Just some thoughts,the introduction of the interlocking columns and the flat designs of the steering wheels in 69 and 70 were kinda unique for sure. Who remembers the time it took to get used to interlocking columns, ignition keys not being on the dash face somewhere (I grabbed at a key that wasn't there for a long time), the round key necessary to open the door,not being able to remove the key on a stick or 4 speed car without being in reverse, and the stiff operation of the back drive rods on the 4 speed set ups. Let's not forget these God awful cross member mount Muncie shifters we all pay unbelievable prices for today. Hard to mount a Sun tach also. And the clutch safety switches. Played hell honking the horn, had to get used to hitting the two little buttons. And least we forget the first time we had to change a turn signal switch without the special GM snap ring compression tool from the dealer. With all that in mind, I still feel the 69-70 steering wheel itself was cool looking, and very different, as different as the interlock system itself. And very modern appearance. I know many folks prefer the wood wheel over the stock set up, but personally, I never had the desire to have one, just because I like the wheel used those two years. No doubt, the wood wheel is cool also, but the flat wheel kinda marks the era in my opinion. Another thing I remember was our hippie days back then, and that flat cross bar was perfect for rolling a joint going down the street, kinda like a little shelf of sort, just right for your Zig-Zag 1.5's. The good old days.
Yeah Man. My first introduction to the steering wheel lock when I first serviced a 69 model and drove it. I installed a Hurst Competition 4 speed shifter from a 66 Pontiac Le-mans a month after I owned it. I ordered the wood sport wheel and wrapped it with leather. When it cracked, I removed it and installed a later Corvette sport wheel. Lastly I installed My Chevelle SS wheel with leather wrap. The wood sport wheel is larger than the SS wheel. I rolled "Cigarettes" on the flat surface also. I knocked the needles off of My Sun tachs when slamming into reverse. You can install an extended tach mount on the upper collar of the housing which I figured out later. NICK L72427impalasportcoupe
on 12/27/2020, 9:43 am