I recently picked up a '65 GT convertible for some summer fun, and I wanted to install a Moto-Lita wood rimmed steering wheel to match what came on a '65 GT350. Am I correct in saying that it first came as a 16 inch diameter size but was then changed to a 15 inch? How late into production did that occur? Lastly, a question for anyone who owns a car with a 16 inch wheel installed. Is it less practical than the smaller size? I can only imagine that getting in and out of the car might be hindered by the increase in size.
Info is in the registry... ;) ;)
Sequence:
16" with slots
15" with holes
15" with slots
Quote from: BGlover67 on February 12, 2019, 01:20:42 PM
Am I correct in saying that it first came as a 16 inch diameter size but was then changed to a 15 inch? I can only imagine that getting in and out of the car might be hindered by the increase in size.
Yes, the first 130 or so, GT-350's came with the 16" Cobra steering wheel.
The first '65 GT-350 that I saw back then, with that 16" Cobra steering wheel, just looked, "right".
So, I've had one, on my '66 Shelby, for almost 28 years now and I love it. I have no trouble getting
in or out of the car or driving/shifting gears. And steering, is a little easier during parking.
Doug
Quote from: BGlover67 on February 12, 2019, 01:20:42 PM
I recently picked up a '65 GT convertible for some summer fun, and I wanted to install a Moto-Lita wood rimmed steering wheel to match what came on a '65 GT350. Am I correct in saying that it first came as a 16 inch diameter size but was then changed to a 15 inch? How late into production did that occur? Lastly, a question for anyone who owns a car with a 16 inch wheel installed. Is it less practical than the smaller size? I can only imagine that getting in and out of the car might be hindered by the increase in size.
Practical? Depends on the size of your Belly.............. ::)
Quote from: shlby66 on February 12, 2019, 05:16:24 PM
Quote from: BGlover67 on February 12, 2019, 01:20:42 PM
Am I correct in saying that it first came as a 16 inch diameter size but was then changed to a 15 inch? I can only imagine that getting in and out of the car might be hindered by the increase in size.
Yes, the first 130 or so, GT-350's came with the 16" Cobra steering wheel.
The first '65 GT-350 that I saw back then, with that 16" Cobra steering wheel, just looked, "right".
So, I've had one, on my '66 Shelby, for almost 28 years now and I love it. I have no trouble getting
in or out of the car or driving/shifting gears. And steering, is a little easier during parking.
Doug
Thanks Doug, it's always good to hear from folks who actually have a wheel in that diameter. I see that Moto-Lita stills makes something that resembles the original in 16 inches:
https://www.moto-lita.co.uk/steering-wheels/ac-cobra-oem-wood-rim-split-centre/
I'm sure the wood rim is a bit thicker, the repo's always seem to have that issue (not sure why that is)