Steering Wheel Solution?
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: Utah
Steering Wheel Solution?
My 1980 F350 - Steering wheel looks fine but the insert (horn, cruise control) is toast.....in many pieces, no longer exists.
I've tried searching for a steering wheel replacement but finding the original is very expensive when you find one.
I have seen a lot of people have just upgraded to a different wheel - but none of them look like they incorporate the cruise control buttons.
Is there a way to put in a new steering wheel and keep cruise control options? How? What have others done?
Or do you sacrifice cruise control for a new steering wheel?
Just kinda hard to pay eBay prices for the correct steering wheel.
Thanks
RG
I've tried searching for a steering wheel replacement but finding the original is very expensive when you find one.
I have seen a lot of people have just upgraded to a different wheel - but none of them look like they incorporate the cruise control buttons.
Is there a way to put in a new steering wheel and keep cruise control options? How? What have others done?
Or do you sacrifice cruise control for a new steering wheel?
Just kinda hard to pay eBay prices for the correct steering wheel.
Thanks
RG
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 1,166
Rostra makes some aftermarket conversion kits that MIGHT work:
https://www.rostra.com/rostra-add-on...ol-systems.php
Most of their offerings are geared towards newer vehicles, but it looks like some stuff might be applicable.
They also sell various replacement switches, seen at the bottom of that page. Like you, the buttons on my steering wheel are falling apart and I'm too cheap to gamble on an expensive used replacement. I've been considering converting to a GM style turn signal lever, but have not been able to find a good wiring diagram for the Rostra switch internals. Hopefully I could make one work with the Ford control module and servo. I do not know if the Rostra switch is wired the same as a stock GM unit.
https://www.rostra.com/rostra-add-on...ol-systems.php
Most of their offerings are geared towards newer vehicles, but it looks like some stuff might be applicable.
They also sell various replacement switches, seen at the bottom of that page. Like you, the buttons on my steering wheel are falling apart and I'm too cheap to gamble on an expensive used replacement. I've been considering converting to a GM style turn signal lever, but have not been able to find a good wiring diagram for the Rostra switch internals. Hopefully I could make one work with the Ford control module and servo. I do not know if the Rostra switch is wired the same as a stock GM unit.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,949
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
You already have cruise. Why not make a switch panel and mount it somewhere and intercept the blue wire going to the original cruise control module? This diagram lists the resistor values. You may be able to get those out of the original steering wheel. Looks like you need 3 switches.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,240
Likes: 1,222
I checked out car-part.com for my area, there were at least two steering wheels with cruise available.
www.car-part.com
www.car-part.com
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 1,166
Purchasing a 40 year old used steering wheel can be an expensive gamble unless you make sure ahead of time it can be returned if the switches are acting up.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,240
Likes: 1,222
I guess 40 YO wheels are beyond my knowledge base. Mine is only 39 YO...and still werkin. You never know when you're getting a wheel from an avid fast food route diverter, where french fries, cheese burgers and the ever present danger of the Pepsi Syndrome lurks nearby.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,828
Likes: 4,094
From: Angier, NC
My 23 year old Durango the sped control buttons on the wheel dont always work the first time you push them, mainly the cancel 
And I can tell you no French Fries, Burgers or Coke Cola, my go to drink, got spilled on the wheel as I have had the truck since new with only 8 miles on it.
Dave ----
And I can tell you no French Fries, Burgers or Coke Cola, my go to drink, got spilled on the wheel as I have had the truck since new with only 8 miles on it.
Dave ----
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,240
Likes: 1,222
It's probably a good idea to ask any used part dealers to ring out the switches. It is a simple check when the wheel is off. Circuit should be open with the button not pushed and then show continuity when the buttons are pushed. Also try cleaning your switches with a good technical spray lube, cleaner. I'd direct a small spray right next to the button, high side. Let it sit a bit and then suck it out with the shop vac. Worth a try before taking the wheel off to dig in further.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 1,166
The switches themselves are delicate membrane pads. The resistors are built into the printed circuit ribbon, for lack of a better word. Pretty high tech overall for the time, but not holding up well 40 years later.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rocketroy
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Jan 22, 2023 11:19 AM
Elbowgrease2021
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Mar 3, 2022 05:18 PM
Bansheesandrider
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Feb 20, 2022 12:34 PM
tsbonnet
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
1
Oct 26, 2007 11:54 AM