Not an issue with power steering, I have a high end Grant in my car, leather and over 200 bucks  but still perhaps not the quality as some other makes, Grant has problems with the horn, turn signal canceling pins and soft metal used in the mounting adapter.
 I have no experience with other manufacturers other than O/E

Oh man... I could never swap out the original steering wheel like that. I have owned a couple of old cars now and find it to be one of the best things about them. The big steering wheel, just makes it so graceful to drive.
I understand we all like different things, but what is it about going to a smaller steering wheel that has you interested in doing that?

Stevo wrote:

  ..... but what is it about going to a smaller steering wheel that has you interested in doing that?....

I want to retain the stock look but I am tired of turning hand over hand (ad nauseam) to make a simple 90° turn at an intersection.


 

Smaller than stock with manual steering would be unmanageable.  I recently swapped to the Borgeson power steering system with the MS lower column bearing and the steering response is light years better.  The problem isn't really the wheel being too big; its the steering ratio being to slow.  Making the wheel smaller is just a crutch, and you lose much needed leverage in a manual steering car.  I would definitely not go with a Grant wheel if you have manual steering.  They are simply not designed for it.  I bent the one in my Camaro when I had to make a tight turn with no power assist (engine not running).  I was able to bend it back and it looks fine, but for constant manual steering use it just is not sturdy enough.  Can't comment on other aftermarket wheels, but I would imagine they are similar.  I would certainly ask the manufacturer prior to purchase if they are recommended for use on manual steering cars. 

almcgee wrote:

Get some seat track extenders and move the seat back 2 inches.  Also gives you more head room.

This will be step one.  I picked up some 2 x 2 x .250 aluminum angle last week that I plan to make into some seat track extenders.  I'll provide a write up once I'm done.  Another person sent me what they did.  I'm going to work off of that but try and simplify it.  I'll make the decision on the steering wheel afterwards.

 

You only need that big wheel if your method of parking does NOT include tire smoke! If you have enough Horsepower you don't need power steering. I guess you can tell I spent the last week in the hills of WV driving those wonderful twisty hilly roads...."Take me Home Country Roads"!