ConcoursMustang Forums
1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1969 Mustang => Topic started by: lmennis on April 16, 2024, 09:59:37 PM
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My car has an original 2 spoke steering wheel which is cracked and showing signs of wear. Rather than replace it with the same, I want to upgrade to the rim blow steering wheel which looks much better. I've heard that the reproductions are not the greatest and that most of the time the horn cannot be used as the reproductions do not function properly. I know it is possible to get a restored original one but they are quite expensive. If I install a different steering wheel that is not for 1969 it would not be period correct and would require an adaptor I believe. Any advice or suggestions?
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Given the focus here the answer would be to fix or replace your steering wheel with the original 2 spoke. IN this way you will side step the issues with the reproduction (don't know them personally) and the concern about the rim blow liner causing issues that may damage the car.
If, again remembering our focus, your car is original or restored an aftermarket wheel IMHO will just look out of place and at least half of the people who view your car will tell one another "hey look its got a aftermarket steering wheel" That could get old quikcly
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I've had several of the 1969 rimblow wheels. My opinion is the reproductions are outstanding and typically work with no issues. They come from here:
https://rimblowrestoration.com (https://rimblowrestoration.com)
Of course the same company will restore your original wheel too - for the same price. Your choice.
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Something to consider when having a rim blow steering wheel restored is that most restorers are not aware that the assemblyline steering wheel plastic is not black but a very dark gray. It is meant to match the properly painted dark gray metallic steering column and dash paint. It only makes sense that the factory would match things up. The mis match of a fresh restored but done black wheel is very obvious when installed connected to a properly painted dark gray metallic steering column. If more people would request the right look then more wheel restoration companies would do it right. 9 times out of 10 I find this when concours judging a restored car. Yes there is a deduction although small.