what is the OD of a T steering wheel and was it consistent throughout the entire run of T's?
I'm asking because I wish I had a smaller steering wheel on my A racer then a standard A wheel which is 17 inches OD. A T wheel does fit the steering shaft.
Thank you.
Differs according to year. . .15", 16", and 17" OD.
Look here for years and measurements:
http://www.bobsantiqueautoparts.com/index.php/general/chassis-1/steering-wheels- parts.html
By the way, I'm not that "Bob". That's the website of ROBERT BERGSTADT. Highly recommended tho.
This is interesting. I never checked it before, but my TT is, I believe, a 1918. Even though it has a '23 engine, it has several characteristics that indicate it's an '18 including a 1917/18 patent plate, which I credit as a strong indicator since it's very unlikely the patent plate or firewall was ever replaced before I replaced it.
However, according to the information on Bob's site as well as other sources it should have a 15" OD steering wheel. It has a 16" OD steering wheel. So, is my original assumption wrong or has it been changed out at some point?
I'll never know.....
The encyclopedia says they changed to the "Fordite" material in about 1919. It also says the wheels were 16" o.d. beginning in '20, but I've never seen a Fordite one which was less than 16". When Bruce said "about 1919," that could have meant that a 16" one came on some 18's. If I were you, I wouldn't change it if you can fit behind it.
p.s. Henry -- Maybe you have one of those "late 18's."
odd, my fatman fit the A steering shaft but just tried a black T and it did not fit at the shaft.
Does anyone have a 15 or 16 inch wheel to sell? Not looking for anything perfect. email me.
This fordite I just tried measures 16 3/4 =/-
Mike W., my late friend had a 15" Fordite steering wheel, it was the only one that I have seen. I think it sold at his estate sale, but I'm not positive. I think they were only made for a very short time. Dave
Dave -- Thanks for that info. It's good to know that at least one did exist.
I have one on my '19 Centerdoor which is, from what I understand, to be the transitional year from a 15" to 16' wheel and the spyder is the stamped steel w/riveted hub which is peculiar compared to a later pressed steel and as opposed to the cast one - photo to come later.