Interior Discussion about interior restoration, repairs, and modifications.

EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-12-2017, 08:59 PM
  #1  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
JimRockford's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes on 28 Posts
EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

Hi, I have a 1988 Trans Am, and unfortunately for whatever reason Pontiac decided to ugly up the steering wheel that year. I was wondering if I would be able to use an 87 or earlier Firebird or Trans Am steering wheel on my 1988 Trans Am steering Column without any issues. If I recall correctly there is a thick plastic collar on the back of the 87 and earlier Trans Am steering wheels.

Last edited by JimRockford; 04-13-2017 at 09:19 AM.
Old 04-12-2017, 09:53 PM
  #2  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (5)
 
mantaguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Mantua NJ
Posts: 5,826
Received 64 Likes on 57 Posts
Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

does yours look like the one on the left?

Name:  steering%20wheels%20002_zpsklleq1cf.jpg
Views: 173
Size:  241.4 KB
Old 04-13-2017, 09:18 AM
  #3  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
JimRockford's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes on 28 Posts
Re: EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

Originally Posted by mantaguy
does yours look like the one on the left?

Yes sir! Exactly like that one
Old 04-13-2017, 12:40 PM
  #4  
Supreme Member

 
navy02ws6's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 2,208
Received 63 Likes on 52 Posts
Car: '02 T/A WS6, '91 T/A, '91 Camaro RS
Engine: LS1, LB9, L03
Transmission: T56, 700R4, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 4.10 10 bolt, 2.73 10 bolts
Re: EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

I put the 1984-87 style wheel in my '91 T/A with no problems, can't think of a reason why it wouldn't work in an '88.
Old 04-13-2017, 04:36 PM
  #5  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (5)
 
mantaguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Mantua NJ
Posts: 5,826
Received 64 Likes on 57 Posts
Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

I see no difference's in witch the way they will be installed,it should fit right on.
Old 04-13-2017, 06:54 PM
  #6  
Member

iTrader: (3)
 
rdhanded2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: IL
Posts: 475
Received 17 Likes on 5 Posts
Car: 91 TA / 91 Formula
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

the back plastic on the older steering wheels is longer than the newer wheels, and the sleeve on the column was different also. Not sure on 88, but on my 91 I had to trim the wheel for it to fit.
Old 04-13-2017, 07:11 PM
  #7  
Senior Member

Thread Starter
 
JimRockford's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes on 28 Posts
Re: EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

Originally Posted by rdhanded2
the back plastic on the older steering wheels is longer than the newer wheels, and the sleeve on the column was different also. Not sure on 88, but on my 91 I had to trim the wheel for it to fit.
That was my concern. Thanks for the input
Old 04-13-2017, 08:33 PM
  #8  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (5)
 
mantaguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Mantua NJ
Posts: 5,826
Received 64 Likes on 57 Posts
Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: EARLY VS LATER TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL QUESTION

The top one is a early version and the bottom is what you have.
Name:  STEERING%20WHEELS%20010_zpsx7utc9iw.jpg
Views: 152
Size:  195.1 KB

Name:  STEERING%20WHEELS%20005_zpstgzoyzmx.jpg
Views: 135
Size:  243.5 KB
The later is less than 1/4" higher than the early version.




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:23 PM.