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MG MGB Technical - Steering Wheel difference? 1967 - 1968

I thought I'd try and find a stock steering wheel for my 1967 B and in looking around, I see some for 1968 - 1969. I also see they're a seperate item in the VB catalog.

What is the difference, is it just cosmetic?
Thanks! Dave
David Steverson

David,
There is a difference in the dia of the spline hub. I believe that the '68 - '69 is slightly smaller than the earlier ones but I don't remember the exact sizes. I'm sure someone here will know but ya can't swap them.

Cheers - Dennis
D L Rainey

david is correct, 68-69 slightly smaller and not interchangeable. Original wheels were very prone to cracking and there aren't too many left...It is possible to repaire them and in the process you can prevent future cracking but aftermarket are available.
jjralston

The '68 had a collapsable steering collum, the '67 didn't. The 2 are not interchangeable. RAY
rjm RAY

Thanks to all. That stinks as repro wheels are pricey and all the ones I see on that auction site are for '68. Oh well.
Dave
David Steverson

I've had several different Grant wheels on my car over the years. My '67 now has a 3 spoke Grant, with a vinyl cover that is as good as any that I have tried over the years. Their adapter is inexpensive and easy to install. Just remember to Loctite the 6 screws that hold the wheel to the adapter, otherwise they will back out with use. RAY
rjm RAY

David. What are you looking for? If your car is a show car, you will need the correct, period, wheel. But, if you have a driver, the after market wheels are of better quality, reflected in their price, than the older ones were. If you have not contacted Bob or Gil Schaulin at 602-415-1846 you might want to do so. They have several 67 MGBs in their wrecking yard and may have a good wheel available. Mention my name.

Les
Les Bengtson

Thanks Les, I'll give those fellows a bell.
David Steverson

David. Do not bother. I called Bob yesterday and he said they do not have a good 67 steering wheel in stock. Several 67s in the wrecking yard, but none of them have a good, crack free steering wheel. Nor, has Bob seen one for many years now. His suggestion was a good quality aftermarket wheel. If it is to be a show car, pick up a wheel which was in production and popular in 67. It was a fairly common upgrade back then, providing a stronger steering wheel, often of smaller diameter, than the factory supplied unit.

Les
Les Bengtson

I've had my '67 for almost 40 years now. It came with an aftermarket 14" steering wheel that was an excellent unit that lasted me for many years. The original 15" wheel was in the trunk, but like every other one that I have seen, it has several cracks. Moss lists a new wheel that is exactly like the original but the cost is well over $200. RAY
rjm RAY

David,interesting that you find only 68-69 wheels while the C board is looking for 69 wheels and finding 67s, Murphy is evrywhere, but useing this might help.
Post on the C board to swap a good 69 for a good 67.
Keep us informed. RIC
RIC LLOYD

Aren't the C wheels 16" vs. 15" on the B? RAY
rjm RAY

hmmm, 2 steering wheel posts. i'll add my info here too-
I have an original wheel from a 69 in very good condition, if interested. i believe it only fits 68 and 69.
donsmidget at yahoo dot com
don g

Both 16 1/2" to begin with, then 15 1/2" for 1970, and 15" for 77. Gospel according to Clausager.
P Hunt

David,
I've picked up a couple of very nice early wheels via ebay. Be careful though - some seller can't tell you the model year for the old wheel. Ask them to try putting a dime through the shaft hole - if it falls through, it's a pre-68. Don't waste your money on a Moss reproduction - it's not even close in presentation to an original.
Steve Buchina

This thread was discussed between 19/01/2010 and 09/02/2010

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