What a Grant wood grain steering wheel is

A Grant wood grain steering wheel is an aftermarket steering wheel with a wood-textured rim, made by Grant, a company that has manufactured steering wheels and automotive accessories since 1967. The wood grain finish is typically a laminate or vinyl wrap over a polyurethane or aluminum core, designed to look like real wood while being more durable and easier to clean than actual wood.

Grant wheels come in different diameters (usually 13 to 15 inches), grip styles, and spoke designs. The wood grain versions are popular in classic car restoration, hot rods, and vintage truck builds because they match the interior aesthetic of older vehicles. They bolt directly to your existing steering column using a horn pad adapter and a center hub that matches your vehicle's make and model.

These wheels are not legal for street use in all states — some jurisdictions restrict aftermarket steering wheels or require that airbags remain functional. Before ordering, check your state's vehicle code or contact your local DMV about steering wheel modifications.

Key Takeaways

  • Grant wood grain steering wheels are laminate or vinyl-wrapped wheels made to look like wood, not actual wood, so they resist cracking and water damage better than authentic wood.
  • Installation requires a horn pad adapter and a hub kit specific to your vehicle's year, make, and model — using the wrong hub can damage your steering column.
  • Some states prohibit aftermarket steering wheels or require functional airbags, so verify your state's rules before purchasing.
  • Wood grain wheels are common in classic cars and hot rods but may not pass vehicle inspection in jurisdictions with strict steering equipment rules.

How the wood grain finish is made and maintained

Grant wood grain wheels use a photographic or embossed laminate layer bonded to a polyurethane or aluminum base. The laminate mimics the grain pattern and color of real wood — typically oak, mahogany, or walnut — but is sealed under a clear protective coat. This construction makes the wheel resistant to UV fading, moisture, and temperature swings that would crack or warp actual wood.

To maintain the finish, wipe the wheel with a soft, dry cloth after driving. For deeper cleaning, use a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap, then dry when ready. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers, or prolonged water exposure, which can lift the laminate edges or degrade the clear coat. If the wheel gets wet during rain or car washing, dry it as soon as possible.

Over time — typically five to ten years depending on sun exposure and use — the clear coat may dull or the laminate edges may begin to separate. Repair options are limited; most owners either accept the wear or replace the wheel. Some specialty shops can refinish or re-laminate Grant wheels, but the cost often approaches the price of a new wheel.

Installation requirements and hub compatibility

Installing a Grant wood grain wheel requires three components: the wheel itself, a horn pad adapter (a plastic or metal ring that connects the wheel to your steering column), and a hub kit specific to your vehicle. The hub kit is the critical piece — it is a threaded adapter that screws onto your steering column shaft and holds the wheel in place. Using the wrong hub kit can strip the column threads or leave the wheel loose.

Before ordering, you need your vehicle's year, make, model, and steering column type (some vehicles have multiple options). Grant publishes compatibility charts on their website and through retailers. If you are unsure, contact Grant's customer service with your vehicle information — they can confirm which hub kit you need.

Installation itself is straightforward: remove the horn pad or airbag cover from your current wheel, unbolt the wheel, slide the hub kit onto the column, thread the Grant wheel onto the hub, and find the horn pad adapter. The entire job takes 30 minutes to an hour if you have basic tools. If you are uncomfortable working on your steering column, a mechanic or upholstery shop can install it for you, usually for $50 to $150 in labor.

Legal restrictions and inspection concerns

Aftermarket steering wheels are legal in most states for vehicles built before 1968, which is why they are common in classic car and hot rod communities. However, regulations vary widely. Some states prohibit any steering wheel that is not the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, while others allow aftermarket wheels as long as the airbag system remains functional or is disabled and documented.

If your vehicle has an airbag, installing an aftermarket wheel typically disables it unless the wheel is specifically designed with an airbag module. Grant wheels are not airbag-compatible, so you will need to disable the airbag system. This usually involves removing the airbag module and installing a resistor in the electrical connector to prevent warning lights. Some states require documentation of this modification for inspection purposes.

Before installation, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or check your state's vehicle code for steering wheel rules. If you plan to register or inspect the vehicle, ask the inspection station whether aftermarket steering wheels are permitted. In some jurisdictions, an inspector may fail your vehicle for a non-OEM wheel, even if it is installed correctly.

Comparing Grant wheels to other aftermarket options

Grant is one of several manufacturers of wood grain steering wheels. Other brands include Lokar, Lecarra, and Speedway Motors. Grant wheels are typically mid-range in price and widely available through auto parts retailers and online. Lokar wheels are higher-end, often hand-finished, and cost significantly more. Lecarra and Speedway offer budget-friendly options with less detailed wood grain finishes.

The main differences are in finish quality, durability, and price. Grant wheels have a consistent, photographic wood grain that looks realistic from a distance. Higher-end brands may offer hand-painted or hand-stained finishes that look more authentic up close but cost two to three times as much. Budget brands may have a flatter, less detailed grain pattern or thinner laminate that wears faster.

If you are restoring a classic car and want the wheel to match the original interior, research what steering wheel was original to your vehicle's year and model. Some collectors prefer to use period-correct wheels or reproductions of the original. If you are building a hot rod or custom vehicle, the choice is purely aesthetic — pick the finish and style that matches your vision and budget.

Sizing and spoke design options

Grant wood grain wheels come in diameters of 13, 13.5, 14, and 15 inches. Smaller wheels (13 to 13.5 inches) fit older vehicles and sports cars; larger wheels (14 to 15 inches) are common in trucks and full-size cars. The diameter affects steering feel — a smaller wheel requires more hand movement to turn the car, while a larger wheel gives a lighter, more relaxed steering feel.

Spoke designs vary from classic three-spoke (common in 1960s and 1970s cars) to four-spoke and six-spoke patterns. Three-spoke wheels are the most popular for vintage restoration because they match the look of original equipment. Four-spoke and six-spoke designs are more modern and work well in hot rods or custom builds where you are not trying to match a specific era.

When choosing a size, consider your vehicle's original steering wheel diameter and your personal preference for steering effort. If you are unsure, measure your current wheel or check your vehicle's manual. A wheel that is too small can make steering difficult in heavy traffic or parking; a wheel that is too large can interfere with the steering column or dashboard.

Cost and where to buy

Grant wood grain steering wheels typically cost between $150 and $400, depending on diameter, spoke design, and finish detail. The hub kit adds $30 to $80, and the horn pad adapter is usually $15 to $40. If you need professional installation, add $50 to $150 in labor.

Grant wheels are sold through major auto parts retailers (AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA), online marketplaces (Amazon, eBay), specialty automotive retailers (Speedway Motors, Summit Racing), and classic car suppliers. Prices vary by retailer and availability. Before ordering, confirm the hub kit compatibility with your vehicle — buying the wrong hub kit means a return and reorder delay.

Some retailers offer bundles that include the wheel, hub kit, and horn pad adapter at a slight discount. If you are ordering from multiple sources, factor in shipping costs, which can be significant for a steering wheel due to weight and size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a Grant wood grain wheel myself if I have never worked on a steering column?

Yes, if you follow the instructions carefully and have basic hand tools. The job is straightforward — remove the old wheel, install the hub kit, and bolt on the new wheel. If you are uncomfortable working on your steering column or do not have a socket set, a mechanic can do it in under an hour. The risk of doing it wrong is low as long as you use the correct hub kit for your vehicle.

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

No. Grant wheels are not airbag-compatible. If your vehicle has an airbag, you will need to disable it and install a resistor in the electrical connector to prevent warning lights. This modification may not be legal in your state, so check your local vehicle code before proceeding.

How long does a Grant wood grain wheel last before the finish wears out?

The laminate finish typically lasts five to ten years with normal use, depending on sun exposure and climate. The clear coat may dull or the laminate edges may begin to separate over time. Refinishing or re-laminating is possible but expensive — most owners replace the wheel when the finish degrades.

What is the difference between a 13-inch and a 15-inch Grant wheel?

The main difference is steering feel. A 13-inch wheel requires more hand movement to turn the car but gives a sportier, more responsive feel. A 15-inch wheel is lighter to turn and more comfortable for highway driving. Choose based on your vehicle's original size and your personal preference for steering effort.

Can I use a Grant wheel on a modern car?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Modern cars have airbags, electronic steering systems, and safety features that are incompatible with aftermarket wheels. Disabling these systems may violate your vehicle's warranty and local safety regulations. Grant wheels are designed for classic cars and hot rods, not modern vehicles.