1966 Teak Steering wheels

[Gary #41345]

I just purchased a original 1966 Teak steering wheel on EBay after looking for one for a while, can someone review the pictures in the listing and give me their opinion on originality? I guess you can search items recently sold and find it easily..it ended 2 nights ago.
Thanks

[Mike M.]

Post Item number

Gary Can you post the link or item number. Mike

[Jack W.]

Re: 1966 Teak Steering wheels

a little tricky based on that info, here is one that I found that recently ended:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1965-66-ORIGINAL-CORVETTE-TEAK-WOOD-STEERING-WHEEL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34200QQihZ018QQitemZ280103975308QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I am guessing it is the first one up above since you referred to it as an "original" and the bidder paid an original price ($1000+) vs the going rate for Eric's wheels (~$535). I have heard that some folks on here can easily distinguish one of Eric Freeman's (or one of Teak Freaks') wheels from an original; I am not one of them. Looks nice to me though!

[Jack W.]

By the way

that seller seems to have bought that wheel back in February for $999, so he got what he paid for it. Whether it is orginal I can't say, but there are more pics at that listing:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330089850270

[Gary #41345]

Re: 1966 Teak Steering wheels

Jack..I cannot access that link or any of EBays while here at work but I did pay 1,028.00 for the wheel and if that's the one in that link then that is the one. Maybe others can use that link you supplied to give their opinions on that wheel..Thank you very much

[Wayne M.]

Looks OK to me, but close-up examination ...

... is required. Here's an auto-load pic and another link to mine (owned since 1975). There's a fair amount of variation in wood grain, color; Nowadays, I would take a judging hit for condition (wear, finish).

Areas to look for are the thin piece separating the sections and the circumferential strip on the outside and inside.

Second shot:

[KEN EDMUNDS]

Re: Looks OK to me, but close-up examination ...

Erig Freemans wheels are outstanding but they all have one issue. He uses new steel centers and the edges are much sharper than originals. You can feel it as soon as you pick it up, especially if you have an original wheel to compare to.

[Gary #41345]

Re: 1966 Teak Steering wheels

Thanks to all who gave me advise and added to my knowledge of teak wheels.

[Dick W.]

Re: By the way

There will be one of Eric Freeman's steering wheels up for auction at the NCRS Lowe's Motor Speedway Regional Saturday night. Go to www.ncrscarolinaschapter.org for further information. We will accept live bids, telephone bids, or a bid submitted prior to the auction. Contact me for further information.