Classic/Antique Car Repair: Steering wheel puller for a classic Rambler, classic rambler, steering wheel puller

Question
Dick-- I have a 1959 Rambler and can not get the steering wheel off. I have read your response about a similar issue. I look at a steering wheel puller and can not figure how it will pull the steering wheel off.  I see the big nut-- but no way to attach the puller to any holes under the horn button-- there are none. Its just on big nut holding it on-- and its off-- and the steering wheel will not pull off. There is a chrome ring around the steering wheel-- making any other attempts of hammering it out impossible without serious damage to the ring. I hope you can help me. thsk-- john

Answer
First of all, DON'T hammer!

The puller is the only way to get it off - you have to strip everything that is in your way off so you can get at the tapped holes in the steering wheel to attach the puller to - that's the only way.

Take all the horn stuff off the steering wheel - look at the back side of the steering wheel for screws that hold it on, or try to just turn it to the left while you hold the steering wheel - you may have to push it down while you turn it, sort of like a prescription medicine bottle. It WILL come off - just keep studying it until you see the trick.  

The steering wheel is pressed on to the splined shaft - it won't come off without the special tool - the big nut is just there for backup - but be sure to put it back on (loosely) to protect the threads when you are using the puller, and make sure to note the position of the steering wheel on the splined shaft - you might have to mark it with a dab of paint or nail polish to make sure.  If you don't do this, your turn signals won't cancel at the right position.

Dick