Are Replica Steering Wheels Worth The $$

[WannaBe68]

I have been searching for a "real" black steering wheel, for a long time with no luck, for my 69. I'm starting to think about getting one of the replica steering wheels sold by Brother's, LMC and a few others.
Anyone out there have experience with them. I've heard the hand ring is "flexible"??

[fatbass]

I have one and I just replaced it with a smaller diameter one from a later model truck. All of the replacement "stock appearing" wheels are 17" as far as I can find and it's unnecessarily large for a power steering truck IMO.

[WannaBe68]

Originally Posted by fatbass

I have one and I just replaced it with a smaller diameter one from a later model truck. All of the replacement "stock appearing" wheels are 17" as far as I can find and it's unnecessarily large for a power steering truck IMO.

Thank you for the reply... What I am interested in is a stock looking steering wheel. The replacement wheels look stock, but I have heard they are to flexible or flimsy(?). Just trying to find out if what I've heard is accurate...

[old51sedan]

I bought one last fall from Brothers, but have not installed it yet. I'm having the steering column painted now then plan on installing both PDQ. It sure does look nice, will see how it feels once we get it on.

[jocko]

Yes, they are flimsy. If it's possible to find an original in the color you need, it's worth the extra bucks. But, the demand for them (because the aftermarket ones suck) is why the price for a decent original slowly going thru the roof. Ah, if only I had that old stash of steering wheels and 69-72 tow hooks - then I could sell them all and buy one extreme bend...

Having said that - I have and will buy an aftermarket flimsy one before a non-original or incorrect year. To me it just makes the interior look not quite right without it. The only aftermarket one I can really see in a truck of mine is the 3-spoke that several places sell, but I still prefer the stock wheel to just about anything. Ok, actually anything.

[matt_field]

I have one, not impressed at all. Way to flimsy

[12secondnova]

I drove my uncles truck that has a replacement wheel and I will never ever EVER buy a reproduction. Looks cool but feeling like the wheel could snap in half anytime while im driving is not very comforting for me. Ill stick with my cracked original over repro any day of the week.

[yuccales]

Yes, the china made reproduction wheels are flexable. That said, I really like mine. It looks good. If you don't pull yourself into the cab using the wheel, it seems ok. Has not cracked yet, after 3 years. Regular driving does not flex it, nor does playing Steve Kinser once in awhile, but steering that truck with engine off, no PS, I thought it was going to pretzel. Can't remember if it came from Chevy Duty or Brothers.

[WannaBe68]

I just literally happened to find one for $499.99!!
http://www.2040-parts.com/refurbishe...truck-i175402/

Wow...$5hundy! I think I'll pass on this one, but if any of you want it...feel free

[LockDoc]

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I have used two of them with no problems. You just can't do chinups on them....

LockDoc

[special-K]

Didn't the construction get improved at some point? I think I recall that happened along the way. All I have used is one I bought in '01 and it was flimsier than stock but not so bad it worried my driving the truck. I ran it for about 5 years and it ended up cracking at high noon Cracked and separated, like 1/8". The rod used in the rim was about 1/4" vs about 3/8 OEM. That was the first batch. I noticed the crack after a very cold spell. I think it had a hairline, then separated when material contracted, but never expanded back. Pretty disappointing, but also that wheel cost around $150 back then. I'd pay that every 5 years to always have a nice steering wheel in my truck.

[davepl]

It's floppy like a noodle but looks the part and is simply the best option we have unless you can find a good restorable original and put in the time and work.

You won't notice it driving. You'll only notice it when you grab the top and shake it say "Boy is this wheel flimsy" but it won't affect daily operation, or at least it hasn't for me.

I could have bought an NOS wheel for some outrageous amount but I knew what the guy paid for it, so couldn't bring myself to do it just on principle. I wish my wheel was sturdier but I don't wish it to the tune of $600 or $800.

[jocko]

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
I have used two of them with no problems. You just can't do chinups on them....

LockDoc

Ha! Well said.

[fatbass]

Originally Posted by WannaBe68

I just literally happened to find one for $499.99!!
http://www.2040-parts.com/refurbishe...truck-i175402/

Wow...$5hundy! I think I'll pass on this one, but if any of you want it...feel free

No thanks. My whole truck only cost me $400.

[WannaBe68]

Originally Posted by fatbass

No thanks. My whole truck only cost me $400.

Now that's funny right there!

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by davepl

It's floppy like a noodle but looks the part and is simply the best option we have unless you can find a good restorable original and put in the time and work.

You won't notice it driving. You'll only notice it when you grab the top and shake it say "Boy is this wheel flimsy" but it won't affect daily operation, or at least it hasn't for me.

I could have bought an NOS wheel for some outrageous amount but I knew what the guy paid for it, so couldn't bring myself to do it just on principle. I wish my wheel was sturdier but I don't wish it to the tune of $600 or $800.

Seems like it would be a lot less noticeable with power steering too. It's been forever since I drove one of these with PS but I recall my dad and Grandpa turning the wheel with one finger.

It sucks the 69_72 wheels are so bad. I bought a 67/68 wheel for mine and it feels really well made. Could be the 3 spoke vs 2 and even without PS feels like a good wheel. Unfortunately they're only available in black.

[72MARIO]

My black 1967 1968 repop wheel looks as bad or worst than my original after 3 years. Its all cracked. Its a VERY hard plastic compared to OE

[WannaBe68]

Might have a lead on a really nice original 69/70 steering wheel - Whoop! Hoping to know either way today

[67ChevyRedneck]

Originally Posted by 72MARIO

My black 1967 1968 repop wheel looks as bad or worst than my original after 3 years. Its all cracked. Its a VERY hard plastic compared to OE

Well that's not very encouraging... mines about a year old... :/

[cleszkie]

I have an old repop steering wheel (black) that I used for several years in my Blazer. It seemed to be of better quality than of others that I've seen out there. Very rigid, has proper weight to it, and it has very pronounced scroll pattern on it. Most of the repops tended to have very poor resolution of the scroll pattern, and are lighter. Don't remember where I got it from. But it stood up to many years of sun exposure and use without fading or cracking. I still have it in my attic in case anyone wants pictures of the identification marks molded into the back of the hub. I removed it from my Blazer several years ago in favor of a smaller diameter vintage three-spoke, foam grip unit.

[RMBLFSH]

I bought and installed a re-pop a year ago. Works fine. Never driven one of these trucks with an original. Ignorance is bliss.