Elevate your vintage Volkswagen interior to its former glory with this EMPI stock-style replacement steering wheel. Designed specifically for the golden era of air-cooled engineering, this 15-3/4 inch wheel captures the exact aesthetic and tactile feel of the 1960s and early 70s. Whether you are performing a Concours-level restoration or simply looking to replace a cracked, sun-damaged original that has seen better decades, this white steering wheel provides the authentic appearance that defines the classic VW driving experience. The clean, bright white finish serves as a striking focal point in any Beetle, Ghia, or Type 3 cockpit, instantly brightening the cabin and providing that sought-after factory-fresh atmosphere that only high-quality reproduction parts can deliver.
This isn''t just a bare steering wheel; it is a comprehensive restoration kit designed to save you the frustration of hunting down individual components. The package includes a high-quality, triple-chrome-plated horn ring that offers a brilliant, mirror-like finish, as well as the iconic black and chrome center horn button featuring the detailed Wolfsburg-style crest. We understand that sourcing individual hardware for a steering column can be a nightmare, which is why this assembly comes complete with the necessary hardware to ensure a secure, functional, and rattle-free installation. Built with a robust steel inner core for modern safety and wrapped in a durable, high-impact resin that resists the UV-induced cracking common in original units, this wheel is engineered to last for another sixty years of cruising.
Before you even touch a wrench to your steering nut, always disconnect the negative battery terminal. The horn circuit is a ground-switched system, and it is incredibly easy to accidentally ground the circuit during installation, which will result in a constant, deafening blast from your horn. Additionally, ensure your front wheels are pointed perfectly straight before removing the old wheel. This ensures that when you slide the new 62-71 wheel onto the splines, the horizontal spokes are perfectly level, saving you from the annoyance of a crooked steering wheel while driving down a straight road.
While you have the steering wheel off, take five minutes to inspect your turn signal switch and the brass contact ring on the underside of the new wheel. Apply a very thin, light coat of dielectric grease or specialized electrical contact grease to the brass ring. This prevents "scratching" noises when turning the wheel and ensures a consistent electrical ground for your horn. If your turn signals haven''t been cancelling properly, now is the perfect time to check if the cancel tab on the switch is bent or worn before you bolt everything back together.
The steering wheel nut requires a firm seat, but it does not need the same torque as a lug nut. Over-tightening can actually deform the hub or make it nearly impossible to remove the wheel in the future without a heavy-duty puller. Use a drop of blue (medium) thread locker if you are concerned about vibration, but generally, a snug fit with a standard socket wrench is sufficient. Once installed, test the horn function and the turn signal cancellation in both directions before you head out for a test drive to ensure the internal hardware is aligned correctly.