Q: What is the best way to mount a steering wheel to a Flaming River column?
A: Flaming River has a wide assortment of Steering Wheel Adapters to fit original or aftermarket steering wheels to our columns. The universal 5 and 6 Bolt Wheel Adapters contain the pattern for both 5 and 6 bolt steering wheels, so getting the perfect fit is even easier. Certain steering wheels, like the WaterFall (shown here), even have their own adapters to mount to a Flaming River column or original stock column. We also offer 3 Bolt Adapters, 9 Bolt Adapters, and a number of adapters for Corvette and Mopar applications.
Browse our wide assortment of Steering Wheels and Steering Wheel Adapters.
Q: Do you have any tips for wiring a new column?
A: One of the most common errors during column wiring happens when someone is replacing their stock OEM steering column. They will remove the factory original column without verifying the wire colors for the turn signals. Many people assume that their car has the original wiring and that someone has not gone in and tinkered with it at some point in its lifetime. Before you do anything else, check that the wiring is still in good condition and make note of the colors of the wires that operate each turn signal—this can save you major headaches!
In fiberglass bodied cars, make sure that the column is grounded properly. An improperly grounded column can cause the horn and turn signals to work erratically, or not at all. You can avoid this hassle by attaching a ground strap from the column to the vehicle chassis.
When using LED style lighting for your turn signal and brake lights, a standard flasher cannot be used. LED style lights do not pull enough current to cause the flasher to open and close the circuit. A special LED flasher must be used for correct turn signal operation.
If you need help deciphering the colors of the wires that came with your new Flaming River column, you can refer to our Wiring Diagram.
Q: How do I set the cancelling cam to get my turn signals to operate correctly?
A: The canceling cam has two functions: First, it acts as a contact for the horn. Second, it cancels, or turns off, the turn signals as the steering wheel comes back to the straight-ahead position.
When the canceling cam is not clocked or timed correctly in the column, the turn signals will not cancel, or they will cancel too quickly. To properly clock or time the canceling cam, you should look at the top of the column like it's the face of a clock. On the canceling cam itself, there is a stem that sticks up approx 1-1/2”. Imagine this stem as the hour hand on a clock and place it at approximately the 10:30 position. This will ensure that the turn signals will cancel every time.
If you need additional help, please refer to this Steering Wheel and Adapter Installation Guide.
