Steering Wheel replacement

[joewinfield]

The steering wheel on my 79 MH is falling apart and needs to be replaced. Any suggestions on finding a new or used one??? thanks..joe

[overlander63]

You could probably get a GM one off apickup or van.

[HowieE]

The wheel was supplied by the manufacture of the chassis. The same year from any of their trucks should fit. That a trip to a junk yard 79 may be out of stock from a dealer.

[Mike Leary]

Our's has a pretty cool leather wrap, is that what you have? Check with Inland RV Center.Airstream Innovations at Inland RV Center, Inc. (951) 734-8130

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Our's has a pretty cool leather wrap, is that what you have? Check with Inland RV Center.Airstream Innovations at Inland RV Center, Inc. (951) 734-8130

If the 79 steering wheel is anything like the steering wheel in our 74 Argosy then the one Mike is referring to is different. The Classic coaches (1980 & later?) appeared to use some sort of adapter on the steering column and a Moto Lita (or similar) steering wheel was used. The 74 Argosy motorhome used a standard Chevy truck steering wheel.

I've been searching for a replacement for our 84 310 because the leather is torn pretty bad but haven't found a replacement source as yet.

Brad

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by bkahler

I've been searching for a replacement for our 84 310 because the leather is torn pretty bad but haven't found a replacement source as yet.d

Mine is not too bad, for 200K, I have used clear nail polish to seal the one
spot where my thumb rests. Do post if you find one, they're cool.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by bkahler

I've been searching for a replacement for our 84 310 because the leather is torn pretty bad but haven't found a replacement source as yet.

Brad

Brad, can you post a picture of the wheel?

[joewinfield]

My wheel is not GM but something else...leather outer (cracked and flaking) with alum spokes and an Airstream center....hope I can find an aftermkt wheel that will accept the AS logo center...anyone have any luck with this problem???thanks for all the feedback...joe

[bkahler]

Terry,

This picture isn't from our motorhome, I snagged this picture off of eBay a while back. However our steering wheel is identical except for the missing chunks of leather, etc .

Brad

[joewinfield]

Brad, the steering wheel in the pic you posted is identical to the one in my 79 Excella. That's what I need to replace....joe

[bkahler]

Joe,

I think the wheel was made by Moto Lita. In checking out their website Moto-Lita, the Classic British Steering Wheel I couldn't find a steering wheel that was the right diameter. Ours is about 16" in diameter and in leather they didn't show one that looked like ours in that size.

They do custom wheels as well and I wouldn't be surprised if Airstream had them made special.

The search continues.........

Brad

[joewinfield]

Thanks Brad for the research. The Kit Car Mark 4 looks a lot like mine but the largest is 15" and as you noted ours is 16". I would go for the 15' if the 9 holes for attaching fit the pattern of mine. Could use the 1" addl space for my lap....joe

[overlander63]

If that is the wheel, it is pretty much an aftermarket wheel. You may be able to just go to an Autozone, or other DIY auto parts store and get one. Even JC Whitney should have them.

[Mike Leary]

::::buys more clear nail polish:::::

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

::::buys more clear nail polish:::::

But that's too easy!

[Classicpilot]

I got a wheel from the gmc coop. It's a great leather wrapped wheel and it bolts right on. Here's a link. They have two different styles..

http://www.gmccoop.com/images/Steering_wheel_16.5.jpg

Bill Carter

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by overlander63

If that is the wheel, it is pretty much an aftermarket wheel. You may be able to just go to an Autozone, or other DIY auto parts store and get one. Even JC Whitney should have them.

Check with Fleetpride or another big truck supplier as well as this chassis was a bread truck, school bus, etc, and some generic pieces may fit until you find "perfection".

[bkahler]

The Moto Lita style of steering wheel uses an adapter between the steering column and the wheel itself.

Bill, I'd be interested in seeing the back side of the steering wheel you bought.

Next question I have is the height of the steering wheel. Some steering wheels have more "dish" to them than others. That obviously affects how high the wheel will be when you're sitting in the drivers seat. I can't remember right now if our steering wheel feels to "low" or two "high". Have to try it out next time I'm home! Yes we have electric seats to compensate for height but when you're short like me that can be an impact on driving comfort.

Brad

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by overlander63

If that is the wheel, it is pretty much an aftermarket wheel. You may be able to just go to an Autozone, or other DIY auto parts store and get one. Even JC Whitney should have them.

Terry,

I've done that but haven't been able to find a 16" steering wheel. The bulk of what you find in places like Autozone are 13" and 14" steering wheels.

Not that I've given up looking!

Brad

[GlenCoombe]

Grant make a 15" wheel or two that look cool. Adaptors to fit our chassis is not a big deal as it's all GM.

Check it out at Grant Mahogany Grand Touring Steering Wheels - JEGS