'62 Dart - OEM Steering Wheel?

[Ron H]

A fellow member had posted this photo of a '62 Dart wagon pertaining to another topic. When I saw the rectangular steering wheel was surprised as I wasn't aware of this wheel being a stock item on the '62 Darts? Ma Mopar had these unique wheels for a few years; but didn't think they were on this car, at least never saw one. Curious as I obtained a wheel near identical to this one I believe from a '64 Chrysler in nice shape I'm going to restore to maybe install in my '63 Plymouth if it fits decent. Thanks!

 

[khryslerkid]

I've never seen one on a '62.

 

[w.Hudson]

I've never seen one in a 62 B body

 

[bolson6333]

had one similar on 61 fury

 

[Ron H]

had one similar on 61 fury

The ’61 wheel was something – the Jetson’s like. Had done some checking on the history of these wheels a while back, which models had them. Found no info about this one in a ’62 Dart. Some were disappointed when Mopar dropped them. People liked the flat bottom wheel getting in and out of the car. They sure are a unique piece of Mopar history; likely a love-hate thing. Collected a couple of these wheels, selling a few and the one here I have in remarkably nice condition I guess is from a ’64 Chrysler.

 

[Jerry Hall]

I believe the 63 Chrysler steering wheel was round and the 64 was the more rectangular style shown. I haven't seen any rectangular wheels on a B body.

 

[Jerry Hall]

Correct 62 Dart 330 steering wheel.

 

[Ron H]

View attachment 1651539
Correct 62 Dart 330 steering wheel.

Pretty much identical to the one in my '63 Fury.

 

[matthon]

62 Dart cop/fleet cars had the 57 Plymouth steering wheel.

 

[katmachine62]

View attachment 1651539
Correct 62 Dart 330 steering wheel.

OK - Im very curious about this... I had a 62' 330 that had the "rectangular type" centre part of the wheel; and now I have a 62' 440mdl that has the same round centre piece as per this pic! I'm wondering if customers were given a choice at the time of ordering their car (lol - probably not!), or were steering wheels just randomly fitted, with no regard to the model they were being attched?!?!...

(I've attached a pic of my 440mdl dash)

 

[Ron H]

Hmm, what would be with the '57 wheel in the '62?

 

[hemiwgn]

A fellow member had posted this photo of a '62 Dart wagon pertaining to another topic. When I saw the rectangular steering wheel was surprised as I wasn't aware of this wheel being a stock item on the '62 Darts? Ma Mopar had these unique wheels for a few years; but didn't think they were on this car, at least never saw one. Curious as I obtained a wheel near identical to this one I believe from a '64 Chrysler in nice shape I'm going to restore to maybe install in my '63 Plymouth if it fits decent. Thanks!

View attachment 1651444

I have the square wheel in my 62 dart wagon too. But it came from a 63 imperial was what I was told when I found it

 

[Ron H]

have the square wheel in my 62 dart wagon too. But it came from a 63 imperial was what I was told when I found it

Interesting! I sold a ’63 Imperial wheel not long ago and it has a large padded center section (see photo). The wheel shown sure looks like a ’64 Chrysler wheel (red one in photo) I have been thinking about the possibility of it fitting in my ’63. Off hand though I wasn’t sure about the fit as the wheel is deeper set than the stock wheel and may protrude more than desired. About the same diameter though.
Your wheel sure looks like a great fit and cool looking!

 

[Ron H]

I have the square wheel in my 62 dart wagon too. But it came from a 63 imperial was what I was told when I found it

View attachment 1901554

If you wouldn't mind doing a measurement, I'd like to compare the depth of your wheel with the one I have. Mine is roughly 6-inches deep as photo'd front of the wheel to about where it meets the column. Greatly appreciated!

 

[khryslerkid]

I have the square wheel in my 62 dart wagon too. But it came from a 63 imperial was what I was told when I found it

View attachment 1901554

Funny how some things return after many years.

 

[toolmanmike]

Funny how some things return after many years.
View attachment 1901633

 

[toolmanmike]

Lots of cool steering wheels!

 

[Jerry Hall]

This a reproduction 62 Dart 330 steering wheel and NOS cap.

 

[khryslerkid]

I just restored mine a couple of months ago.

Mine is the standard wheel for the Polara 500. This one is the deluxe wheel.

How many different wheels were offered between the darts and Polaras for just for one year of production is amazing.

 

[Ron H]

restored mine a couple of months ago

You did fantastic work on your wheel. I’ve heard of various fillers to use to repair it, wondering what you used?
Did you also paint it? Use a clear on it?