Steering Wheel

[55ron]

I am relatively new to the forum. I purchased a 1967 Beetle for my wife this fall and would like to replace the steering wheel. There is a fairly wide price gap between Jbugs and Wolfsburg West. Does anybody have experience on the quality difference?

Thank you!!

[slayer61]

I can't speak to the steering wheels specifically, but jbugs has a reputation for selling empi and other chinese parts. WW sell oem and resto quality parts
_________________

[zerotofifty]

you want a stock type or fancy aftermarket style?

Huge price difference for the stock type wheel, that is for sure. Are they different I dont know. Might be the same, might not.

Will either work? More than likely yes.

for a daily driver, not a show car, Id pick the cheaper one, I am not a big spender

Call the vendors, ask where they are made, who makes them? how is the chrome ring, the button. maybe same, maybe not.
The cheaper one dont look bad in the photo. but who knows.

If the one you buy looks horrible, return it.
_________________
Sorry About That Chief.

Give Peace a Chance.

Words to live by.

[heimlich]

Buy both. Return the one you don't like.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here)

[55ron]

I should have stated that I was looking at the stock style replacements.

Thank you for the replies!

[Bobs67vwagen]

You could buy a used OEM wheel and have it restored. There is a company called kochs that has been doing steering wheel restorations for years with great reviews. Check the samba classifieds for st wheels 66 to 71 should be the same black wheel. You got a good year 67 is considered the best by many.

[55ron]

[cyclehobby]

I have a 67 Bug also. I have a new, black steering wheel through JBugs and the quality is fine. I got a new horn ring and center button as well. Installation was easy and it's looked great for the last 7 or 8 years.

My original steering wheel had some cracks and needs restoration, and I may do that in the future. But for now, this new wheel looks perfectly original.
_________________
1967 Beetle
Northern NJ

[zerotofifty]

[daveblank]

I have an Ivory one from Empi. It looks good & it works. I can't ask for much more.

[volk263]

Airhead Parts

[glutamodo]

I'll quote myself from 9 years ago, I don't think the links work any more though.

[OldSchoolVW's]

Airhead/KGPR is still giving a lifetime warranty on the stock steering wheels.

https://airheadparts.com/vw-part/beetle-ghia-t3-steering-wheel-black-311-498-651-d/


From their current webpage:

"AIRHEAD/KGPR GUARANTEE
We manufacture almost 1000 parts to fit vintage Volkswagens. When you buy from us, that part is guaranteed for life (limited to replacement of part only). If any part ever fails due to materials or design defect, we will replace it free of charge, for the life of your vehicle. Your orders are archived in your account, so you will always be able to go back and retrieve a receipt."

Sounds like they're pretty serious about the quality of their products.
_________________
Tom

"Following distance is proportional to IQ."

"It's okay to think."

"If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." Warren Miller

'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback

[glutamodo]

So, I wonder if I should try another warranty claim then. I only just got the car running for the first time in like 7 years, and when I saw the crack I wasn't too bummed out but I was focused on other things at the time.

Reviewing the photos I took of the crackage last time, maybe I should look closer. These were from 2016:

As for the replacement, these images I took just now. At a glance I only saw two cracks.

_________________
Andy T.

"What is Glutamodo, Horror of Toyko, besides total, fiendish, quality-a-you brain!"

[55ron]

[Rome]

[indianpeaksjoe]

I got a sweet sparkle gold one from moon eyes, if you would consider non stock look.

-Joe
_________________
Adventures in owning a 66 beetle

[rcooled]