Quick Survey - C1's converted to smaller steering wheels
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Quick Survey - C1's converted to smaller steering wheels
How many of you C1 owners out there have converted your 17" steering wheel to a smaller one? Went on a 7 hour drive this summer and couldn't walk for 2 weeks afterwards due to knee joint pain from being crammed into the C1 cockpit for all that time. Have you found the level of comfort from the extra space worth the trade for lack of originality? Just how hard is it to steer the car into parking spaces with a 15" wheel?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#2
Pro
How many of you C1 owners out there have converted your 17" steering wheel to a smaller one? Went on a 7 hour drive this summer and couldn't walk for 2 weeks afterwards due to knee joint pain from being crammed into the C1 cockpit for all that time. Have you found the level of comfort from the extra space worth the trade for lack of originality? Just how hard is it to steer the car into parking spaces with a 15" wheel?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#4
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
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I tried a 15" very briefly, and did not like the blockage of the speedo (for my hgt. and where I sit), and did not even try to drive it with the 15" wheel.
I have stock steering,
Plasticman
I have stock steering,
Plasticman
#5
Race Director
Member Since: Mar 2009
Location: Canada's capital
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I built a 15 in wood wheel and I love it. My knee would hit the wheel on every shift. BUT, you have to remember how to drive old cars though....you don't sit still and try to crank the wheel, you start moving and then it's easier. Especially coupled with wider modern tires. At speed there's no noticeable difference to me, save the quicker turning response from the smaller wheel.
To me the advantages outweigh the disadvantages by a mile.
To me the advantages outweigh the disadvantages by a mile.
Last edited by Kerrmudgeon; 11-23-2012 at 04:31 PM.
#7
I've had mine since I restored it 12 years ago. Wouldn't leave home without it. Sure is easier on the hands trying to park it. Leg room isn't a problem for me as I'm 5'9'' and not overweight..at least not really overweight. Save the Wave.
#8
Burning Brakes
I'll be watching this thread closely-only had my '62 a few months before deciding to tear down for restoration. Probably put 600 miles on it it stock wheel. Was thinking of ordering 15" wheel, but haven't yet. I'm only 5'9.5" 170 lbs, wife is 5.2 on a tall day, and even she thought the stock wheel was too big. Heard stories both pro/con. Am sure she would have to struggle wrestling with a 15" wheel, but can't tell her...she might have to find out for herself.
Then again-maybe if it is too difficult for her to drive, that's really not a bad thing, is it????!!!!
Then again-maybe if it is too difficult for her to drive, that's really not a bad thing, is it????!!!!
#9
Melting Slicks
I've had a Grant mahogany 15" steering wheel for two years,also Lokar gas pedal linkage.It makes for hours of comfortable driving even though I'm 6'2" and in my mid sixties.