Rim Blow vs. Standard Wheel

[doubleyellow]

Have manual steering and my 50 year old worn down standard steering wheel. Really difficult to turn, and the worn down plastic wood wheel is really slick.

Is the optional Rim Blow rim any larger in diameter for better grip? Is the grip better in general than the standard wheel? Are the repop rim blow wheels decent?

Thanks

 

[EW1BH27]

I have both steering wheels. Without taking any measurements I can say that there's virtually no noticeable difference between the two. I have heard people say that with a Rim Blow and standard steering sometimes they inadvertently squeeze the switch and sound the horn.

 

[doubleyellow]

I have both steering wheels. Without taking any measurements I can say that there's virtually no noticeable difference between the two. I have heard people say that with a Rim Blow and standard steering sometimes they inadvertently squeeze the switch and sound the horn.

Great Pix and feedback. I do like the sportier look of the Rim Blow.

Guess I could go retro and stitch on the 70's perforated fake leather wheel wrap for better grip!! Or convert the manual to power steering at some point.

Any chance a manual box rebuild would improve turning at standstill? Or rebuild just firms it up and reduces play?

Thanks

 

[EW1BH27]

Sorry, can't help with your questions. Never had to deal with that, always had power steering.

Maybe someone else will chime in with an answer.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

A rebuild would probably help a little , 55 year old grease alone could be a problem but if the brgs are good & the mesh is set up correctly I doubt it would make much difference .

 

[mzacc]

I have both steering wheels. Without taking any measurements I can say that there's virtually no noticeable difference between the two. I have heard people say that with a Rim Blow and standard steering sometimes they inadvertently squeeze the switch and sound the horn.

What is the difference between the 1970 rimblow and 1971 rimblow steering wheels? Classic Industries has both full repros and shows only the 1970 with the barracuda fish emblem in the center, but I've seen 1971s with this fish center as well. Thanks. Mark

 

[Mopar426power]

I am fairly sure the factory only put the fish on 1970. There may be repops with the fish that will fit a 71, but didn't come from the factory that way. In 71 Mopar made many of the parts, including dashes, to be interchangeable between the Barracuda and Challenger.

 

[Mopar426power]

And Roseville Moparts offers a good reproduction Rim Blow.

 

[6PKRTSE]

I have these two different wheels in my Challengers. I never wanted the rim blow option wheel for the reasons mentioned already thinking that I would be hinking it all the time on accident, especially with manual steering.

 

[Mopar426power]

I have power steering so can’t say for manual, but I have never hit it accidentally, you have to squeeze fairly decent on the inside or the wheel with your fingertips, I don’t think it would be a problem….

 

[Mr Cuda]

Rim Blow, aka the embarrasing horn.

 

[pschlosser]

Rim Blow is a cool option because it's a novelty. And come on guys, these E-body cars are attractive for the same reason, for these early (and last of the) muscle car model years, they came with trim and design options that were darn uncommon (at the time) and a novelty.

These cars also came with a rear decklid wing, chin spoilers, shaker hood, exhaust output in front of the rear tires (think AAR), cassette recorder for executive dictation (think Mike Brady), low-fuel warning, 6-way seat, hood pins, road lamps (sorry Challenger owners,) rear defrost, and of course, fresh (cold) air intake.

Is Rim Blow practical? prolly not. does it misfire on manual-steering cars turning around in the driveway? pretty often. But who cares, its a novelty!

I do not have the need for such quick access to the horn using the rim blow. In daily driving, I may honk my horn about three times per year.

And on my muscle car I drive only occasionally? Yea, I don't "need" the rim blow option. But, it's still cool and novelty.

 

[don selleck]

I had a tuff wheel on my cuda when I got it. never liked them too much, originals just feel right and It completes the look. Rim Blow is a novelty, and the barracuda emblem is way cool. Waiting to put mine on soon, I hope.