Corvette Fever Homepage Corvette Fever

Steering Wheel Installation

Installing A New Zip Products Steering Wheel In A ’59 Corvette
From the February, 2009 issue of Corvette Fever
By Randy Bolig
Photography by Randy Bolig
P64445 Image Large
P64446 Image Large
P64447 Image Large
First, gather a few simple... 
   
  read full caption
P64447 Image Large
First, gather a few simple handtools. You’ll need a hammer, a center punch, a screwdriver, a drill and a 1/4-inch drill bit, a steering-wheel puller, a 3/4-inch socket with ratchet, a small rattail file, and a pair of pliers.
P64448 Image Large
Before you begin, make sure... 
   
  read full caption
P64448 Image Large
Before you begin, make sure the wheels are straight and the steering wheel is in the proper position. (It’s easier to straighten the wheels now than it is to do it with the steering wheel off!) Remove the horn button, and then the three screws holding the horn-button stand.
P64449 Image Large
With the horn-button stand... 
   
  read full caption
P64449 Image Large
With the horn-button stand removed, you can now remove the center-shaft nut with the 3/4-inch socket and ratchet, freeing the wheel for removal.
P64450 Image Large
You’ll need a steering-wheel... 
   
  read full caption
P64450 Image Large
You’ll need a steering-wheel puller to remove the old steering wheel.
P64451 Image Large
With the wheel-and-hub assembly... 
   
  read full caption
P64451 Image Large
With the wheel-and-hub assembly removed, drill the six rivets that hold the wheel to the hub assembly. (Hint: Use a center punch on the face of the rivets so as not to drill off-center into the hub.)
P64452 Image Large
With the hub assembly and... 
   
  read full caption
P64452 Image Large
With the hub assembly and the wheel separated, now is the time to replace the horn contact and the two roll pins.
P64453 Image Large
You’ll have to take a... 
   
  read full caption
P64453 Image Large
You’ll have to take a small round file or a half-round file to the backside of the center opening and chamfer the edge so it will fit flush on the hub.
P64454 Image Large
With new bolts, install the... 
   
  read full caption
P64454 Image Large
With new bolts, install the new wheel to the hub, making sure that all of the holes are visible; otherwise you’ll have to take it apart again.
P64456 Image Large
Now that it’s back together,... 
   
  read full caption
P64456 Image Large
Now that it’s back together, you can install the wheel-and-hub assembly on the steering-column shaft. Be sure the wheel is in the proper position and the wheels are straight.
P64458 Image Large
With the wheel assembly on... 
   
  read full caption
P64458 Image Large
With the wheel assembly on the shaft, tighten the center shaft nut to 35-40 lb-ft.
P64460 Image Large
Next, install the horn-button... 
   
  read full caption
P64460 Image Large
Next, install the horn-button stand, making sure the tab rests against the horn-contact bushing. You can also install a new horn button, also available from Zip Products.
P64462 Image Large
There you have it—that’s... 
   
  read full caption
P64462 Image Large
There you have it—that’s how you revamp your ride’s aimer with only a few simple handtools and a couple of hours of your time. CF

Let’s face it—a ’56-’62 Corvette has seen a lot of daylight, and even if meticulously cared for, over time the elements take their toll. Fortunately, Zip Products carries a complete line of restoration products for vintage Corvettes.

This ’59’s steering wheel had logged a lot of road time, so it was time for a change. Follow along as we show you how to replace that old, worn-out steering wheel while burning only a couple of hours of daylight.

Zip Products
(900) 962-9632

www.zip-corvette.com

How To Install A Flaming River Steering Column - Steer Us Straight
A Flaming River Steering Column For Your '63-'68... more
C2 Brakes and Steering Installation - Rack 'EM Up
Installing A Speeddirect/Steeroids Rack-And-Pinion Kit On Your C2... more
Steering Simplification
The main reason for owning a Corvette is the joy of driving it. Nothing else compares to the... more
C1 Steering Box Restoration - Restoring The C-1 Steering Gear
We rebuild a C1 Corvette worm-and-roller steering box... more
'65 Seat Cover Installation
Step-by-step installation of new seat covers for a 65 Corvette.... more
C4 Emblem Install
Are your Vette's badges and emblems looking ragged these days? Then click here for the simple... more
Crate Engine Install
Kevin Schylaske drives a Keebler Cookies truck to make a living, but when he wants to live life to... more
Installing Corvette Side Pipes
Corvette owners have had a love-hate relationship with side pipes ever since their debut in 1965.... more
Simplify Your Steering: Bushings to Bearings
Swaping bushings for bearings in '53-'62 Corvettes... more
Installing the GM 350 Ram Jet
We begin the Maximum Overdrive 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Project Car by installing the GM 350 Ram Jet... more