Removing Capri Steering wheel

Geoff Cunningham · Post by **Geoff Cunningham** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:17 am

Gentlemen,

I am in the process of attempting to remove the steering wheel on my 1955 Capri and have run into a minor problem. I have removed the initial pieces of shiny bits and am left with a black metal plate holding the rim in place (refer to photo below).

I have tried to persuade the metal plate off assuming it was threaded onto the central steering column, but it doesn't seem to budge.

Before I get to the stage of coercing it with a sledge hammer and chisel, I thought someone might be able to guide me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance

James · Post by **James** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 12:30 pm

Geoff - Put down the sledge!.....how about removing the remaining 3-arm shiny bit from the black plastic portion, via the rusted hex-head screws visible on the arms? It's all one-piece right? Then IIRC the large nut on the shaft will be visible underneath...?

Geoff Cunningham · Post by **Geoff Cunningham** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 5:56 pm

OK, sledge is still in the cupboard

The three chromed parts are trim on the wheel, they are individual pieces and removing them won't help

The photo isn't clear, but the central nut is removed. It's the remaining black plate that's got me stumped. I am assuming that I need a wheel puller

Chad Durren · Post by **Chad Durren** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 7:18 pm

Are the second largest holes in the pic threaded? If yes, then grab a cheap gear puller from the auto parts store. Be sure the place the center nut back on the column (loosely) before attaching the gear puller. If you don't you will squash the threads. Made that mistake before.

Soak it couple days in PB Blaster or WD40 and give the puller a try. You may need to "tap" on the back of the wheel with a rubber mallet to set it free.

Pete DeVito · Post by **Pete DeVito** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 7:47 pm

Geoff,

Take a look under "Electrical Systems" and a topic "1959 Steering Wheel Horn Ring" I posted a view of all the parts under this post. This may help you with what all the parts are and if there is anything still hanging the wheel on the shaft.

Be very careful with any type of blunt force on this wheel because it could crumble on you.

Good Luck!
Pete

drrot · Post by **drrot** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:51 am

Chad is on the right track. Use a harmonic balancer puller. It has a flat surface to push against the nut and column center. A pointed one has a better chance of damageing it. The column threaded end is fragile.

Geoff Cunningham · Post by **Geoff Cunningham** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 4:58 pm

Chad
Yes, the larger holes are threaded.

Drrot
Comments noted.

Knotty 48
Thanks for the link to the thread

I will grab a puller and give it a go. Thanks for the assistance

Pete DeVito · Post by **Pete DeVito** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:24 pm

Geoff,
If I remember correctly I left the cut on the threads so I would not mess them up and I used a Harmonic Balance puller. Drrot is right on..
Pete

Removing Capri Steering wheel

Removing Capri Steering wheel

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