Steering wheel removal???

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    Thanks to this site, I just purchased a 63 American Skier.  Ive been working on a "few" things and am having a hard time trying to remove the steering wheel.  It looks like its on a taperd and keyed shaft.  I cant seem to find a small puller to fit thru the slots in the hub. 

  Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to remove it?

  Also, I may be looking for a "better" wheel, Are the steering mount sizes'standard? thanks! 

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62 wood Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: February-19-2005 Location: NW IL Status: Offline Points: 4527	Post Options Post Reply Quote 62 wood Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Steering wheel removal??? Posted: March-29-2005 at 4:28am
	Thanks to this site, I just purchased a 63 American Skier. Ive been working on a "few" things and am having a hard time trying to remove the steering wheel. It looks like its on a taperd and keyed shaft. I cant seem to find a small puller to fit thru the slots in the hub. Does anyone have any ideas on the best way to remove it? Also, I may be looking for a "better" wheel, Are the steering mount sizes'standard? thanks!
	64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique

nates78ski Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: January-24-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1041	Post Options Post Reply Quote nates78ski Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: March-29-2005 at 8:55am
	If there are no threaded holes on the wheel hub you need to find a automotive mechanic that works on old cars from the mid 50's back. Snap on tools made a puller that hooks the backside of the wheel(like a fork). This is the proper tool to use without damaging the wheel. A 3/4" tapered shaft with a key or sometimes pin that looks like a key until you remove the wheel is standard. Many older boats pre-1960 use a spline center wheel because most builders where using automotive steering columns back then. These columns use a steering rod running through the bilge instead of a steering cable. Glad to be of help.
	Nathan My '78 Ski Nautique <a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll

David F Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: June-11-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1770	Post Options Post Reply Quote David F Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: March-30-2005 at 5:51pm
	Nate: Just to be picky, the newer boats also use the splined shaft such as my '93 SN. Replacement wheels for the tapered shafts are common whereas I had to get my replacement wheel from CC due the splined shaft (tilt helm) which is less common. I agree, a gear puller should get the tapered wheel off, whereas the splined wheel comes off easily. Gear pullers are relatively cheap. Harbor freight has them for under $15.00 I am guessing.

mackwrench Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: February-25-2005 Location: Gone Status: Offline Points: 190	Post Options Post Reply Quote mackwrench Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: March-30-2005 at 7:31pm
	Since its a '63 model, I would spray some penatrating oil like PB blaster or something for a few days. Be sure to leave the nut screwed onto the shaft so its flush with the end so's not to foul the shaft threads with the puller
	NO LONGER A MEMBER

64 Skier Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: February-08-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 415	Post Options Post Reply Quote 64 Skier Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: March-31-2005 at 8:01am
	AutoZone will let you take a puller home and return for a small deposit. It's a great puller. The Grant wheels they have are pretty resonable if the shaft works for you.
	64 Skier 66" HO VTX and 67" HO Triumph 71CC

nates78ski Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: January-24-2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1041	Post Options Post Reply Quote nates78ski Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April-04-2005 at 2:23pm
	Your right some tilt wheels use a spline shaft
	Nathan My '78 Ski Nautique <a href="http://photobucket.com/Nates78ski" rel="nofoll

62 wood Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: February-19-2005 Location: NW IL Status: Offline Points: 4527	Post Options Post Reply Quote 62 wood Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April-08-2005 at 3:38am
	Anyone got a sledge hammer? Im still trying to get the wheel off. Ive got it soaking. We made a double-plated puller , but still no luck. I may leave pressure on it a few days ,along with penatrating fluid. The shaft does look like its got a keyway, but I cant see a key. Anyway, thanks for the input so far!
	64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique

David F Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: June-11-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1770	Post Options Post Reply Quote David F Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April-08-2005 at 12:28pm
	With pressure on the puller, and after a good soaking in penetrating oil, give a some good taps with a hammer on either the steering wheel hub or the end of the shaft (if possible with puller in place). Be careful not to booger up the end of the shaft. The tapping with the hammer sets up vibrations which can break loose rust or just help turn it loose.

Jim_In_Houston Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: September-06-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1120	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jim_In_Houston Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: April-08-2005 at 12:42pm
	I think 62 Wood is saying it's our fault he bought the boat and is now suffering over a stuck steering wheel. Welcome to ya 62. You just have to know, if working on it is not at least half the fun, you better sell it. Post some pics as soon as you can. I would like to see it. What engine are you running?
	Happy owner of a '66 and a '68 Mustang

62 wood Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: February-19-2005 Location: NW IL Status: Offline Points: 4527	Post Options Post Reply Quote 62 wood Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-01-2005 at 6:21am
	Jim in houston, working on them is half the fun.... Ive restored cars for years, but working on boats is relatively new to me. Im also restoring a wooden 1962 higgins. Thanks for all the suggestions on the wheel! I ended up making a puller from some 3/16" steel stock. Penetrating fluid,a hammer and a "little" persuation worked! It has a tapered shaft with a roll pin to locate steering wheel. I found an era correct wheel on ebay that looks pretty good for now.. Im getting anxious to get her in the water, but it still needs a new strut bearing put in. Any hints? The 'skier has an inline 6 ford (not sure of size or marine conversion?) At first I wasnt too sure about a six banger ,but supposedly does good on fuel. Only thing left is to give her a name? Thanks again for all the help!
	64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique

Jim_In_Houston Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: September-06-2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1120	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jim_In_Houston Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May-01-2005 at 10:56am
	You are so right. Anyone who does not enjoy working on these things better not buy on. I enjoy turning bolts too. I am interested in your Higgins. Can you email so photos to jim@drivesys.com?
	Happy owner of a '66 and a '68 Mustang

Steering wheel removal???

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