What a Grant Wood Grain Steering Wheel Is and Where to Find One

A Grant wood grain steering wheel is an aftermarket steering wheel with a wood-textured rim, made by Grant, a company that manufactures automotive accessories. The wood grain finish is typically a laminate or veneer applied over a core of plastic or aluminum, designed to give a classic or vintage appearance to a vehicle's interior. These wheels come in different diameters and spoke styles, and they fit vehicles through an adapter that connects to your existing steering column.

You can find Grant wood grain steering wheels through several channels: online retailers like Amazon and eBay, specialty automotive parts stores such as Summit Racing and Jegs, vintage car forums and marketplaces, local car shows and swap meets, and occasionally through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Prices vary based on condition and age — new reproduction models typically cost between $150 and $400, while vintage original Grant wheels in good condition may cost more or less depending on rarity and demand.

Before you search, know what size and style you want. Grant wheels come in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch diameters. The most common wood grain models have a thin-rim design with three or four spokes, though Grant also made larger diameter wheels with thicker rims. Checking your vehicle's year, make, and model will help you understand what size was original or what will fit your steering column.

Key Takeaways

  • Grant wood grain steering wheels are aftermarket accessories with a wood-textured laminate finish, available in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 15-inch diameters.
  • You can purchase them from online retailers, specialty automotive parts stores, vintage car marketplaces, and local swap meets or car shows.
  • New reproduction Grant wood grain wheels typically cost between $150 and $400, while vintage originals vary in price based on condition and rarity.
  • You will need an adapter kit to install the wheel on your vehicle's steering column, and the installation process requires removing your current wheel and horn pad.
  • Inspect used wheels for cracks in the wood grain finish, loose spokes, and damage to the horn pad before purchasing.

Checking Compatibility With Your Vehicle's Steering Column

Grant wheels fit onto your steering column through a hub adapter, which is the metal piece that connects the wheel to the column shaft. The adapter is vehicle-specific because steering columns vary by manufacturer and year. Before buying a Grant wheel, you need to know your vehicle's steering column type and what adapter size you need.

Look up your vehicle's year, make, and model on the Grant website or on automotive forums dedicated to your car. Many Grant retailers list compatibility information in the product description. If you are buying a used wheel without documentation, you can take a photo of your current steering wheel and post it on a car forum for your vehicle type — experienced members can usually identify the column type and tell you what adapter you need.

Some Grant wheels come with an adapter kit included, while others are sold separately. When you find a wheel you want, confirm that the listing specifies which adapter it includes or whether you need to purchase one. Adapters typically cost $20 to $60 and are available from the same retailers that sell the wheels.

What to Look for When Buying Used Grant Wood Grain Wheels

If you are purchasing a used wheel, inspect it carefully before committing to the purchase. The wood grain finish should be intact with no large cracks, peeling, or areas where the laminate is separating from the core. Minor wear and fading are normal on older wheels, but deep cracks or chunks missing from the rim indicate the wheel may not be safe to use.

Check the spokes for looseness by gently trying to move them side to side. Spokes should be solid and not rattle or flex. Look at the horn pad — the center area where the horn button sits — for cracks or damage. The horn pad is often the first part to wear or break on a vintage wheel, and replacing it separately is difficult and expensive.

Ask the seller whether the wheel has been used or is new old stock (NOS). NOS wheels have never been installed and are typically in better condition, though they may have storage wear. If the wheel has been used, ask how long it was installed and whether it was removed due to damage or straightforward replaced with something else. Request photos of any damage before you purchase, and if you are buying in person, inspect it under good lighting.

Installation Steps and What You Will Need

Installing a Grant wood grain steering wheel is a straightforward process that takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will need a steering wheel puller (a specialized tool that costs $15 to $40 and is available at auto parts stores), a socket set or wrench to fit your steering column nut, a screwdriver, and the adapter kit that matches your vehicle's steering column.

The basic steps are: disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to disable the airbag system, remove the horn pad by prying it gently from the back or unbolting it depending on your vehicle, unbolt the steering wheel from the column using your socket set, use the steering wheel puller to separate the wheel from the column shaft, slide the adapter onto the column shaft and find it with the bolt, position the new Grant wheel onto the adapter, bolt it down, reinstall the horn pad, and reconnect the battery.

If your vehicle has an airbag, you must disable it before removing the steering wheel. Consult your vehicle's owner manual for the exact procedure — usually this means disconnecting the battery and waiting several minutes for the system to discharge. If you are uncomfortable working with the airbag system, a mechanic can perform the installation for $100 to $200 in labor.

Differences Between New Reproduction and Vintage Original Wheels

Grant stopped manufacturing wood grain steering wheels in the 1980s, so any wheel you find is either an original from that era or a modern reproduction. Vintage originals have a specific look — the wood grain pattern, spoke design, and horn pad styling reflect the manufacturing standards of their time. Reproductions are made to look similar but are manufactured more recently and may have slightly different materials or finishes.

Vintage originals are often preferred by collectors and enthusiasts because they are authentic to the period of the vehicle. However, they are more likely to have wear, cracks, or damage from decades of use. Reproductions are newer and typically in better condition, but some people feel they lack the character of an original. Both types function the same way mechanically.

Price does not always correlate with age. A rare vintage Grant wheel in excellent condition may cost more than a reproduction, but a heavily damaged vintage wheel may cost less than a well-made new one. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize authenticity, condition, budget, or a combination of these factors.

Where to Find Specific Models and Rare Variations

Grant made many variations of wood grain wheels over the decades, including different spoke counts, rim thicknesses, and wood grain patterns. If you are looking for a specific model — such as a thin-rim three-spoke or a thick-rim four-spoke — you may need to search multiple sources.

Specialty forums for your vehicle type often have classified sections or member networks where people buy and sell steering wheels. Vintage car swap meets and car shows are excellent places to see wheels in person and negotiate directly with sellers. Online marketplaces like eBay allow you to search by specific Grant model numbers, which you can find in old Grant catalogs or on enthusiast websites.

If you cannot find the exact model you want, consider whether a similar Grant wheel would work for your purposes. Many Grant wheels are interchangeable across different vehicle types as long as you have the correct adapter. Expanding your search to include similar models increases your chances of finding something in good condition at a reasonable price.

Maintenance and Care for Your Grant Wood Grain Wheel

Once installed, a Grant wood grain steering wheel requires minimal maintenance. Clean it regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the wood grain finish. If the finish becomes dull over time, you can explore a thin coat of automotive wax designed for interior surfaces, though this is optional.

Inspect the wheel periodically for new cracks or looseness in the spokes. If you notice the horn pad becoming loose or cracked, you can sometimes repair it with epoxy adhesive or have a upholsterer reinforce it. If the wood grain laminate begins to peel, you can glue it back down with contact cement, though this is a temporary fix.

Avoid exposing the wheel to extreme heat or direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause the laminate to warp or the wood grain pattern to fade. If you park your vehicle in the sun regularly, consider using a sunshade to protect the interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Grant wood grain wheel on any car?

No — you need the correct adapter for your vehicle's steering column. Grant wheels fit most American cars from the 1960s through 1980s, but you must verify compatibility with your specific year, make, and model before purchasing. Some vehicles have steering columns that do not accept standard Grant adapters.

Will a Grant wood grain wheel work with my car's airbag system?

Most Grant wood grain wheels are older designs made before airbags became standard. If your vehicle has an airbag, you will need to disable or remove the airbag system to install an aftermarket wheel. This is a safety consideration — consult a mechanic if you are unsure whether your vehicle's airbag can be safely disabled.

How much does it cost to have a mechanic install a Grant steering wheel?

Labor typically ranges from $100 to $200, depending on your location and whether your vehicle has an airbag system that needs to be addressed. The wheel itself costs $150 to $400 for new reproductions or varies for vintage originals. Get a quote from your mechanic before committing.

What is the difference between a Grant wheel and a Nardi or Momo wheel?

Grant, Nardi, and Momo are all aftermarket steering wheel manufacturers, but they have different design aesthetics and price points. Grant wheels are typically simpler and more affordable, while Nardi and Momo wheels are often more expensive and designed for performance or luxury applications. Grant wood grain wheels specifically have a vintage aesthetic that the other brands do not emphasize.

Can I restore a cracked or faded Grant wood grain wheel?

Minor cracks can sometimes be sealed with epoxy, but large cracks are difficult to repair invisibly. Fading can be slowed with wax but cannot be reversed. If the wheel is heavily damaged, replacement is usually more practical than restoration. Some upholsterers specialize in steering wheel restoration and may be able to refinish the wood grain, though this is expensive.