If you're lucky enough to be sitting behind a 1965 impala steering wheel, you already know it's one of the best views in the automotive world. There's just something about the way those mid-60s Chevys were put together that feels different from anything else on the road today. It isn't just a tool for turning the tires; it's the centerpiece of the whole interior. When you're cruising down a backroad, your hands are right there, gripping that thin plastic rim, and you can practically feel the history of the American highway.
The 1965 model year was a massive one for Chevrolet. It was the year they completely redesigned the full-size line, giving the Impala those beautiful, flowing lines and that famous Coke-bottle shape. But while the exterior gets all the glory at car shows, the interior is where you actually spend your time. And let's be honest, the steering wheel is the part you interact with more than anything else.
The Aesthetic of a Different Era
Back in the sixties, designers weren't worried about airbags or infotainment buttons. They were worried about style. The standard 1965 impala steering wheel is a perfect example of that "Space Age" influence that was still lingering in the air. It's big—usually around 17 inches in diameter—which gives you that classic "bus driver" feel, but it's incredibly elegant.
Most of these wheels featured a two-spoke design with a beautiful chrome horn ring. If you have a car with the deluxe interior, that horn ring probably has some intricate detailing that you just don't see on modern cars. The center cap usually sports the iconic Impala logo—that leaping deer that symbolizes everything the car was meant to be: fast, graceful, and refined.
What's really cool is how the colors were handled. Chevrolet didn't just give you a black wheel and call it a day. If you had a red interior, you got a red wheel. If you had that stunning Evening Orchid or a bright Marina Blue, the steering wheel was color-keyed to match the rest of the dash and upholstery. It created this cohesive look that made the cabin feel like a high-end lounge rather than just the inside of a machine.
Why Finding an Original is Getting Tough
If you're restoring a '65, you've probably realized by now that finding an original 1965 impala steering wheel in good shape is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. These things were made of an early type of plastic or resin that hasn't always aged gracefully.
Decades of sitting in the sun, especially if the car lived in a place like Arizona or California, tend to do a number on them. The heat causes the material to expand and contract, which eventually leads to those dreaded cracks. You'll usually see them right where the spokes meet the rim. Sometimes the cracks are just hairline fractures, but other times they're big enough to catch your skin while you're driving.
Then there's the "sticky" factor. Old steering wheels have this habit of "off-gassing" as the chemicals in the plastic break down over fifty or sixty years. You end up with a wheel that feels tacky to the touch no matter how much you clean it. It's a common struggle for classic car owners, and it's why so many people eventually look into restoration or replacement.
The Choice Between Restoring and Replacing
When your wheel starts looking its age, you have two main paths to take. You can either restore the one you have or buy a reproduction. Both have their pros and cons, and it really depends on what kind of build you're going for.
The Restoration Path
If you're a purist, you probably want to keep the original wheel that came with the car. Restoring an original 1965 impala steering wheel is a labor of love. It involves grinding out the cracks, filling them with a special epoxy or PC-7, sanding everything down until it's smooth as glass, and then painting it with a high-quality automotive finish.
It's a tedious process, but there's something incredibly satisfying about saving a piece of the car's history. Plus, if you have a rare color, restoring the original is often the only way to ensure the shade perfectly matches your dashboard.
Going with a Reproduction
For those who want a quicker fix, the aftermarket has really stepped up. You can find reproduction wheels that look almost identical to the factory units. They're made with modern materials that are less likely to crack or get sticky, which is a huge plus if you plan on driving the car frequently.
The only downside is that sometimes the "feel" is slightly different. The texture of the plastic might be a bit more "modern," or the chrome on the horn ring might not have that same heavy, substantial feel as the original pot metal pieces. But for a high-quality driver-level car, a reproduction is usually a great way to go.
The Sporty Side: The SS and Wood Grain Options
Not every 1965 impala steering wheel was created equal. If you're lucky enough to own a Super Sport (SS), you might be looking at a different setup. While many SS models still used the standard-style wheel with specific badging, 1965 was a year where people started leaning into that "sporty" look.
One of the most sought-after upgrades for any '65 owner is the simulated wood-grain steering wheel. Often referred to as the "Comfortilt" or sport wheel, it featured a three-spoke design with brushed stainless steel or chrome spokes and a rim that looked like warm, polished walnut.
Even though it was actually made of plastic, it looked incredibly high-end. It's smaller in diameter than the standard wheel, which gives the car a much more aggressive, "muscle car" feel. If you're going for a Pro-Touring build or just want your Impala to feel a bit more nimble, swapping to a sport-style wheel is a game changer.
Maintaining Your Steering Wheel
Once you've got a nice 1965 impala steering wheel in your car, you want to keep it that way. The best thing you can do is keep it out of the direct sun. A simple sunshade goes a long way in preventing those cracks we talked about earlier.
When it comes to cleaning, stay away from harsh chemicals. A lot of modern interior cleaners have solvents that can actually accelerate the breakdown of old plastic. A damp microfiber cloth with a tiny bit of mild dish soap is usually all you need. If the wheel is original, you might want to use a plastic polish every now and then to keep the shine up, but don't overdo it. You don't want it so slippery that you can't keep a grip on it!
Final Thoughts on This Classic Component
At the end of the day, the 1965 impala steering wheel is more than just a part of the steering system. It's the handshake between you and the machine. It's the thing you hold onto as you're cruising down the highway, listening to the rumble of the V8 and watching the world go by through that massive panoramic windshield.
Whether you're keeping it totally stock, restoring a cracked original, or upgrading to a wood-grain sport wheel, it's worth the effort to get it right. It's the one part of the car you see and touch every single time you go for a drive. So, take your time, find the one that fits your style, and enjoy the ride. There's nothing quite like the feeling of a '65 Chevy in your hands.