I found a 57 tbird steering wheel that's been restored and painted real nice. my question is ,will it fit my 56 ford customline? it looks identical to mine except it is a little fancier.the shaft hole looks the same and the slots for the horn ring looks like mine.the reason I ask is that my wheel needs some work and needs painting. any help would be appreciated.

It will fit, but the diameter may be slightly different.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John is correct. It will fit.



The other difference other than size is it will be 1/8 inch shallower in the dish due to the diameter being 1/2 inch smaller this reduces the length of the spokes. The other thing in the underside of a bird steering wheel is deeper than a car wheel so you will have to adjust your steering column downwards to allow for clearance so it doesn't rub. You may also have to file the underside of the wheel and the top pot metal piece of the column if you cannot get enough adjustment for clearance

marv

I appreciate the info,the wheel was left to be fixed and painted at a paint shop.the guy died so his wife sold his car and parts.this wheel is still at the painters whom I know,he wants $75 for it just to get rid of it.possibly one of you guys would be interested in it? still may use it,but at least it needs a good Ford guy to get it!

Montana: If no takers here you could put it on e Bay or contact a T.Bird club. Someone will definitely want it..

Paul

What color is your steering wheel and how much you asking for it?

You shouldn't have a problem at all with the swap. I'm running a 56 tbird steering wheel in my 56 sunliner and wish I'd done it 20 years ago. The smaller diameter and circumference of the bird wheel makes steering the sunliner MUCH BETTER and not feeling like you're steering a truck with a huge oversized steering wheel. My wife allways complained about the wheels being too big in the cars anyway.

-Gary Burnette-

thanks guys for your opinions,I think I,ll put it on and see how I like it.will sell it to someone on this site if it isn't what I want.it's white and really nice.

I believe you'll be happy.

-Gary Burnette-