you decide not to go the restoration route there is only one reproduction that does a good job (texture to the brushed aluminum spokes is subtle like the original part and correct number of silver "dots" (18) on the wheel.  This wheel is a little bit thinner than the OEM part but is otherwise a decent reproduction.  NDP sells this Dlx Steering Wheel as a standalone part only (no trim or other hardware).  NDP part #3600-5A

PS - A dead give-away for the other reproduction deluxe steering wheels is that they only have 17 silver dots on the wheel and the brush marks on the aluminum spokes are way too pronounced.  They also are normally sold as a kit (horn ring, center cap etc. being included).
 
Regards,

Ron

[Hipo giddyup]

Thanks Ron. It seems that almost all of the originals are missing a piece of the steering wheel rim. I was thinking of buying a decent wheel to begin with, probably missing a piece of the rim, and then using a piece from a donor wheel to fill the void. Would show the cracks on both ends of the repair but at least it would be FoMoCo!. 

[CharlesTurner]

They're not really 'missing a piece', the plastic shrinks over time due to conditions... heat/cold/humidity, etc...

I've found that it's best to start with a wheel that has minimal to no cracks for restoration.  The steering wheels with large gaps usually crack again after a while.  Also, consider that the wheels with big gaps will have the chrome dot locations shifted and not spaced out equally.  Looks bad to those that notice and a sign of poor workmanship.  Only way to correct that would be to fill some of the dot holes and re-drill.