1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

[Joe L.]

There was a recent question posted about 1969 steering wheels. The same wheel (under 2 different part numbers) was used from 1969 through 1975. This reminded me of another interesting fact about these steering wheels.

As we know, all of the 1969-75 steering wheels were of hard black rubber grip material. The exact same steering wheels were also used optionally on some 1969+ Buicks, Skylarks, I believe. However, the Buicks also used this same steering wheel but in colors to match various Buick interiors. Sometimes folks see these steering wheels in NOS or used condition at swap meets and begin to think that maybe all 1969-75 Corvette steering wheels were not black. Or, they might even see one installed on a 1969-75 Corvette and assume it's original. But, that's absolutely not the case. The colored wheels were never originally used on a Corvette.

[David L.]

Re: 1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

Joe,

While discussing steering wheels, I have always wondered what the difference was, if any, between the 67 Corvette steering wheel and the 1968 Corvette steering wheel. The part numbers are different but the two steering wheel appear to be identical, at least to me.

Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

Joe,

While discussing steering wheels, I have always wondered what the difference was, if any, between the 67 Corvette steering wheel and the 1968 Corvette steering wheel. The part numbers are different but the two steering wheel appear to be identical, at least to me.

Dave

Dave-------


Well, whatever the difference was, they were close enough that GM discontinued the 1967 wheel, GM #9746195, in June, 1971 and replaced it for SERVICE with the 1968 wheel, GM #9748390. The latter was discontinued without supersession in April, 1975.

[Edward B.]

Re: 1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

David, I had the exact same question when I was researching my STEERING WHEEL REPORT for the 1st generation Camaro (67 and 68 used the same wheel as the Corvette an option).

I looked at a several 67 and 68 original simulated wood wheels and could NOT for the life of me see any differences. I spoke to John (Hinckley) and he couldn't figure it out either.

The same goes for the horn cap that was used on this wheel for the Camaro. 3 different part numbers over the 3 years, but NO differences that you can see!

GM NEVER made a change to a part number unless there was something different, so there IS something different between the wheels (and the caps), but it sure isn't obvious!

Ed

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

David, I had the exact same question when I was researching my STEERING WHEEL REPORT for the 1st generation Camaro (67 and 68 used the same wheel as the Corvette an option).

I looked at a several 67 and 68 original simulated wood wheels and could NOT for the life of me see any differences. I spoke to John (Hinckley) and he couldn't figure it out either.

The same goes for the horn cap that was used on this wheel for the Camaro. 3 different part numbers over the 3 years, but NO differences that you can see!

GM NEVER made a change to a part number unless there was something different, so there IS something different between the wheels (and the caps), but it sure isn't obvious!

Ed

Ed------


The same situation exists for the 1969-72 steering wheel, GM #3952700, and the 1973-75 steering wheel, GM #333590. I've never been able to discern a difference between these steering wheels but I know there has to be some difference.

[Edward B.]

Re: 1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

Joe, the only thing I could possibly come up with is perhaps a change in part number due to some kind of paperwork reason or maybe a materials or process change. However, I don't believe Chevrolet manufactured their own steering wheels but farmed these out to different vendors, so a process or materials change wouldn't necessitate a GM part number change. Or would it? I guess if GM stipulated that the material now be made of some other material (or a slightly different formula - or slightly different graining for the wood wheel*) than what it was before, maybe a part number change would be required? I'm just grasping at straws here.

Anything else would have necessitated a change or additional part number (i.e. manufacturing different colors), so other than those examples I've stated above, it's a mystery.

*Although like I said before, after examining several original 67 and 68 wood wheels, I could see NO differences at all, but perhaps the change could have been so slight as to not really stand out?

Ed

[Ralph S.]

Re: 1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

1971 steering wheel after collision

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

1971 steering wheel after collision

Ouch. I hope that wasn't you in there. It looks like the wheel collapsed as expected, but instead of collapsing, the column is pushed to the right. Maybe the impact force of the driver was between the door and column, instead of straight on? That may have caused more trauma.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969-75 Corvette Steering Wheel

Joe,

Slightly off topic, but is their a thread talking about the chronology of safety features? For example:

- 19xx? Padded Dash, Energy Absorbing Sun Visors
- 1965 Disc Brakes
- 1967? Energy Absorbing Steering Column
- 1968 Side Marker Lights
- 197x? Soft knobs
- 1973 Side Impact Door Beams, Front Energy Absorbing Bumper, Radial Tires
- 1986 ABS
- 199x? Traction Control
...