63 Avanti "Grant" steering wheel ?

[starlightchamp]

My wheel is a basket case and needs replacement. I'm aware of several
rebuilders but since I won't be keeping the car strictly original, I'm thinking
of buying a wheel from Grant. Several members on the Avanti forum have suggested
that Grant sells an adapter kit for use on the Avanti. The 15inch aluminum wheel with
simulated wood rim looks very nice. Have any of you guys seen, used, or know of
a successful use of this steering wheel ? If I install it, I can then take my time
attempting to restore the original.
....Dick Curtis

[Gunslinger]

I have a Grant 714 14" mahogany rimmed steering wheel in my Avanti. The adapter kit is Grant #4268. Summit Racing carries both. The same kit should work on most, if not all standard Grant steering wheels. It's the adapter that makes the difference, not the steering wheel itself as far as fitting the car goes.

I'm not sure but I believe Momo and maybe some other brand steering wheels use the Grant adapter kits, since Grant is pretty much the standard in the industry for aftermarket parts like that.

[jerry1]

Are they hard to install?

[sweetolbob]

Are they hard to install?

Toughest part is pulling the old wheel. After that it's just bolt the parts together and get the wiring correct as per directions.

Bob

[Gunslinger]

Get a steering wheel puller and the present one will pop right off. They're not expensive but many places like Pep Boys, Advance Auto and other loan tools out for free. The right tool makes the job easy.

[stupak]

"Get a steering wheel puller and the present one will pop right off." I WISH! I had a steering wheel puller on my '63 for two weeks, putting a small amout of increased pressure on it every night, and, some WD40. I protected the seat and every night thought I'd find the wheel laying on the seat. WRONG! I need to replace the horn contact assembly and am stymied at this point. stupak

[skyway]

"thought I'd find the wheel laying on the seat"

I always try to leave the loosened nut on a few turns to "catch" the wheel when it breaks loose.
Also helps to protect the threads ala tapered rear axles.

[sweetolbob]

"Get a steering wheel puller and the present one will pop right off." I WISH! I had a steering wheel puller on my '63 for two weeks, putting a small amout of increased pressure on it every night, and, some WD40. I protected the seat and every night thought I'd find the wheel laying on the seat. WRONG! I need to replace the horn contact assembly and am stymied at this point. stupak

Stupak

If you are still trying to get it off, I'd switch to PB Blaster or another decent product that is made to break rust. I'd suggest the acetone/ATF solution but I'm not sure what the acetone would do to the plastic in the assembly. WD-40 was designed to protect the metal and displace water.

Secondly, I'd take a small hammer and give the puller a rap or two as you tighten it and before you leave it overnight. Also leave the nut on as Skyway suggests to save the threads.

If you've got it off by now just disregard these thoughts.

Bob

[starlightchamp]

Thanks to all for the steer (pun intended) to Grant. I plan to order a wheel this week. So many designs
it's hard to choose.
....Dick Curtis
Starlightchamp

[okc63avanti]

Thanks to all for the steer (pun intended) to Grant. I plan to order a wheel this week. So many designs
it's hard to choose.
....Dick Curtis
Starlightchamp

See my reply in the Avanti Forum I post links to Summit Racing part nos. I ordered for my Grant Wheel and adapter

[stupak]

Bob and Skyway: Thanks for your input. Each night as I was tightning the puller a bit, I would give it a coupe of good smacks with a mallet. Nothing. I disassembled the effort a month or two ago but will give it another try. I'll follow your suggestion and leave the nut on a few turns. Sounds like a very good idea. I'm also going to try someone elses idea. They said that sometimes a puller will not pull straight back, but 'cocked'. They suggested just sitting behind the wheel and manually 'rock' the wheel side to side while pulling it. That sounds like a receipt for a broken Avanti steering wheel. I'm going to give it a try tho, but very cautiously. From what I've been through with the puller, it doesn't sound logical. But.....then again......... stupak