I opted to go with the Billet Specialties "Chicayne"
steering wheel since my '63 Ford was rolling on matching
18-inch billet wheels. The chrome plated Flaming River tilt column was a perfect match for the look I was going for.
The stock steering wheel was showing some cracking under the trick '70s-style wheel wrap, so it was time for an upgrade.
Be sure to measure the length of the column from the inside up to the firewall and from the rag joint to the outside of the firewall.
This will ensure your new column with be the correct length for your application.
The Billet Specialties half-wrap steering wheel makes it easy to change the color if you choose to do so.
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Steering in the Right Direction
Billet Specialties and Flaming River Team Up for a Killer Steering Combination
By Nick Licata
After recently updating my '63 Ford Galaxie with 18-inch Billet Specialties "Chicayne" wheels, a lowering kit, and low-profile Nitto radials, the car now had the stance I was looking for. So, it was only fitting to add a little shine and attitude to the car's interior.
With the stock steering wheel looking and feeling its age (more than 40 years old), the cracks in the plastic handgrip were becoming increasingly visible and the '70s-era wheel wrap didn't help too much in the visual appeal department. I had second thoughts about getting rid of the stock wheel since the chrome horn ring was still in excellent condition, but I had my mind set on some new steering components.
I checked out the Billet Specialties Web site (www.billetspecialties.com) to see what was available. Since the '63 was already running Chicaynes, the obvious decision was to go with the matching half-wrap steering wheel. Although I went with the black leather, I should mention that the wrap is also available in white, light gray, dark gray, tan, burgundy, blue, simulated carbon fiber, and burl wood. You can even send your own 18-inch square piece leather or cloth material and they will wrap a plain ring for an extra $25. To complete the look, I ordered the large Billet Smoothie horn button along with a nine-hole adapter.
Next, I needed to find a steering column that would perfectly complement the new steering components. I put a call into Flaming River and told them I was looking for a stainless steel tilt column for a manual shift car. I just gave them the make, model, and year of my car along with the stock column length, and they were able to take it from there.
Once the parts arrived, we were ready to get started on our steering wheel and column upgrade in our convenient Tech Center. Although we did some minor fabrication on the firewall just to tidy things up a bit, the installation was a breeze. Just be sure to have the exact measurements of your old column when placing your order. You'll want the steering wheel to be as close to the stock location as possible to insure a cool appearance and proper drivability (unless your personal "fitment" in the cockpit is an issue, which makes this the perfect opportunity to make adjustments!).
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