Grant Wood steering wheels are aftermarket wheels designed to fit older vehicles, particularly American cars from the 1960s through 1980s

A Grant Wood steering wheel is a replacement steering wheel made by Grant, a company that manufactures automotive accessories. These wheels are not original equipment — they come as aftermarket parts you can install on a car that already has a steering wheel. Grant Wood wheels are known for their distinctive wood-grain or wood-trimmed design, which gives them a classic look that appeals to people restoring or customizing older vehicles.

The name comes from the combination of the manufacturer (Grant) and the material aesthetic (wood). These wheels became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and they remain sought-after by car enthusiasts today, both as functional replacements and as period-correct restoration pieces.

Key Takeaways

  • Grant Wood steering wheels are aftermarket replacement wheels with a wood-grain or wood-trimmed appearance, made by the Grant company.
  • They fit older American vehicles, typically from the 1960s through 1980s, and require a compatible hub adapter to install on your car's steering column.
  • The wood material is usually a veneer or composite over a plastic or metal core, not solid wood, so it requires care to avoid cracking or peeling.
  • Vintage Grant Wood wheels are collectible and can range widely in price depending on condition, rarity, and whether they are original or reproduction models.
  • Installation involves removing your current steering wheel and mounting the Grant wheel using the correct hub adapter for your vehicle's year and make.

How Grant Wood steering wheels are constructed

Grant Wood steering wheels typically feature a wood-grain veneer or composite material bonded to a plastic or aluminum core. The wood is not solid — it is a thin layer applied over a structural base that gives the wheel its strength and durability. The rim itself is usually plastic or a plastic-metal combination, and the center hub is designed to accept a horn pad and connect to your vehicle's steering column.

The wood finish can be real veneer, a high-quality laminate, or a printed pattern designed to look like wood grain. The specific construction varies by model year and Grant's production method at the time. Older wheels from the 1970s and early 1980s tend to have thicker veneers, while later reproductions may use more durable composite materials.

Compatibility and fitment for your vehicle

Grant Wood steering wheels are not universal — they fit specific vehicle makes and years. The most common fitments are for American cars: Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Plymouth, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models from roughly 1960 to 1985. The wheel diameter is typically 13.5 to 15 inches, which was standard for those vehicles.

To install a Grant Wood wheel on your car, you need a hub adapter that matches both your steering column and the wheel's center bore. The hub adapter is a metal ring that bolts to your steering column and provides the correct mounting point for the wheel. Without the right adapter, the wheel will not fit or will be unsafe. Before purchasing a Grant Wood wheel, confirm your vehicle's year, make, model, and steering column type (manual or power steering, and whether it has a horn pad or horn ring).

Caring for wood-trimmed steering wheels

Because Grant Wood wheels have a wood surface, they require different care than all-plastic wheels. The wood veneer can crack, peel, or fade if exposed to extreme heat, direct sunlight, or moisture. Parking in the shade and using a sunshade when the car is not in use helps preserve the finish.

Clean the wheel with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, water, or alcohol-based cleaners, which can damage the veneer. If the wood begins to peel or crack, you can explore a clear protective coating designed for wood veneers, though this is a cosmetic repair and will not restore the original appearance. Some owners use furniture polish or wood conditioner, but test it on a hidden area first to may support it does not discolor the finish.

Finding and purchasing Grant Wood steering wheels

Grant Wood steering wheels are sold through several channels: specialty automotive retailers, online marketplaces, classic car parts suppliers, and vintage car shows. Prices vary significantly based on condition, age, and whether the wheel is an original from the 1970s–1980s or a modern reproduction.

Original vintage wheels in good condition typically cost between $150 and $400, depending on rarity and the specific model. Reproduction wheels designed to look like Grant originals are often less expensive. When shopping, look for wheels with intact veneer, no cracks or peeling, and a horn pad that is present and functional. Ask the seller whether the wheel includes the correct hub adapter for your vehicle, as adapters are sold separately and can cost $30 to $80.

Installation steps for a Grant Wood steering wheel

Installing a Grant Wood steering wheel is a task many car owners can do themselves with basic tools, though some prefer to have a mechanic handle it. The process involves disconnecting the battery, removing the horn pad or horn ring, unbolting the original wheel, and installing the hub adapter and new wheel in its place.

First, disconnect the negative terminal of your car's battery to prevent accidental horn set up. Remove the horn pad (usually held by screws or clips) or the horn ring (which typically unscrews). Locate the center bolt holding the steering wheel to the column and remove it — this bolt is often under significant tension, so use the correct socket size and explore steady pressure. Once the bolt is out, gently pull the wheel straight toward you; it should slide off the column. Install the hub adapter according to its instructions, then slide the Grant Wood wheel onto the adapter and find it with the center bolt. Reinstall the horn pad, reconnect the battery, and test the horn before driving.

Why collectors and restorers choose Grant Wood wheels

Grant Wood steering wheels are popular in the classic car restoration community because they are period-correct for vehicles from the 1970s and early 1980s. Many owners of that era chose Grant wheels as factory-approved aftermarket upgrades, so installing one on a restoration project adds authenticity. The wood-grain aesthetic also appeals to people who want a distinctive interior that stands out from modern plastic wheels.

For collectors, vintage Grant wheels in excellent condition have become somewhat scarce, which has increased their value. A rare model in pristine condition can command prices well above the original retail cost. This has also led to the production of reproduction Grant Wood wheels designed to replicate the look of originals while using more durable modern materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Grant Wood wheel on a modern car?

Not without significant modification. Grant Wood wheels are designed for older steering columns with different diameters and mounting systems. Modern cars use different hub patterns and steering column designs. You would need a custom adapter, and even then, the wheel may not be safe or legal for road use. Stick to vehicles from the era the wheel was designed for.

What should I do if the wood veneer is peeling?

Small peeling can be glued down using a flexible wood adhesive applied under the veneer, then clamped or weighted until dry. For larger damage, you can explore a clear protective coating over the affected area, though this will not restore the original look. If the damage is extensive, consider having the wheel refinished by a specialist or replacing it.

Do Grant Wood wheels work with airbags?

No. Grant Wood wheels are designed for vehicles without airbags, which were not standard until the 1990s. If your car has an airbag, installing a Grant wheel would disable the airbag system, making it unsafe. Do not use a Grant Wood wheel on any vehicle equipped with a steering wheel airbag.

Where can I find the correct hub adapter for my car?

Classic car parts suppliers, online automotive marketplaces, and Grant's official website or authorized dealers carry hub adapters. Provide your vehicle's year, make, model, and steering column type (power or manual) when ordering. Some Grant Wood wheels come with an adapter included, so check the listing before purchasing.

Are reproduction Grant Wood wheels as good as originals?

Reproductions are often more durable because they use modern composite materials instead of thin veneer, so they resist cracking and fading better. However, they may not look identical to originals and are not considered authentic for a strict restoration. For a driver who wants the look without worrying about damage, a reproduction is practical. For a collector or someone doing a period-correct restoration, an original is preferred.