With the addition of power steering, the 18" stock wheel has to go but I can't find an aftermarket wheel that goes well with my stock column.
I got the idea to downsize the stock wheel from Dave (droptop70ss) and decided to try it. I cut the spokes out of both the 18" original and the 15" donor - trimmed the original spokes to fit inside the 15" - drilled and pinned the spokes to the rim hoop in the 15" with 10 penny nails to hold the spokes in place - and welded the spokes to the rim. (I had pics of the first several steps too but they went bye bye when the computer crashed)


I used glass impregnated Bondo to fill the rim gaps - took several applications to build it out.


Used a "cheese grater" file to form the filler.


Made a template to help me keep the shape.


Lots and lots of filing and sanding.


Used glazing putty to fill the shallow scratches and groves -


Had a hard time getting the gloss black paint to dry glossy - After 3 tries/startovers, it is finished. Even after all that work, I'm going to wrap the wheel with a threaded leather cover. Will post another pic when I get it installed on the truck.

 

Nice! Looking forward to seeing it installed.

 

Man, that looks so good, I'd hate to cover it up! Really nice work.

 

Excellent, looks great!
Isnt it fun making something that doesn't exist or would cost hundreds of dollars to get? It will take a sharp eye to catch the change, then be prepared for the questions on how you did it.

 

Final coat of gloss black -


Installed necker **** and leather cover - Lot of folks would have left the cover off but with my arthritis, I need the thicker rim to hang on to -


Installed horn button -


Installed on steering column - Another 8 hour job accomplished in only 2 weeks !

 

Looks great! I have WAY more time than money so I also have some of those 8 hour jobs done in two weeks or more. As long as it gets done and you're having fun doing it.

Scott