After all, how to choose Classic Steering Wheels? Find out now!
When it comes to vintage cars, combining comfort and style is essential. That is why anyone who is passionate about this type of vehicle cannot forget the classic steering wheels, which draw attention for their retro appearance and guarantee a real return to the past .
But when it comes to making the car more stylish with an old design steering wheel, it is common for drivers to be quite undecided due to the high number of models available on the market.
What features a classic steering wheel?
The first step before making your choice is to understand what is the criterion that defines this type of steering wheel. Basically, a steering wheel can be considered classic when it is a replica or has the same design as the items manufactured until the 1980s.
In addition to age, another characteristic that defines the steering wheel is its variation of coverings, which can be found in leather, wood or bakelite, and the center of the accessory, made of chrome steel in most items.
What are the main models of classic steering wheels?
Currently, the main manufacturers of classic steering wheels are Nardi, an Italian brand, and Moto-Lita, from the United Kingdom, which make steering wheels with steel plate center and wooden handle or with animal skin coating.
Do you know what are the main steering wheel types for vintage cars ? Below you can see the main ones:
But when it comes to making the car more stylish with an old design steering wheel, it is common for drivers to be quite undecided due to the high number of models available on the market.
What features a classic steering wheel?
The first step before making your choice is to understand what is the criterion that defines this type of steering wheel. Basically, a steering wheel can be considered classic when it is a replica or has the same design as the items manufactured until the 1980s.
In addition to age, another characteristic that defines the steering wheel is its variation of coverings, which can be found in leather, wood or bakelite, and the center of the accessory, made of chrome steel in most items.
What are the main models of classic steering wheels?
Currently, the main manufacturers of classic steering wheels are Nardi, an Italian brand, and Moto-Lita, from the United Kingdom, which make steering wheels with steel plate center and wooden handle or with animal skin coating.
Do you know what are the main steering wheel types for vintage cars ? Below you can see the main ones:
- Big Block: coated in natural leather, this model draws attention by its size - 400 mm in diameter - and is indicated mainly for muscle car style cars from the 70s, such as the Chevrolet Camaro and the Maverick GT ;
- Class: slightly smaller than the Big Block, the Class is also covered in natural leather, but has little depth and a neutral look, making it ideal for cars like BMW and Mercedes-Benz;
- Boxer Wood: large and stylish, this steering wheel has a structure made of stainless steel and a wooden handle, ensuring great style for Air Cooled cars;
- Four: also recommended for muscle cars of the 70s, the Four has four central arms and is covered in natural leather.
What are the necessary prerequisites for purchasing a classic steering wheel?
Before choosing a steering wheel, the first point to note is what is the model of the vehicle and if it really is an old car - after all, classic steering wheels are unlikely to match modern cars, are they?
Taking into account the type of car and its year of manufacture, it is possible to check the characteristics of the steering wheels produced at the time, such as size and depth, essential information for installing the accessory and for the driver's position when driving the car. For further info, click here
What to consider when choosing a classic steering wheel?
According to the National Traffic Council (Contran), there is no problem for a driver to change the steering wheel of the car for a classic model . However, as we said just above, it is necessary to pay attention to the diameter and depth of the equipment, as an inadequate size can hinder handling.
It is recommended that the steering is at a distance of approximately one fist from the legs, without ever touching the driver. In addition, the steering wheel must be positioned so that the elbows are slightly bent at an angle of 120 ° during steering.
Is it worth opting for a replica instead of an original steering wheel?
In addition to choosing from the many types of classic models available on the market, vintage car drivers also need to choose between the original steering wheel and the replica.
The original steering wheel may be a good choice if you want to make your car look exactly like it did when it was manufactured, but generally the part has a higher cost and can not be found easily.