Hello all. I am wanting to put in a new steering wheel in my 1980 Ford F-100 truck. I'm getting all woodgrain bezels for my dash, and am not sure whether I should get a woodgrain steering wheel or foam steering wheel. Here are the pictures of the two steering wheels, from Grant:





Both steering wheels will have just a plain chrome horn cover.

I'm also getting a guage cluster with all red-orange needles (factory).

Let me know what steering wheel you all think I should get. Right now I have a Grant black foam steering wheel, 13.5 inches in diameter. Both of the photos above are 15 inch factory size diameter for the truck.

Thanks!

 

I thought you wanted a ford woodgrain wheel?

 

I changed my mind about wanting a Ford woodgrain wheel. The ones selling on Ebay at the moment cost around $115 used. I can get a brand new aftermarket woodgrain one for $99, or the black foam one for $65. If I spent $115 for a steering wheel, I'd like it if it was brand new.

 

Wow, that much? I saw a few on there for that, but I figured those guys were nuts, and that the norm was closer to $25-50. The boneyard by me probably as a half dozen over there! The last wheel I bought was a sport wheel out of a junk cobra II, best $6 I spent!

The kind you were looking for are common in late 70's fulsize fords, LTDs, and even mustang IIs.

As for the grant, the wood is nice because it's real wood, but the foams do have a nice feel to them. Whatever you think would look better in your truck.

 

Well I think I will go with the foam grip, because I think the woodgrain steering wheels had a smaller thickness of the grip itself. I like a little thicker grip, and the foam is probably more comfortable over long distance driving.

There's a Grant GT steering wheel that looks nice with 3 black spokes and a billet style horn pad for $89 at http://www.jegs.com . I'm thinking about getting that one.

Thanks for your help.

Dan

 

That sounds like a good choice. It should match nicely. The wood wheels look nice, but I never had one, so I don't know how comfortable it would be. The grant padded rims are nicer than the ford ones, they're softer. $89 sounds good for a brand new wheel. Does that include the mounting and horn kit?

 

I have a Grant wheel right now, but it's too small of a diameter and hides some of my gauges. My new steering wheel will use the same adapter kit that I already have installed in my truck, so installation should be a breeze.

 

Sounds like a plan. I don't have a tilt column, and even my original wheel would block the high beam indicator. The sport wheel is the exact same dimensions, so it still blocks the high beam indicator, but everything else is ok. It's hard to find a tilt column for a manual trans truck.

 

Yeah. I don't have a tilt column either. Seems like all the tilt columns they do have are all from automatic trucks. Figures, lol. Seems like all the automatic trucks had all the woodgrain and all the options.

 

... I use the stock simulated leather wrapped wheel with woodgrain center and cruise buttons. Optional on Lariat or Bronco XLT, also found on some designer 77-79 Mark V's and some LTD's, T-birds, XR7's.

Grant Wood wheels rarely survive the recycle yard "first pick" when a vehicle arrives for the final rest. Some other boneyard alternatives are the 3 spoke factory wheels on 72 Marks, Torino and Ranchero GT's and some Mustang/Cougars. I am not suggesting the rim-blow type because the replacement parts can get a bit expensive.

I am talking way less than $100 and more like $10 to include the wheel and horn assembly.

 

Yeah but usually steering wheels from junkyards either have slight scratches or chunks out of the steering wheels, or are slightly faded and/or worn. That's why I don't usually want to get a used steering wheel. Junkyards around here though, decent steering wheels are very very rare to find. Probably only 1 out of every 100 steering wheels are in decent condition.

 

...Yeah, I agree DanMan7 since I did not see that you were from California, when I replied, that would explain the recycled wheel complaint. Steering wheels exposed to desert "like" conditions for many years will tend to be chunky or "used looking" at best. California, like Texas is diverse when here the valley is hot and dry while the coast is dripping with salt air from the Gulf. Depending on where you live, also depends on your choice of parts. I like the look of the wood wheel from Grant, but the foam makes a lot more sense. Maybe you can find a local distributer on the internet so you can get a real "hands on" comparison? Good Luck Dan!

 

We have a Kragen Auto Parts here that sells Grant steering wheels. Before I buy one I'm gonna go there and take a look. They're much more expensive than online but at least I can get a general idea on what they look and feel like, and how big they are.

 

I picked out a nice steering wheel today at Kragen Auto Parts:



It cost me $120 with tax. Retail price was $140.

I'll send pictures after I get it installed in my truck.

 

I am thinking about getting the same steering wheel. But I will get one out of a parts Bronco my dad has. It will be a 79 Bronco Ranger XLT. Best part: it's free!

-Matt