Robert, me too. Back in the 50's, I think GM was biased against short-legged people (vertically impaired).
I moved my seat back so my belly doesn't touch the steering wheel now my legs are too short to reach the pedals. Big grin.
The cheapest solution is to go on a diet or grow legs.
It's a lot easier than doing a steering reduction (
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1208cct-reclaiming-stock-steering-wheel/).
Click on, "See All 41 Photos". Old steering wheels crack and even after the work done above, cracks will happen again.
To keep the original look, I would buy a new reproduction steering wheel, for example:
https://qualityrestorations.com/chevyreduced-diameter/For a classic appearance, but not original look:
https://www.tuckersparts.com/15-Chevrolet-Steering-Wheel-Replica.html?cat=1232
