This is the center button off a 65 Cutlass steering wheel. I polished off some of the rust, but really needs refinishing. Anyone ever seen a thermometer in a 65 Cutlass steering wheel before?
Now I've really seen everything !
Looks like it says "Cooper", "Thermometer" and "Made in USA".

 

Interesting. So, back in 1965, you look at a thermometer in front of you in traffic. Now, you look at your cell phone.

 

Actually, I don't have a cell phone......but the theory is correct !

I'm still working off a land line at the house.

 

Someone added that thermometer to the factory horn button. Look closely where they meet. I'm sure someone glued or used some other adhesive to affix it to the horn button.

 

I'm pretty sure that is a factory digital output T-monitor tied into your CANbus data system to monitor cabin temp for auto HVAC control.

Gawd I hate modern cars!

 

That's what I thought, too, but both the thermometer and the black ring twist about a 16th of an inch or so. They are locked into place somehow, independent of the main button and each other.
This isn't a horn button, just a center button from a deluxe steering wheel.

 

They are still in business .
http://techinstrument.com/collection...ge=7#gsc.tab=0

 

Wow that thing is a cool find. Wonder if that "deluxe wheel" button was aftermarket sold for this purpose and may retain horn function when installed? Man, that would truly compliment the giant oil-filled compass they rolled with in the day! Nav and Temp baby.

 

The horn works from the buttons in the spokes, not the center button on this model.

Would be fun to know if some dealer added this on, or some owner was having some fun. Hate to turf it out without knowing for certain. I guess it'll just end up in the "extras" box with everything else

 

Ah, spoke buttons - cool. Crazy history is fun to pursue. Who knows what you'll find?