[Ccass]

Originally Posted by 65madgoat

Do these wheels now have better metal centers?

Previous experience with these is the metal is super flimsy and bends easily....


If you can't find a good OEM steering wheel, the LeCarra copy of the formula wheel is such a better built wheel.

The original wheels were flimsy too. I believe it was done purposely for safety.

[1965gp]

No- I ordered the coller and install kit 5 years ago when I bought the first wheel. You are correct- this was only the wheel. I am very happy with the way it feels/looks.

[Ccass]

Originally Posted by 1965gp

No- I ordered the coller and install kit 5 years ago when I bought the first wheel. You are correct- this was only the wheel. I am very happy with the way it feels/looks.

Whewh! LUCYYY? ;)

[1965gp]

I bought the last one from Ames- I have no idea who they get it from. Both cars are stored indoors and get less than 1000 miles a year.

The one from my TA I bought from Restore a Musclecar (I think?) about the same time and both are splitting along the top and crumbling where the spokes meet the wheel.

[1965gp]

Here are the pics- Gold one out of the TA black one out of the 70 GTO. I know I bought the GTO wheel from Ames but like I said it was a while ago.

My wife drives the TA when it gets driven so I don’t think it is a driver issue.

Notice the screws rusting on the TA? I had the same thing happen to the GTO. If you order them maybe put an extra coat of paint on them.

Not sure if you can tell which manufacturer they are from or not? I liked it enough to buy another one. To be clear- I am not saying don’t buy it. Just letting you know my experience

[Ccass]

Originally Posted by 1965gp

Here are the pics- Gold one out of the TA black one out of the 70 GTO. I know I bought the GTO wheel from Ames but like I said it was a while ago.

My wife drives the TA when it gets driven so I don’t think it is a driver issue.

Notice the screws rusting on the TA? I had the same thing happen to the GTO. If you order them maybe put an extra coat of paint on them.

Not sure if you can tell which manufacturer they are from or not? I liked it enough to buy another one. To be clear- I am not saying don’t buy it. Just letting you know my experience

those are nasty looking wheels! I've never seen any of our wheels do anything remotely close to that. Yikes!

Anyone else reading ever have their reproduction wheel do anything like that?

[1965gp]

I’ve heard of a few other people having the same issues. Cars are in Houston, TX so they can get hot, but not extreme temperature swings.

[burd]

They changed yo steel in 79 or 80.

[77 Canamman]

I have purchased both brands of Repro Formula wheels, and they aren't fit for a go-cart. I got so pissed with their poor construction, I sought out a pristine original for some hefty coin.

Why bother producing this trash?

[Slick]

Originally Posted by 77 Canamman

I have purchased both brands of Repro Formula wheels, and they aren't fit for a go-cart. I got so pissed with their poor construction, I sought out a pristine original for some hefty coin.

Why bother producing this trash?

:^(

Wish I knew this before ordering mine. Thanks for the insight.

Stuart

[77 Canamman]

Originally Posted by Slick

:^(

Wish I knew this before ordering mine. Thanks for the insight.

Stuart

If you look at them cross-eyed, they bend. The originals, while fragile compared to some wheels, are FAR less malleable than the current replacements. I figure its a cheaper grade of aluminum to go with their cheaper grade of foam that doesn't last 6 years on a pampered garaged show car.

[Slick]

Will this Lecarra steering wheel:

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ibanner=SREPD5

work with the factory horn assembly and collar?

If so (and I think it probably is), then IF my wheel is as bad as described by 77 Canamman, then I'll replace the wheel at a later date. But I still need the collar and horn assembly, so I'll give the Ames product a whirl!

Stuart

[scott70]

Originally Posted by Slick

Will this Lecarra steering wheel:

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ibanner=SREPD5

work with the factory horn assembly and collar?

If so (and I think it probably is), then IF my wheel is as bad as described by 77 Canamman, then I'll replace the wheel at a later date. But I still need the collar and horn assembly, so I'll give the Ames product a whirl!

Stuart

Im assuming it would fit. Ive got that same lecarra wheel,ames horn button and guts new awaiting the collar for my 70 gto. I did ask in the street forum months ago about doing the conversion. There were a few there that had done it and mentioned the wheels can bend without much effort. Like do not try to push the car through the window with your hand on the wheel. A stock steel wheel can handle it but youll bend a formula wheel,,stock or aftermarket. I have no experience between the rigidity between oem and aftermarket. Ill be careful with my lecarra knowing this and hopefully it will be ok.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=835268

[Ccass]

Originally Posted by 77 Canamman

If you look at them cross-eyed, they bend. The originals, while fragile compared to some wheels, are FAR less malleable than the current replacements. I figure its a cheaper grade of aluminum to go with their cheaper grade of foam that doesn't last 6 years on a pampered garaged show car.

GM made at least 5 different styles of 'original' wheels for the 11 year period. You you'd need to have experienced and awful lot of originals to 'figure' correctly. ;)

[77 Canamman]

Originally Posted by Ccass

GM made at least 5 different styles of 'original' wheels for the 11 year period. You you'd need to have experienced and awful lot of originals to 'figure' correctly. ;)

I've owned 4 Firebirds/T/A's from that period. I am aware of the differences in the wheels.

Bottom line, in my experience, the repros are inferior to OEM BY FAR.

[Mike Kelliher]

Are all items getting harder to get?ordered steering wheel package months a go...customer since 2011...few years ago, no issues. Is r sport dying?

[Ccass]

Just arrived. in PA. We're inspecting, boxing and shipping to all dealers this week. It takes 2 days to get to Ames. So I imagine they will start shipping to everyone next week.

[vertigto]

It's called COVID.

[scott70]

Got mine today,,,,looks good. Hopefully the installation goes smooth.

[vertigto]

Ouch!