Aftermarket Steering Wheels for ‘77 Convertible

[Pekoe2053]

I have given up trying to use my Grant wheel because the hub adapter just honks the horn continuously. Sent one back and the new one does the same thing. Not sure why.

I’m looking for this type of three or four-spoke wheel, but most importantly, a brand whose adapter is proven to fit with no issues.

Any brand and model recommendations? Hope to stay under $300 for everything.

[Pekoe2053]

Both JBugs and SoCal have Volante. Anyone have experience with it?

[APPLEGREENVW]

Get one of these. Look for photos in the gallery for more ideas.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1803234
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Parts for sale https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php?username=APPLEGREENVW

02/76 Beetle sedan

[kd69bug]

[Pekoe2053]

Nice! That looks like a Grant spacer. Does the hole pattern fit the wheel? Also, how do you secure your console to the floor?

Thanks!

[kd69bug]

[Pekoe2053]

Good to know about the gap. I already have the Grant rubber spacer so I’ll decide if I need it.

[kd69bug]

Post a pic when you get it done!

[Pekoe2053]

[74Shovel]

If you haven't done it already, try using a fine wire brush to clean the shaft and spline. Check for burrs which might be causing the steering wheel to hang up, then add a little never-seize paste to the shaft. Steering wheels are meant to fit tight on the shaft, so it doesn't take much to gum up the works.
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Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

'78 Super Convertible

[kd69bug]

I didn't have much luck contacting Volante, they were aware of the problem with my '69 but said they had no fix until possibly the next re-design. However, the gap on my '69 was nowhere near what you are dealing with. See what they have to say and show them the pic. That just cannot be the correct adapter. Mine slid on easily, just left a small gap, works fine.

[Pekoe2053]

I have been slowly closing the gap by cleaning splines with a wire brush, using some grease, pushing it on, wiggling it off, and repeating. I have it close enough to just make contact with the raised brass tab (for the horn?). The gap between the adapter and column is about half an inch.

Tomorrow I’ll put on the wheel and test to see if the horn works the way it is supposed to. If it does, I have to make the decision to tighten it down with the big nut. Once I do that, I won’t be able to get the adapter off without a puller or something drastic.

I ordered the Grant adapter for my Grant wheel just in case. It honks the horn constantly when the hub makes contact with the horn tab, so I’d have to put the horn on a button under the dash.

What would you do?

[kd69bug]

Hard to tell from the pic. It doesn't look like it can go any farther, without seeing the adapter itself first. Is all of the threaded end exposed for the nut?
I'm not sure on a '77 how the horn is wired, nor how the turn signals cancel,
my '69 is different. I tried a Grant before going with Volante. The Grant adapter did not leave a gap, but the horn button was crap, and kept popping off. Other than having to cover the gap, the Volante is great.

On this guy's video it shows the horn/signals similar to yours I think:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPp65S9BMK4

[Pekoe2053]

Success! Thanks for the idea of using the Grant surround to cover the gap which ended up being .25” - exactly what you said. I already had it from my last car so no extra money.

Thanks to all who provided guidance for what should have been an easy job - always, right?

[kd69bug]

That looks great!
Turn signals, horn all OK?

[Pekoe2053]

[muggermackaye]

I cant seem to find the grant adapter with the rubber boot. Can you post a source or part number... or both?

[Rome]

[H2OSB]

[nlorntson]