The MGB steering wheel went through its own sequence of changes across the production run, and understanding the differences matters both for correct restoration and when fitting an aftermarket wheel.
Production Changes
Early cars used a large-diameter three-spoke banjo wheel with a central horn button and a simple horn contact ring. The interior rear view mirror was originally clamped to the windscreen centre brace, with the mirror positioned just above the steering wheel centre.
From 1970, a smaller wheel with flat alloy spokes and five holes was fitted, changing to slotted spokes for the 1973 model year and then to spokes with depressions, holes caught fingers and slots caught jewellery. The steering wheel rims were originally made of acetate, changed to polypropylene in March 1969 to remedy a tendency to crack. From the 1977 model year, a 15-inch padded rim wheel was introduced alongside the broader safety and comfort updates. The critical compatibility point is at 1977.
From that model year, the indicator cancellation mechanism was integrated into the wheel itself rather than operated by a cam on the column. A pre-1977 wheel cannot be fitted to a post-1977 column, and vice versa, without addressing the cancellation arrangement, this creates a hard compatibility boundary.
Aftermarket Wheels & Boss Kits
For owners fitting an aftermarket wheel, the boss kit must be correctly matched to the steering column. Chrome bumper and rubber bumper columns use different splines, and the 1968 export column is a specific variant requiring its own boss.
When fitting any aftermarket wheel, indicator cancellation compatibility and horn contact arrangement should both be confirmed before installation. Aftermarket wheels are available in wood and leather rim options across a range of diameters and spoke configurations. OE-specification replacement wheels are available for owners restoring to original appearance, with the correct horn push, slip ring, and rotor assembly available individually.