1977-1982 Corvette Steering Wheel & Horn Button Installation

Has your padded steering wheel seen better days?  It seems that universal vinyl wraps or duct tape seem to be the most common way to repair these steering wheels.  These repairs are now a thing of the past.  Zip Corvette Parts, 8067 Fast Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, (800) 962-9632 has new padded steering wheels available. Their new reproduction padded steering wheels have brushed silver or black spokes as original, correct leather colors, thick original padding and correct stitching. Specify color when ordering. No core needed! Our Project ’77 needed a new padded steering wheel so we contacted Zip for all the needed parts.  The replacement is simple and can easily be done in one afternoon with simple hand tools.  We will also show how you can freshen up the steering column and attaching parts so that everything will have that new look.

Now let’s get started. 1977-1982 Corvette Steering Wheel & Horn Button Installation:

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_01
Step 1

01: Here is what our steering wheel looked like when we removed the universal vinyl wrap that was on it.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_02
Step 2

02: This is what we received from Zip:  A new steering wheel, mounting screws and a horn button stand and contact.  The only other items you will need are some hand tools, a shop manual for your year Corvette and some paint, if you are going to refinish your steering column.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_03
Step 3

03: First, disconnect your battery.  Then remove the horn button.  It will pull off quite easily.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_04
Step 4

04: Remove the 3 screws holding the horn contact in place.  Also remove the contact shims.  These vary from car to car.  Some Corvettes only have one, others may have two or three.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_05
Step 5

05: The screw securing the center star screw can be removed.  Then remove the center star, telescopic lock and spacer.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_06
Step 6

06: Mark the position of the steering wheel and collar.  You do this so that you can reassemble the wheel back into its present position.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_07
Step 7

07: The screws that hold the steering wheel to the collar can now be removed.  When this is done, you will be able to remove the steering wheel and extension collar.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_08
Step 8

08:  Since we wanted everything to look as good as our new steering wheel, we decided to refinish all of the steering column pieces.  We started by masking off the horn button center emblem.  Use 2” masking tape to cover over the emblem.  Then take a single edge razor blade and cut around the emblem.  Voila!  An instant cover.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_09
Step 9

09: Use a scuff pad or 600 grit sandpaper to scuff up all of the parts to be painted. 

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_10
Step 10

10: After the parts have been scuffed, use 3M’s General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner #08984 to wipe them down before painting.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_11
Step 11

11: We used PPG Duracryl Interior Lacquer to re-spray our column and steering wheel parts.  Check with your local PPG Dealer.  Most of the colors are available.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_12
Step 12

12: The column also needed to be refinished.  We prepared it the same as the other pieces.  Then masked off all of the surrounding interior and re-sprayed it.  You can keep the overspray to a minimum by turning the pressure of the gun down to 25 to 30 lbs and use light overlapping strokes.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_13
Step 13

13: When everything is dry, start the reassembly by installing the extension collar and steering wheel.  Remember to line up your alignment marks.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_14
Step 14

14: Now re-install the spacer, telescopic lock and center star screw.  Before you re-install the star retaining screws, check the telescopic lock.  When you turn it to the lock position, it should lock the telescopic position of the wheel into place and you should not be able to push or pull the wheel in or out.  If you can, you are not getting a full lock on the telescopic lever.  Re-align the lever hole and try again.  You want the telescopic lever to lock the column into place when it is approximately 2/3 of the way to the right.  When you have achieved this, install the center star retaining screws.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_15
Step 15

15: If your horn button does not work, this is usually the problem:  One or two of the plastic rivets have broken as you can see here on the old contact.  When this happens, a new horn contact is the answer.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_16
Step 16

16: Re-install the horn contact and spacers.  Next center the horn button and gently push it into place.  Re-connect your battery and you are ready to go.

Corvette_Steering_Wheel_17
Step 17

17: Here is our new steering wheel, just like original, and refinished column looking like new and ready for the road again.

1977-1982 Steering Wheel & Horn Button Installation: How to Install the Steering Wheel & Horn Button

Source: Zip Corvette Parts
8067 Fast Lane | Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | (800) 962-9632

Corvette Parts List Related to Article:

3 Comments

  1. James clark

    Need steering wheel for 1973 Chevy caprice. No tilt. Was told corvette is the same ? What about emblem on center of wheel . Thanks please. Reply. Old wheel and column are black. Want original equipment

    1. Zip Products

      Hi James,

      Unfortunately we do not have any reference for Chevy Caprice parts. I apologize for the inconvenience.

  2. Clement

    My horn button on my 1976 corvette will not stay on?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *