70 Chevelle sport steering wheel

[dvss1]

Does anyone have any info on any 70 Chevelle having a 16 inch sport wheel with the thumb groove as seen on the Buick Grand Sports installed at GM? I went and looked at a 70 L89 car today and it had this wheel on it. Car was built 1st week of September.

[Fast67VelleN2O]

I have only seen 16" Buick sport wheels on the later Buicks. I have never seen one on a Chevelle.

[Rixls6]

Did it have a small recess running around the inner edge, facing the driver?
Fuzzy picture, but this one has the recess I mentioned.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/70ChevelleNK1steeringwheel006.jpg

[dvss1]

Hey Rick that's the one.

[PeteLeathersac]

Cool wheels and all but you went and looked at a '70 L89 car today...andhttp://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif???

~ Pete

[Rixls6]

It's my understanding that this is THE correct wheel for the `70 with NK1 option. The one that everyone puts on to replace their cracked one is usually designed for the Corvette.

Got any pics of the wheel on the one you went to see. Hey how about some info about it's L89 status!!!

[bertfam]

Are you guys saying that THIS (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/69-70-Camaro-Chevelle-Comfort-Grip-Steering-Wheel-NOS_W0QQitemZ320313304847QQihZ011QQcategoryZ10076Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) ISN'T the correct wheel for the 70 Chevelle, but are saying that the Buick THUMB GROVE (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/69-70-CHEVELLE-BUICK-GS-NOS-SPORT-GRIP-STEERING-WHEEL_W0QQitemZ320314591201QQihZ011QQcategoryZ3370 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) wheel IS correct??? I thought the 16" Thumb Grove wheel was only used on the 69-70 Buick GS.

Ed

[Rixls6]

I'm just saying that it MAY be correct for both the Buick and Chevelle in 1970, but I'm not positive.
I was told years ago that this is the correct NK1 option wheel for the Chevelle. I never researched the Buicks to know if they were the same or not.
My `70 LS5 car is supposed to have the NK1 as listed on the buildsheet, so I'd like to get some others input on this.

[bertfam]

Well, here's what I've dug up so far on this steering wheel from the sources I have:

* P/N 9752131 comes up as 1970 Chevelle & Monte Carlo, and 1971 Full size passenger car, Chevelle, Nova and Camaro "Three spoke cushion rim steering wheel". This part number is listed in the 1971 P&A 26 (Price Schedule) as being used only in Chevrolet models. No Buick usage.

I need to verify the 1970 application though, since I don't have a 1970 P&A.

* The 1970 usage above came from an article written many years ago by Ken Moorehead and the 1971 usage came from the 1971 P&A 30M (attached).

If anyone has a P&A for 1970 showing this wheel, can you please elaborate??

What I'm confused about is the Price Schedule stating this wheel was only used in Chevrolet models. If the Black "Thumb Grove" steering wheel really IS P/N 9752131, and it was used on the 1970-1971 Chevelle AND the 1969-1970 Buick GS, the Price Schedule would reflect this.

Ed

[Seattle Sam]

Note (2) in the attachment says the sports wheel is 4-spoke!?!?

[bertfam]

Yeah, that's THIS GUY (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971-72-CHEVELLE-SS-CAMARO-NOVA-STEERING-WHEEL-BLACK_W0QQitemZ140277806379QQihZ004QQcategoryZ1407 29QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem).

Ed

[Rixls6]

Here's a thumbnail scan from my parts book, sorry it's crooked. Shows part #9752131, but this is a 1975 book.

Now we need a Buick parts book to compare.

Click to enlarge.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/th_70Steeringwheels0004.jpg (http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e43/Rixls6/?action=view&current=70Steeringwheels0004.jpg)

[bertfam]

Thanks Rick. So from that we can also add 1972 to the list! The picture doesn't show 1973-1975. Does that P/N apply to these years as well?

Finding someone with a Buick book is going to be next to impossible!!

Ed

[camarojoe]

That big 16" wheel is a 1969 Buick piece. It was never used by Chevrolet and was not even used by Buick after 69. I'd be willing to bet on it.

[bertfam]

I'm hoping you're right Joe. I really don't want to have to modify the Camaro Steering Wheel report now that I'm done!!

I've asked over on the Team Buick site if anyone has the Buick P&A so they can look up the P/N for us.

Ed

[camarojoe]

From what I know, the 15" rubber 3 spoke wheel came out late in 69 and was offered as an option on Camaros...as seen in the thread in another forum with Lillard's RS/SS. (see window sticker and photos of interior) It was used in 69-74 on Corvette, and in 70 in Chevelles, and was made in a bunch of colors for Buicks. Chevelle SS always used black only, as did Corvette, regarless of interior color. The 4 spoke rubber wheel was never used in a 70 Chevelle, nor was the larger 16" '69 Buick 3 spoke wheel. Bottom line, the only 2 steering wheels you could get in a 70 Chevelle SS was the 2 spoke standard plastic wheel, or the 15" 3 spoke wheel in black.

[SD 396]

My parts book from September '75 lists
333590 - 1970/All - used as cushion grip steering wheel / SUP 3952700
9752131 - 1970/All - used as vinyl steering wheel - only available in black
9752131 - 1971/ vinyl wheel
3978125 - 1971/ 4 spoke sport steering wheel
1972 is listed the same as 1971.
My Buick book is from May 1981 and the 1969 part number is listed as 333590 with no SUP #. The same as the 3 spoke on Skyhawk, etc, from the late 70's.

[bertfam]

That's interesting Brad. So according to the P&A, 333590 superceeded the 3952700 wheel (which happens to be the 1969 Camaro NK1 and the 1969-1975 Corvette wheel).

It was also used on the 69 Buick, but does it say which model?? That can't be for the GS since the GS used the "Thumb Grove" wheel. As a matter of fact, there's a 333590 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=310049863436&ih=0 21&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=) WHEEL on ebay right now, and it's clearly not a "Thumb Grove".

So what's the 9752131??

Ed

[SD 396]

Sorry, my post must have been misleading. The 333590 (3 spoke cushion grip) is the newer of the steering wheels. It replaced the 3952700 ( 3 spoke cushion grip). I have no doubt that the 16" wheel with the thumb recess is the 69 Buick wheel but does anyone know what the diameter is on the 3952700 wheel listed in the Chevelle book?
The 9752131 must refer to the black 2 bar vinyl wheel because there is a P/N for the 2 bar black plastic wheel as well.

http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr209/SD396/IMG_4684.jpg

[bertfam]

My 1975 Corvette P&A shows the 3952700 wheel as "69-75 Corvette, 15 inch black wheel".

My 1982 Corvette P&A shows the 333590 as "69-75 Corvette, 15 inch wheel".

Since the 333590 superceeded the 3952700, they would both be 15" in diameter.

We seem to have that one nailed down, but I'm still wondering about the 9752131 wheel. Ken lists that one in his article as 1970 Chevelle/Monte Carlo 16" (see attached). Since we know the "Thumb Grove" wheel was 16" in diameter, I'm wondering if the 9752131 is the "Thumb Grove" wheel??? <u>EDIT:</u> Nope. It can't be the "Thumb Grove" wheel since the P&amp;A 26 doesn't list it for Buick in the Vehicle usage section. Back to square one on the 9752131 wheel!

Ed

[SD 396]

9752131 is also listed for 70-72 Full size and Nova, all vinyl, black

[Mr70]

#3952700 shows up in the Chevrolet 1970 P&amp;A 30M,dated Sept.1st,1969,for all 1970 cars with madrid grain cushioned rim black steering wheel.
I've only seen one 1970 Chevelle with the 16" thumb groove,and the owner admitted he mis-installed it himself.
I too have always considered that wheel a Buick application only and have sold them more eagerly to Buick owners,as no Chevrolets wanted it..

[Rixls6]

I guess the consensus is that the 16" thumbgroove wheel is Buick only.
Time to put mine up on Ebay.

[bertfam]

So then what the heck is the difference between the 3952700/333590 wheel and the 9752131 wheel (other than the size)??

I can't belive GM would have two cushioned rim steering wheels in production at the same time for the same models.

Ed

[camarojoe]

I have no idea what they are calling 9752131 in those part books, because the same number is listed as a vinyl wheel for 1970, 71, and 72 three separate times, and I know there was NO steering wheel that was offered all 3 of those years in any chevy passenger cars, the standard steering wheels were different, and so were the optional ones. Only thing that may have been the same was a pickup truck wheel. Think about it! Do you know of any other Chevy steering wheels that were used from 70-72? I sure don't.

[SD 396]

9752131 is not listed in the truck parts book.
The Chevelle Restoration Guide makes note of the 9752131 wheel.
quote "Two optional steering wheels were available. Deluxe vinyl steering wheel was RPO NK2. The wheel was listed as part number 9752131, and the shroud as part number 3992587. No SS emblem was used with this wheel." end quote
I am not sure why the Sept '75 parts book lists this wheel for 1970 but what can I say? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[bertfam]

That answers the question Brad. If the book says it had a shroud, then it CAN'T be a 3 spoke wheel.

Thanks for all your help guys. I really appreciate it.

Ed

[camarojoe]

FYI, that Chevelle restoration book you refer to is widely known to be filled with various tidbits of misinformation. I dont care what any book says, im confident there were TWO (and ONLY 2) steering wheel styles offered in a 70 chevelle. The standard wheel, or the optional 15" 3 Spoke wheel.

[camarojoe]

There was a 2 spoke rubber wheel offered as an option in 71 ( and maybe 72 too) that is likely what that 1975 parts book is referring to. It's a fairly obscure wheel and I don't have one to post a photo of, but I'll bet it has that 131 part number you are concerned about... It wasn't offered in 70, but was probably just incorrectly listed in that 75 parts book.

[SD 396]

[ QUOTE ]
FYI, that Chevelle restoration book you refer to is widely known to be filled with various tidbits of misinformation.

[/ QUOTE ]
Believe me. I was hesitant to post that as I know of the mis-information issues. The reference quoted only refers to the wheel being used in 1971 and 1972, not 1970.

[bertfam]

Well, I think I'm going stick with my original perception in that the only three spoke wheel offered in 1970 was the 15" wheel as used on the 69-75 Vette. I can't find any proof (so far) that the 16" Thumb Grove wheel was used on anything other than the 69-70 Buick GS.

Everyone agree? (If not, let us know...)

Ed

[Mr70]

I'd agree with that.
And I believe many pages from Herds restoration book could've helped Les Quam in Colin's bathroom,and I don't mean for reading..
I know someone who has had a 9752131 wheel,but I only have an old email address from years ago and have emailed him 2x since this post started to see if he can email me pix of it,or at least a verbal description.
His email hasn't bounced back,so fingers crossed.

[camarojoe]

There was a 71 "heavy chevy" claiming to be a pilot car advertised for sale a couple years ago that had this wheel. I saw the car at Carlisle, and recall seeing it advertised online too... Anyone recall the car or maybe know how to track down a pic?

[bertfam]

Let's hope for the best Rick!! Keep us posted...

Ed

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I think I'm going stick with my original perception in that the only three spoke wheel offered in 1970 was the 15" wheel as used on the 69-75 Vette. I can't find any proof (so far) that the 16" Thumb Grove wheel was used on anything other than the 69-70 Buick GS.

Everyone agree? (If not, let us know...)

Ed

[/ QUOTE ].
No argument here... I said that back on page one.

[SD 396]

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I think I'm going stick with my original perception in that the only three spoke wheel offered in 1970 was the 15" wheel as used on the 69-75 Vette. I can't find any proof (so far) that the 16" Thumb Grove wheel was used on anything other than the 69-70 Buick GS.

Everyone agree? (If not, let us know...)

Ed

[/ QUOTE ]

We're all good http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[camarojoe]

OK, I've been doing some digging, and I found a pic of what I believe is the "mystery" 9752131 steering wheel. This one is in a Monte, but I believe it was an optional wheel in 71 and 72 for Chevelle as well...I know the "Pilot" 1971 Heavy Chevy I was referring to in a previous post had this wheel in it, and was supposedly documented on the build sheet as being the original "optional" steering wheel for that car. Definitely a pretty oddball piece. Ever see one?

http://www.firstgenmc.com/tech/72customsteer.jpg

[camarojoe]

After some MORE digging... here's the original build sheet for the 71 "pilot" Heavy Chevy... Note the NK2 steering wheel option.
http://www.huntersspecialty.com/classics_complete/1971_chevrolet_heavy_chevy/images/pic001_jpg.jpg

[Mr70]

I agree,that's the same wheel my friend had before he sold it.
To summarize for Chevrolet:
*1970 RPO NK-1 is the optional Cushioned Rim madrid grained vinyl 3 spoke 15" steering wheel,part #3952700.(larger 16" thumb groove is the Buick application)
*1971-72 RPO NK-2 is the optional Deluxe Custom madrid grained vinyl cushioned center &amp; rim steering wheel,part #9752131.(Cjoe pic above)
*1971-72 RPO NK-4 is the optional Sport madrid grained rubber coated 4 spoke steering wheel w/simulated stitch,part #3978125.(pic below)

http://www.nastyz28.com/faq/interior/72-nk4.jpg

[camarojoe]

I agree with that.

[bertfam]

I also agree. Good synopsis Rick.

Ed

[SD 396]

Great pics and research Joe. I wonder how many of those were original on cars but got tossed thinking they were incorrect? I don't recall ever seeing one.

[Mr70]

The few Chevrolet production totals I have show:
621 1971 Camaros received the NK-2 Custom Dlx.wheel.(not available w/Tilt column)
1898 1971 Chevelles received the NK-2 Custom Dlx.wheel.
9556 1972 Chevelles received the NK-2 Custom Dlx.wheel.
1971-72 Monte Carlo-Pass-Nova could've gotten em too,but I don't have those totals here right now.

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
Great pics and research Joe. I wonder how many of those were original on cars but got tossed thinking they were incorrect? I don't recall ever seeing one.

[/ QUOTE ]

No problem... steering wheels are my thing! I actually saw one of these in Carlisle for sale the same day I saw the Heavy Chevy with one in it and didn't buy it. You gotta admit, its a pretty ugly lookin' wheel, rare, correct, or otherwise!

[Supercar_Kid]

Here's one that came new in a '71 Z28.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/365632-NK2Wheel.jpg

..and the window sticker to prove it.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/365632-WindowSticker.jpg

A rare wheel for sure, but not terribly attractive. It was even confirmed that the one in this Z was ordered by accident when the original owner thought he'd be getting a 4 spoke style with the NK2 option instead. This one was removed on day one and swapped out with a 4 spoker.

[dvss1]

WOW great info on the wheel&gt; I'm glad I posted the question. Can't say that for the supposedly l89. I went back today to really look it over as I only saw the interior in a dark garage. Total fake with a fake build sheet.

[camarojoe]

No problem...Luckily my brother never deletes any old photos! I forgot all about that local 71 Z with that wheel. Looks like Bertfam has some new info and photos to add to his steering wheel report now... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[bertfam]

Actually Joe, I didn't get into the 1970's wheels, with the exception of the NK1 since it was also used on the 69 Camaro. I also inluded information on other "sport styled" steering wheels, but only in reference to appearance and the differences between these and the Camaro wheels.

Kurt has had a cold for the last few weeks and hasn't finished editing the report, but he promissed it would be done "asap"!!

Stay tuned...
Ed

[camarojoe]

I was just kidding ya Ed... There's no better place for this info than right here on the sYc site anyhow. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Supercar_Kid]

[ QUOTE ]
Here's one that came new in a '71 Z28.

http://www.yenko.net/attachments/365632-NK2Wheel.jpg
..and the window sticker to prove it.
http://www.yenko.net/attachments/365632-WindowSticker.jpg


[/ QUOTE ]

If anyone is looking for one of these rare optional 71 wheels...drop me a line at [email protected] I know of a mint one that can be had if the offer is right. I know these aren't up for grabs too often, and it may be that "final piece" someone on here is after.