My beloved 1969 Rosewood Steering Wheel on Auction

[camarojoe]

Yes, early in the 69 production year, the optional N34 wheel was actually a walnut wheel, similar to the 67/68 wheel, but with a shallower offset to the spokes... this was due to the new steering column with key moved from the dash to the column itself in 1969. The column protruded out towards the driver farther, necessitating the need for a shallower "dish" to the steering wheel.. Originally, the 67/68 wheel was just changed to accomodate this new column design, making the spokes less deep, but leaving the plastic simulated walnut wood rim portion a carry-over from 68... however, in 69 the dash trim and console top plates on the camaro were changed from a walnut grain to a rosewood grain, making the steering wheel a mis-match. This was corrected late in 68 (mid december I believe) and the "rosewood" wheel was developed and replaced the early version 69 walnut wheel. The rosewood continued through the remainder of the 69 production year. The early version was only used in Camaros built from September through December of 68, on cars that recieved the N34 option. The 69 walnut wheel is much rarer than the rosewood wheel, but would only be correct in early production cars. The deeper offset 67/68 wheel was never used in 69.