Last night I decided to remove the later model steering wheel from my 68 SS and install the ?original? The old one that came with the car (that was not installed) was a deluxe wheel with the small SS emblem in the middle. It was cracked terribly so I found a CHERRY original just like it that I bought on EBAY.

Anyway, cruising right along, got the late model wheel removed, put the new one in place.......wait a minute, this isn't looking right.

With the wheel on the shaft, the threads on the shaft are flush with outside collar on the wheel. I can't even get the nut on. To state it simply, it looks like the shaft needs to come out as the wheel is up against the collar with the turn signal/hazard button. Is there a way to adjust this shaft out? I hope someone can help, otherwise there is fixing to be a mint steering wheel on EBAY! :(

You need to remove the hub that the aftermarket wheel bolts to (assuming it is aftermarket). Here's a recent post on the topic. http://www.camaros.net/forum/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=003092

http://www.jcwhitney.com/wcsstore/jcwhitney/images/imagecache/I16511.gif

Should be somewhat similar to the piece on the bottom right.

o.k., does that pice on the right go behind the turn signal mechanism??

Thanks for you help Robert!

The dimension from the tip of the steering column shaft to the top edge of the steering column housing is 1.8 inches. I believe that this dimension is pretty consistant for all GM standard (non-adjustable) as well as the GM tilt columns from 1969 through the late 1970s.

You cannot extend the steering shaft, the 1.8 inches is a set amount. The locking plate, locking ring, steering column head, etc were all pretty common for all GM columns. I believe that all of the GM steering wheels and hubs were designed to work with a steering column shaft with that dimension.

The Tilt & Telescoping columns were different.

The Factory Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) is a must have. It has detail drawings of how everything goes together.

Did you mean "Cherry" as in good or "Cherry" as in wood. If it's the latter I think it's actually Walnut in which case you'll need a mounting adapter which is about $40.00. You might also need the horn mounting kit if you don't have those parts. Either way none of the stuff from the aftermarket kit in the above post will be used. I don't have an original wheel on either of my cars so that's about as much as I can advise. Maybe someone else will chime in.

Here's a few sites to browse for parts.

While you're there pick up an Assembly Manual like Dennis suggest, only $19.95.

http://www.firstgen.com
http://www.classicindustries.com/
http://www.ss396.com/