70-72 steering wheel. Repro vs original

[Mike E.]

What are the differences? How do you differentiate between the two? (Originals are sticky, reproductions are not?) I have recently acquired one in a GM box, but the box has been opened. Want to know for sure which it is.
Thanks!

[Joe L.]

Re: 70-72 steering wheel. Repro vs original

What are the differences? How do you differentiate between the two? (Originals are sticky, reproductions are not?) I have recently acquired one in a GM box, but the box has been opened. Want to know for sure which it is.
Thanks!

Mike------


Every reproduction I have seen of the 69-75 steering wheel has a different grain pattern on the "plastic" grip surface of the wheel. In fact, I would describe it as markedly different and easily discerned. Of course, by now, maybe someone's come up with an improved version. In addition, the "plastic" material seems somehow different although it's hard to describe.

As far as "stickiness" goes, I can't comment. I have 3 NOS steering wheels in the box [none for sale] and none of them are sticky. In addition, the original on my car, although well worn, is not sticky, either.

There were actually 2 iterations of the 1969-75 steering wheel. The first was GM #3952700. The second was GM #333590. With one exception, I've never found any difference between these 2 part numbered steering wheels. The exception is that on the rear of the 333590 there is a circular depression with, as I recall, an "M" embossed in the center. I do not know if all 333590 have this, though. I highly doubt that any reproductions will have it.

By the way, this exact same steering wheel was also used on some early 70's Buick Skylarks. However, in addition to the same black wheel used on Corvettes, the Buicks also had other colors to compliment interior colors. Corvettes never did, though. So, if you ever see a 1969-75 Corvette with a steering wheel of any color other than black, it's a Buick Skylark wheel that someone retrofitted to a Corvette.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 70-72 steering wheel. Repro vs original

The reproduction steering wheels are quite crude. I suspect that if you have to look closely at the wheel, it's an original.
Repros will have sharp edges, mold seams in the rubber, and generally look and feel like something a used car lot would throw on a car for quick resale.

[Ed D.]

Re: 70-72 steering wheel. Repro vs original

Mile,
I have had 2 cars with original steering wheels. My 72 is not sticky, but the 74, which I had for 23 years became sticky about 5 years ago.
Not sure was causes the break down, but it dose not happen to all the wheels
Ed

[Mike E.]

Re: 70-72 steering wheel. Repro vs original

Thanks Joe and Patrick. Real it is.