16 inch vs 15 inch wood steering wheels

[BGlover67]

I recently picked up a '65 GT convertible for some summer fun, and I wanted to install a Moto-Lita wood rimmed steering wheel to match what came on a '65 GT350.  Am I correct in saying that it first came as a 16 inch diameter size but was then changed to a 15 inch?  How late into production did that occur?  Lastly, a question for anyone who owns a car with a 16 inch wheel installed.  Is it less practical  than the smaller size?  I can only imagine that getting in and out of the car might be hindered by the increase in size.

[CharlesTurner]

Info is in the registry... 

Sequence:
16" with slots
15" with holes
15" with slots

[shlby66]

Am I correct in saying that it first came as a 16 inch diameter size but was then changed to a 15 inch?    I can only imagine that getting in and out of the car might be hindered by the increase in size.

     Yes, the first 130 or so, GT-350's came with the 16" Cobra steering wheel.

     The first '65 GT-350 that I saw back then, with that 16" Cobra steering wheel, just looked, "right".

     So, I've had one, on my '66 Shelby, for almost 28 years now and I love it. I have no trouble getting
     in or out of the car or driving/shifting gears. And steering, is a little easier during parking.

     Doug 

[tesgt350]

I recently picked up a '65 GT convertible for some summer fun, and I wanted to install a Moto-Lita wood rimmed steering wheel to match what came on a '65 GT350.  Am I correct in saying that it first came as a 16 inch diameter size but was then changed to a 15 inch?  How late into production did that occur?  Lastly, a question for anyone who owns a car with a 16 inch wheel installed.  Is it less practical  than the smaller size?  I can only imagine that getting in and out of the car might be hindered by the increase in size.

Practical?  Depends on the size of your Belly..............

[BGlover67]

Am I correct in saying that it first came as a 16 inch diameter size but was then changed to a 15 inch?    I can only imagine that getting in and out of the car might be hindered by the increase in size.

     Yes, the first 130 or so, GT-350's came with the 16" Cobra steering wheel.

     The first '65 GT-350 that I saw back then, with that 16" Cobra steering wheel, just looked, "right".

     So, I've had one, on my '66 Shelby, for almost 28 years now and I love it. I have no trouble getting
     in or out of the car or driving/shifting gears. And steering, is a little easier during parking.

     Doug

Thanks Doug, it's always good to hear from folks who actually have a wheel in that diameter.  I see that Moto-Lita stills makes something that resembles the original in 16 inches:

https://www.moto-lita.co.uk/steering-wheels/ac-cobra-oem-wood-rim-split-centre/

I'm sure the wood rim is a bit thicker, the repo's always seem to have that issue (not sure why that is)