Early Bronco Stock Steering Wheels

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Factory-Style Early Bronco Steering Wheels for Your Restoration

When it comes to restoring an early Bronco, few details bring the interior together like the steering wheel. Not only is it the part of the Bronco you touch every time you drive, but it also sets the tone for the entire cabin. For restorers chasing that authentic factory look, OE-quality replacement Early Bronco steering wheels, horn buttons, and installation parts are the way to go. These steering wheels are designed to fit factory steering columns, ensuring a proper fit and finish for your 1966–77 Ford Bronco.

One important detail to keep in mind: if your stock steering column has a hazard switch, you’ve got a 1974–77 column, which requires a matching 74–77 style steering wheel. Earlier 66–73 columns do not have a hazard switch and use a different wheel design. Let’s break down the differences between the classic Bronco steering wheels and what makes each style unique.

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OEM 1966–77 Ford Bronco Steering Wheel Information

1966–73 Ford Bronco: Two-Spoke Steering Wheel

The first-generation Broncos rolled off the assembly line with a black two-spoke steering wheel featuring a slim grip ring. Its clean, utilitarian design fit the rugged, purpose-built nature of the Bronco. Ford offered two horn button finishes—argent silver and chrome—along with an upgraded version featuring an integrated horn ring in the center button. Simple, sturdy, and unmistakably vintage, these wheels are perfect for early restorations.

1974 Ford Bronco: A Transition Year

The 1974 model year brought changes to the Bronco’s steering column with the addition of a hazard switch. To use up remaining stock of earlier wheels, Ford retooled the two-spoke design slightly so it would work with the new column. These hybrid wheels retained the classic ’66–73 look but featured internal modifications to mate with the updated setup.

1974–77 Ford Bronco: Truck-Style Steering Wheel

Midway through 1974, Ford shifted the Bronco’s interior toward a chunkier, truck-inspired steering wheel. Borrowed from the F-series truck line, this design featured a larger grip, broader spokes, and a padded horn pad in place of the traditional metal horn ring. The padded design gave the interior a more modern, durable feel and aligned the Bronco with the rest of Ford’s light truck lineup.

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Strengths and Weaknesses of OEM Early Bronco Steering Wheels

Advantages

• Factory-Correct Fitment – Perfect for restoration projects where originality matters.

• Large Diameter – Helps with low-speed maneuvering, especially with manual steering.

• Classic Styling – Nothing completes the look of a vintage Bronco interior like the correct factory wheel.

Drawbacks

• Takes Up More Space – The larger diameter reduces driver legroom compared to modern wheels.

• Slower Steering Feel – Longer steering throw can feel sluggish compared to modern vehicles.

• Limited Options – Styling and material choices were basic compared to today’s aftermarket wheels.

• If any of these 'drawbacks' have you feeling you want to go another direction with your Bronco's steering wheel, check out our Premium Quality Custom Steering Wheels.

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Choosing the Right Wheel for Your Restoration

Whether you’re restoring a first-year ’66 Bronco or a late-production ’77, choosing the correct OEM-style steering wheel is essential for an authentic look and feel. The slim, vintage two-spoke wheel captures the bare-bones utility of the early trucks, while the later padded truck-style wheel reflects the Bronco’s evolution into a more refined off-road machine.

At WILD HORSES 4x4, we carry OE-quality reproduction steering wheels, horn buttons, and installation parts so you can finish your Bronco restoration the right way. Built to factory specs, these wheels fit directly onto your original steering column—whether it’s a hazard switch–free ’66–73 column or the updated ’74–77 version.

Bring your Bronco’s interior back to life with the right wheel for your year. After all, when you grip that steering wheel, you should feel the same connection to the road and trail that Bronco owners have enjoyed for decades.