76 coupe steering wheel

[Stray Cat]

I have a 76 Stingray coupe with the "infamous" Vega steering wheel. I'd like to change it to a pre76 classic vette steering wheel. It appears that the only way to do that may be to change steering columns. Eckler's has an adapter but it doesn't seem to work for tilt columns. Anyone have any ideas, suggestions, etc.

 

[drduckster]

I too, would like to see something different in my 76, if anyone has done any reasonable conversions.

 

[arrio]

;stupid
I got 76 whith the Crappy Vega wheel too ad
All of the steering wheel adapters that I have seen so far don't seem to work with the T&T type column.

 

[yakatak76]

i was going to buy the mahogany wheel that eklers puts out but it required the adapter for mine. glad i didn't now that i come to learn that the adapters don't work very well. i would like to have a better looking steering wheel on mine too.

 

[Willis76]

Make room in that line for me ......

;stupid
I got 76 whith the Crappy Vega wheel too ad

... scoot over just a bit ....... thanks

 

[drduckster]

We cannot be the 1st to confront this problem. I have not taken my wheel off... so I'm confused with the fact that they will not work with anything else. Can any parts in the end of the collum be changed that will allow another wheel to work or is it a clearance problem? Somebody turn the light on!!

 

[Willis76]

update from Eckler's

I'm checking with Eckler's on when an adapter would be neeed. I read it as ... if you have a 76 with tilt and tele, no adapter is required and s/b direct bolt on ...... will let you know what they say..

 

[Willis76]

update from Eckler's

:TALK update from Eckler's:
"Yes an adapter is required for a 1976 Corvette. Part # A6995"

"A 1976 Corvette is a one year only steering wheel. This wheel was actually taken from the Chevy Vega. An adapter is required for a 76. You will loose your tele-scope feature when you switch wheels, but will still have the tilt."

 

[drduckster]

I would like to see one mounted with the adapter, if you do use one, post a picture, this may be my only alternative. tks for the info.

 

[Thumper]

I too have a 76, but replaced the column with a tilt/tele column out of a 73. Bolted right in and now I can use a number of different wheels. I have the wheel out of an 81 on it right now and it looks super. I was even able to sell my wheel to a Cosworth Vega owner for just about what I paid for the 73 column. Occaisionally, I get lucky.

 

[bossvette]

I have a 76 when I bought it (not drivable) the steering column looked like a sledge hammer had been taken to it. I replaced it with a rebuilt one from Michigan Corvette recyclers from a earlier year and put a grant GT wheel on it I still have the tilt and tele and the wheel looks good.

 

[drduckster]

bossvette...... sounds like someone else did'nt like the Vega wheel :bang guess I'll start looking for a column, should not be much of a problem, Thanks to the CAC another problem solved!!

 

[mmitzan]

76 Steering column

The 76 column can be replaced with a later year column without too much hassle. I replaced mine with an 80 column that i got on ebay for $200. The is an article that gives detailed instructions for the replacement at www.corvettefaq.com. It can be found by going to the steering section on the left hand side bar. It's basically a direct swap. It has an added benefit of being approx. 2" shorter than the originasl 76 column and accepts "standard" vette steering wheels.

 

[bossvette]

pics of steering wheel
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-6/222440/47.jpg
I would like to see a picture of that dark cherry duckster
Craig sr.

 

[drduckster]

I should have some pictures made at our next cruise-in, will try to get them posted.