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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 I opted to go with the Billet...  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...  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...  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...  This will ensure your new column with be the correct length for your application. |
 The Billet Specialties half-wrap...  The Billet Specialties half-wrap steering wheel makes it easy to change the color if you choose to do so. |
 It's a good idea to start...  It's a good idea to start the threads on the wrap with the supplied Allen bolts before attaching the wheel. |
 This will save you time later...  This will save you time later when you're ready to put the wheel together. |
 Primedia Tech Center Manager...  Primedia Tech Center Manager Jason Scudellari used a heavy-duty steering wheel remover, which came in very handy to not only separate the wheel from the column, but do so without causing any damage. |
 The old rag joint will be...  The old rag joint will be replaced in favor of a new 36-spline universal joint. This accommodates the double "D" end in the new column. |
 Next step was to remove the...  Next step was to remove the stock column drop. I decided to replace it with a 2 1/2-inch drop from Flaming River. |
 The Flaming River column is...  The Flaming River column is a 1/2-inch smaller in diameter, so we needed to do some simple fabrication and make our own sheetmetal floor mount plate. |
 Jason used the old mounting...  Jason used the old mounting brackets as a jig to ensure correct placement to route the clutch linkage and new column. |
 With a hammer and a lead bag,...  With a hammer and a lead bag, he was able to shape the sheetmetal to the contour of the firewall. |
 Due to the column's smaller...  Due to the column's smaller diameter, we went with a 2-inch floor mount swivel. |
 Jason marked the new plate...  Jason marked the new plate using the existing mounting holes. With the plate lined up perfectly, we were ready for installation. |
 Flaming River also supplied...  Flaming River also supplied a 3/4-inch/36-spline adapter joint, which connects to the steering box then to the double "D" column end. |
 The Flaming River column came...  The Flaming River column came wired for a GM application, so we took the existing Ford turn-signal connectors and wired them into our new column. |
 By using a swivel floor mount,...  By using a swivel floor mount, there was little concern with the angle of the new column, so bolting in the new column drop was no trouble at all. |
 With the column cover now...  With the column cover now in place, it was time to install the steering wheel. Keep in mind, if you have a Ford, you may need to pick up a pigtail wire in order for the horn to work. |
 Jason made sure the front...  Jason made sure the front wheels were perfectly straight before final installation. Make sure you have the steering wheel in the correct position before final tightening (nothing worse than a cocked wheel when driving straight!). |
 Flaming River's tilt column...  Flaming River's tilt column adds a great deal of driving comfort and adjustability. |
 With just a few hours of work...  With just a few hours of work and minimal fabrication, the old Ford takes on a new personality and attitude--just what we were looking for. |