'64 Dodge Steering Wheel

[Polara Pat]

Is it just me or was this the year that Chrysler started using paste in their steering wheels? I've probably looked at close to a dozen and they are all cracked beyond repair (easy repair, not stripping right down and starting over). Mine is so bad that that the plastic slides in spots where there are pieces missing and pinch my fingers as I corner. I'm really hoping to run a stock wheel since I really like the two piece "golden anniversary" horn ring.

Anyone out there got a spare?

 

[HitIt]

Have you checked the repo of this wheel? I bought one because I couldn't find a decent original (and mine was missing). Overall it's a pretty good wheel for the price.
http://moparplus.com/product_info.php?products_id=1059

Here's mine installed-

 

[cultphotos]

Sweet!

 

[64BEL]

I've heard that the repros aren't quite correct, but not too bad. I know of an original '64 wheel all beautifully restored that's for sale. It's not cheap, though - $500. I was thinking about it until I found a really nice used one for $20. that I can restore myself.

 

[HitIt]

You're right I think that they are not quite correct. From what I understand the main difference is four casting holes in the backside of the wheel which the original did not have. They are about 1/8" holes that are maybe 1/4" deep. You really cant tell day to day. There may be other differences but that's what I know.

This isn't a very good pic, but it does give you an idea of the holes. I can snap a better one if anyone is interested.

 

[Polara Pat]

I've heard that the repros aren't quite correct, but not too bad. I know of an original '64 wheel all beautifully restored that's for sale. It's not cheap, though - $500. I was thinking about it until I found a really nice used one for $20. that I can restore myself.

That's the kind of deal I'm after!! I love the look of that repro wheel though but it's probably a bit too nice (I know, that sounds stupid) for the build I'm doing. Driver's quality is totally sufficient.

 

[64BEL]

Pat,

I'm with you. Mine is a driver, and that $500. wheel - while beautiful - is much nicer than I need (and more money than I should spend right now).

HitIt - I've been tempted by those repro wheels, and I was having trouble finding a suitable used wheel to bring back to life. The wheel on my car now is a real basket case - although functional. It's too far gone for me to save at my skill level (the next wheel I restore will be my first!), and it's for a Sport Fury - not a Belvedere. So I now have my good project wheel from a '64 Polara that I'll eventually get on my car.

By the way, you have a sweet car. I saw it on another thread - maybe related to the 440 you put in it, if I remember correctly. I just picked up a 440 for $100. that I plan to rebuild and transplant into my Belvedere down the road. The Poly is a fun motor for now, though (but I'm a big block man at heart).

 

[Polara Pat]

Hey 64bel, I'm pretty sure that the Dodge and Plymo wheels are different if you plan on running your stock horn ring. I might have a restorable '64 Belvedere wheel, maybe we should talk trade. Let me confirm the condition of mine first though. It might take a couple days so pm or e-mail me if you're interested.

 

[64BEL]

Pat,

I'm pretty sure they are the same wheel. For my Belvedere, I'm just going to run a Plymouth horn bar - no ring. I believe the ring would be more correct for a Fury or a double ring for a Sport Fury. The Sport Fury wheel that I have now is totally different than all of the other Plymouth models. It has a straight across spoke that tapers out wider in the middle than on each end. The others have two thinner spokes that are across from each other with a slight downward angle to the wheel rim. This is what matches the Polara wheel that I have. The repro wheels advertise them as Dodge or Plymouth, so that indicates that they're the same, too.

 

[HitIt]

64Bel - you may want to check out the '65 repo wheel if you are not going to run the ring. Check out this pic of the 64 wheel and you can see the large notch in the lower center where the chrome ring sits. Also, if you were going to run the Plymouth horn cap (just a round cap like in a Savoy) the 64 wheel wouldn't be the one for you.

Here is the 65, see the difference-

 

[64BEL]

This is the same as the one I'm planning to use. I thought all of the '64 wheels have that slot and this bar works with it. Maybe not?

 

[HitIt]

Yeah that bar will work as it screws on from the backside but you'll have that slot in the steering wheel exposed without the chrome ring.
Oh and thanks for the compliments on the car, appreciate it. It's getting close to being done and it has it's first car show in two weeks.

 

[64BEL]

Thanks for the help HitIt. Maybe I'll end up putting a ring on it too.

 

[superstock64polara]

My wheel has more crack in it than Harlem!

Fortunately, the wheel's not deformed and can be repaired easily. Must be a fairly common thing because every one I ever seen has many many cracks.

 

[Joe Mopar]

My wheel has more crack in it than Harlem!




So what's your point?


:rolling::rolling::rolling::rolling:

 

[Polara Pat]

My wheel has more crack in it than Harlem!




So what's your point?


:rolling::rolling::rolling::rolling:

You could have also gone with "My wheel has more cracks than a plumbers convention"

Your wheel actually doesn't look that bad compared to most that I've seen. We could start a thread for who's got that crappiest wheel contest. I feel like I could have a real chance here.

 

[Joe Mopar]

The wheel in my 64 is very similar. Must be the nature of the beast. When time comes to get her on the road I'll just get a repro. I was actually going to send mine out to be redone but the back side of it is all spider cracked.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

My wheel has more crack in it than Harlem!

Fortunately, the wheel's not deformed and can be repaired easily. Must be a fairly common thing because every one I ever seen has many many cracks.

Hee Hee you have a "cool" button

 

[dvw]

Is it just me or was this the year that Chrysler started using paste in their steering wheels? I've probably looked at close to a dozen and they are all cracked beyond repair (easy repair, not stripping right down and starting over). Mine is so bad that that the plastic slides in spots where there are pieces missing and pinch my fingers as I corner. I'm really hoping to run a stock wheel since I really like the two piece "golden anniversary" horn ring.

Anyone out there got a spare?

Not that hard to repair. Grind out the cracks. A little epoxy , then some bondo and Whala. Just paint with your choice of urethane. My body guy says they stay crack free. Sorry no pics in primer but trust me it was quick,easy and looks like it has never been touched. These pics are epoxy only before filler.
Doug