Removable Steering wheel

[grantorinslo]

Hey, I installed and then redid the install of a Grant Steering wheel, keyed removal "Security System", and logo horn. It looks great and I figured I'd share my pics/problems.
It began with the old wheel, the rim was cracked/chipped in several spots mostly near the spokes, and the horn button was coming off at both ends.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e52/Fullofbullshirt/Vehicles/73/PIC_6638.jpg
The basic adapter hub is a breeze to put in, while I had the wheel off I went ahead and replaced my ignition cylinder since I just did the doors locks and it was a set. All you have to do is grease the contacts for the horn wires.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e52/Fullofbullshirt/Vehicles/73/PIC_6644.jpg
Now for the fun part, the keyed removal (like a quick release, but slow). It looks real simple until you open the bag that has the allen wrench and instructions. I had to cut off the nub at the end of the steering shaft (I actually took 3/8" off), then disassemble the base and bolt on the outer shell.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e52/Fullofbullshirt/Vehicles/73/PIC_6646.jpg
Then I wired the horn and reassembled the base unit.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e52/Fullofbullshirt/Vehicles/73/PIC_6647.jpg
The steering wheel side is ready to go with clips to hook onto the horn button, so I all went together easy. The only thing I didn't like is that the chrome Ford logo horn I spent 40 bucks on is just a stick on cover to put over the cheap supplied plastic horn button.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e52/Fullofbullshirt/Vehicles/73/PIC_6649.jpg

[grantorinslo]

Now for the problems I had. Ok, I did cut a total of 3/8" off the steering shaft. The first time I cut it I followed the instructions from Grant, and put it all together. Then the horn shorted out and stuck on, I had to go to work so I just disconnected it and fixed it today.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e52/Fullofbullshirt/Vehicles/73/PIC_6647.jpg
Note the two tiny contacts in the middle, these are the horn leads and they come out in the middle on the back, right into the steering shaft. When I pulled it apart there were melted wires and it was obvious I needed to remove more material. So I cut off more, actually cutting the threaded part at this point. When I test fitted it there still wasn't enough room, and I didn't want to cut anymore off, so I made some custom spacers out of some black plastic so they won't be noticable.
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e52/Fullofbullshirt/Vehicles/73/PIC_6645.jpg
I don't know why they would center the contacts like that if the wheel only fits on one way why not make it offset like on the hub? Oh well, now it all fits fine and I am very happy with how it looks. Due to the shorting, however, I also had to drop the column and adjust the steering wheel lock rod. The end had been melted, it looked like a kid had played with a welder on the back of the hub, so I moved it up since the wheel was spinning free. Now it's set up so when I park I straighten the wheel, lock it, then pull the wheel off and leave the cap in place. Try stealing my car!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e52/Fullofbullshirt/Vehicles/73/PIC_6648.jpg

[47Chevgirl]

It looks so much FASTER with the new wheel.
This is a task that I haven't done for a few years, and it is fun to see the step-by-step record.
Thank you.

[Daffy]

Nice upgrade..I forgot how ugly those old Ford wheels were

[grantorinslo]

Oh man, the new wheel is so comfortable in my hands. Definitely gonna do this on the other Torino as well. Next up is sport mirrors.

[Superbee]

Looks great,That's a good upgrade from the "Bus" steering wheel :)