1970 Steering Wheel Options

[USOffRoad]

Mine is in pretty bad shape. Big cracks where the spokes meet the hub on all 3. The grip/ring is better, one small crack. This is a 9/69 build.

I'd like a slightly smaller wheel if possible as I'm refrigerator sized. Plan on putting extenders on the driver's seat as is. Not doing a pure restoration.

Not sure what other year wheels would fit or if they are even any smaller but I'll likely need another regardless. I've searched around on MUD but didn't find anything definitive, prefer some sort of OEM wheel.

 

[sofj45]

Do you have power steering? The smaller the wheel without power steering will make non moving turns and parking lots not much fun. I’m using a 80 series wheel in my wife’s fj55 and really like the feel and size

 

[USOffRoad]

No power steering at this point but Im a sasquatch so it doesn't bother me...inch or two smaller would be enough.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I think I have seen threads about steering wheel swaps - not sure what years they were. Then there is that guy that does the make like restoration of steering wheels.

Mine has big cracks and stuff like yours. My plan is spray them out with brake clean, let dry and fill with black epoxy putty. I'll make leather gussets for spoke and grip ring junction. They will be wet formed and then sewn. I'll wrap the grip ring section with camo or international orange 750 paracord - maybe both.

 

[pb4ugo]

Here's one of a few threads.

Thread 'Early fj steering wheel restoration'

Feb 3, 2017

If you have a cracked 72 and earlier steering wheel and want it restored, I'm on my 4th now my avitar is my second one. You pay shipping both ways and I'll have it done in two weeks. I would like to do two more and I think I will have it mastered. So if you want me to restore yours just get in touch. I use PC-7 epoxy to repair the cracks it tolerates heat & cold (expansion & contraction) best and hours of sanding with up to 2500 grit paper. If you want more pics of my work contact me.
James in Oklahoma

• Birdhead
• fj steering steering wheel steering wheel restoration
• Replies: 441
• Forum: 40- / 55-Series Tech

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[3_puppies]

69 would be the different spline count, not the same as later rigs
most likely would need an adaptor of some sort, which would then extend the wheel further towards the driver

 

[EWheeler]

69 would be the different spline count, not the same as later rigs
most likely would need an adaptor of some sort, which would then extend the wheel further towards the driver

7/69 was the split on the steering shaft splines, so his should be 33 spline. OP should still count and make sure.

I like the 80 series wheels (33 spline), which i installed in my non power steering late ‘69 40 :

Post in thread 'What have you done to your Land Cruiser this week?'

Jul 31, 2022

Installed an FJ80 steering wheel to replace a badly cracked and deteriorating factory wheel in my ‘69. Happy to report no noticeable increase in steering input force to turn the tires (manual steering still). Wheel is still a bit too close for my personal comfort, am slowly planning a power steering upgrade and when that takes place, the wheel will be pushed towards the dash an inch or two. Horn nor the signal cancellors are functional yet as i wanted to make sure i liked the wheel before spending any time on getting those items working.

Eventually i will also figure out something for...

• EWheeler

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[USOffRoad]

Yeah... I 'spoke' with Birdhead some time back... I'm sure this wheel is fixable, might even try it myself for the heck of it.

 

[bryce112]

I recently installed an FJ60 wheel on Lilred (1977 FJ40).It’s about an inch smaller in diameter but still easy to turn and steer with manual steering. Only modification was drilling and installing the two turn signal cancelling pins. Not sure if that type of wheel would work with your year but there are options - and reasonably inexpensive.

 

[Its me shaneus]

In the same boat with a 1970 40 and the steering wheel is knackered.

Would love a bird head resto but also considering a steering column from summit or flaming river that would open up the options.

Even with a column and wheel it is likely lower total cost. Also less total authenticity .

 

[USOffRoad]

Right now, after running compression, which was south of what I wanted...and it being an overall good candidate for it, there is a distinct possibility that this may go down the rabbit hole of a frame off.

 

[cruiserkev]

I swapped a pre airbag Hilux steering wheel on mine. Best $5 I ever spent, works well with the power steering conversion.