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BobsGTO · 10-20-2004, 07:02 AM

I buried this question in another posting, so I thought I would ask it again on its own. Does anyone know if the steering column was painted black or the interior color when a 70 GTO optioned with the black Trans AM style Formula wheel? I know that one is a subject of debate, as highlighted in the DeMauro book, but I was wondering if anyone has "cracked the code" yet.

Also, I've heard there are different sized grips on these type of wheels: thick and thin. Which one was accurate for the 70 GTO and what is the thickness dimension to check on? Thanks.

Bob

BobsGTO · 10-20-2004, 07:02 AM

I buried this question in another posting, so I thought I would ask it again on its own. Does anyone know if the steering column was painted black or the interior color when a 70 GTO optioned with the black Trans AM style Formula wheel? I know that one is a subject of debate, as highlighted in the DeMauro book, but I was wondering if anyone has "cracked the code" yet.

Also, I've heard there are different sized grips on these type of wheels: thick and thin. Which one was accurate for the 70 GTO and what is the thickness dimension to check on? Thanks.

Bob

PB · 10-20-2004, 07:19 AM

I may be wrong, but I don't think the formula wheel was an option until 71. You may have gotten them from a dealer in 70, but to my knowledge they started in 71.

Goats_Hogs · 10-20-2004, 09:07 AM

I had a friend that owned a 1970 in the late 70's. It was a Ram Air IV 4-spd car. He bought it from the original owner, which was also his uncle. The car had never been changed, only thing done to it at that time was services and tune ups. It had the Formula wheel, and it was an option in 1970.

I can't help you on the color, but his was all black.

Somewhat related issue, I have a great driver condition formula wheel with horn piece. That's all I have though, does anyone here have the sleeve/screws it mounts to that they'd be willing to part with? Post here or email me, address is in my profile. Be sure to remove the "_no_spam" part...... thanks.

gtoric · 10-20-2004, 10:51 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PB:
I may be wrong, but I don't think the formula wheel was an option until 71. You may have gotten them from a dealer in 70, but to my knowledge they started in 71. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The Formula style steering wheel was offered for the first time in the 1970 model year (some late '69 Firebirds may have received this wheel since they were built into the '70 model year). It was sales code 464, UPC code NK1.

I can't say for sure what color the steering column was, but it wouldn't surprise me if the column was coordinated with the interior trim color.

'ol Pinion head · 03:10 PM

Formula wheel when used in '70-72 A-bodys usually came with black painted steering column, not another color. Owners that have installed Formula wheels after the car was new, often just installed the black hub & Formula wheel on whatever original color column.

Thickness wise, there were at least 4 different thickness Formula wheels from '70-81, with the latest offered strg wheels being the thinnest. The colored Formula wheels used from '78-80 one can not quite wrap a std business card around. Early '70's wheels are much thicker... will measure one & ck in later.

Non Firebird Formula wheel emblem style:

'70 & early '71 A-body Formula wheels came with the solid silver/gray Pontiac arrowhead.

Sometime in 1971 production, after the Fall '70 UAW strike, the outline style arrowhead centercap came into being & was used from there after.

The above info has held true with many originals I've examined & also with the followin factory Formula wheel A-bodys, I've previously owned.

(1) early '70 GTO 455 4spd RA, sandlewood interior, factory f/s tilt Arlington build.
(3) '70 Judges (two Orbit Orange/sandlewood 4spds, one red interior auto). 2 out of Arlington plant, 1 out of Pontiac plant.
(2) '71 1/2 GT-37s from Fremont plant
(1) '72 GTO early Pontiac plant built
(1) early '72 LeMans GT from Lakewood GA plant
(1) '72 LeMans GT from Pontiac plant
(1) '72 GP SJ from Lakewood GA plant

Also, my following keepers are original Formula wheel cars & the last two have black columns (though one of these cars has a blue interior):
'71 Judge (08C Pontiac plant 2nd day of production)
'71 455H0 T-37 (Pontiac plant 12C built)
'71 1/2 455HO GT-37 (Fremont built).

TinInjun · 10-20-2004, 04:06 PM

I second what OPH said.

Sport71 · 10-20-2004, 04:44 PM

OPH - have you seen any of the "thick" style repro formula wheels? Comment on quality if you can.

BobsGTO · 10-21-2004, 02:49 AM

Thanks guys for the feedback on this issue. Ol' Pinion Head, I would appreciate it if you could measure a correct wheel circumference and let me know; I picked up one off of eBay relatively cheaply and want to make sure it is correct.

The Formula wheel was an option in 1970, but had to be ordered with power steering (probably because the wheel diameter is smaller than the other GTO wheels); I've attached a page out of the 1970 Pontiac Optional Wide-Track Accessories brochure that I've had for 20 years, that shows the Formula wheel option.

notquitegto · 10-21-2004, 09:04 AM

My 70 GTO is an original formula wheel car. You had to have the formula wheel if you also had the quick ratior steering box. My steering column is black, but that is because my interior is also. I have yet to see a 70 GTO, with the formula wheel option with a steering column in any color other than black.

As for the reproduction wheels, they certainly don't have the same feel as the originals do. I've been searching for a long time for a nice original wheel, but have been skunked so far. Most of the original, thick wheels have rips and are pretty worn down. A good, used wheel should be shiny. I got very lucky and was able to pick up a horn/button assembly with an original GTO silver arrowhead, but repros are out there.

Mike

slowgto · 10-21-2004, 03:43 PM

When will the O'l Pinion Head Encyclopedia of GTOs be available? Great, detailed information.

Sport71 · 10-21-2004, 05:00 PM

Yeah! I'd buy one of those in a heart beat!

1971GTO · 10-21-2004, 05:35 PM

Sport 71, I have one of P/Y's "original style" coming my way. I'll try to let you know of the quality. '71 455 HO as well!

Sport71 · 10-21-2004, 05:58 PM

1971GTO - That sounds great. I have not had a chance to see one of these yet in person. Give us a review when it comes in!

(Sweet car! Is that Limekist?)

Held for Ransom · 10-21-2004, 07:01 PM

Original Formula wheel removed from my '70 Judge.

Held for Ransom · 10-21-2004, 07:09 PM

Reproduction Formula wheel w/reproduction center (and a '72-up center). The '70 is a lot softer feeling than the reproduction. I have felt a '72 and it did feel hard also (but might have been sun-dried).