GT14 Steering wheel thread size?

[Machria 78]

My GT14 steering wheel is missing the ornamental cap that goes over the center.  I noticed there is a whole in the middle of it with female threads in it.  So I want to make a small cap for it, and just bolt it down in the middle into those threads.  I can't seem to figure out what size the threads are.  Anyone know what they are?

[Don1977 605]

Don't know why the shaft was threaded. You might be able to find the insert you need here.

[Brrly1 1,146]

Guess who? Do have a way of posting a picture of your steering wheel? Possibly then we could tell you in which direction you need to go. Have a Great day

[GlenPettit 1,717]

The original Wheel Horse factory Steering Wheels on the GT-14's tended to be weak. Probably getting on-and-off the tractors tended to bend the outside rim, especially on warm days, then the spokes were bent forward a little each time, and stayed, pulling the originally round center hole out at the spoke attachments, causing that "triangular" shape that most GT-14's seem have now. The original center cap, (like the 70's C-series have, exactly like my blank #5, with white relief), would then fall out and be lost. Some of these steering wheels were replaced by their owners with ones from other brands, it was a very common center bolt mounting system back then, so there are many variations of steering wheels on the GT-14's today.

The best solution is to have a larger cap cover that can the entire outside of the triangler opening (some plastic jar lids are large enough to do this), that will allow for the flexing that will still happen, then 'super glue' a new center cap on to this lid. Making this new 'lid' stay on & over the opening is the challenge, wire or plastic ties will work but are visable.

We hope to have a new GT-14 Steering Wheel Center Cap made & available in time for the big Wheel Horse Show in PA this June. This black (after-market reproduction modified) cap with the insert cast in will be held on with two SS screws to an 'under-the-nut mounting strip', it will look very good, will not fall off and will totally cover that opening allowing for future flex.   Will post them here on RED SQUARE first, when done.
Glen

[Machria 78]

Thanks for the info Glen, I sent you the check off the other items this week, and will order the new cap as soon as your done or just pick one up at the PA show in June which I plan to attend. My wife and I look forward to checking out all the WH tractors.

In the meantime, I just want to make a wooden or plastic cap to screw into the threads I have in the middle. Here's a pic of it..

[Machria 78]

Got it. It's 3/8ths threading. It was tight from the rust, but I ran some valve grinding compound thru it and now the 3/8" bolt screws right in. I'll make a wooden cap and Bolt it on. I also need a new dash plate, but I'm going to Change out the switches to lighted switches, and add a 3rd switch for aux lights (front and rear). So I'm going to make a wooden dash to match the steering wheel cap, and I guess I'll have to make a matching wooden plate for the shifter area as well.

Will this be the first "Woody" Wheelhorse?