Steering Wheel Restoration

[Sheldon S.]

Who is currently doing steering wheel restoration, specifically C1 wheels.

Thanks
Sheldon

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Contact Richard Dunham, a Michigan Chapter member, who used to do these and did beautiful work. You can email him through member search on this forum.
Jeff

[Richard B.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Ditto on Richard 👍👍

[Keith M.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Curious what exactly is steering wheel restoration? Pretty simple component. Thx.

[Don H.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Curious what exactly is steering wheel restoration? Pretty simple component. Thx.

The plastic on early car steering wheels cracked, broke, and wore down.

[Keith M.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

The plastic on early car steering wheels cracked, broke, and wore down.

Understood. And being as the perimeter and center cap are the plastic parts... "restoration" would seem to be nothing more than replacing those?

[Rod K.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

The rim is plastic molded over a steel ring and would not be replaceable. Repairable (restorable) yes, but not replaceable by any feasible method. The center cap is chrome plated die cast metal, easily replaceable as it simply snaps into place on the hub of the wheel.

[Keith M.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

The rim is plastic molded over a steel ring and would not be replaceable. Repairable (restorable) yes, but not replaceable by any feasible method. The center cap is chrome plated die cast metal, easily replaceable as it simply snaps into place on the hub of the wheel.

Thanks for those details of which I was not aware and makes my question even more intriguing to me and still unanswered. What exactly does a "steering wheel restoration" entail??? I am only asking for my own curiosity and education as I do not believe mine needs restoration.

[Richard M.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Thanks for those details of which I was not aware and makes my question even more intriguing to me and still unanswered. What exactly does a "steering wheel restoration" entail??? I am only asking for my own curiosity and education as I do not believe mine needs restoration.

Keith, This document may help you understand what is entailed on C1 wheels. C2/C3 are totally different.

Rich

[Patrick H.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Keith, This document may help you understand what is entailed on C1 wheels. C2/C3 are totally different.

Rich

Rich,

Did the cracks in the plastic reappear at the end of the spokes?
Those cracks usually mean that the underlying weld is broken. If that isn't fixed, the cracks will come back.

I've been to Richard Dunham's place multiple times and talked with him extensively about wheel restoration on C1s, which is why I dare comment on them.

[Richard M.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Rich,

Did the cracks in the plastic reappear at the end of the spokes?
Those cracks usually mean that the underlying weld is broken. If that isn't fixed, the cracks will come back.

I've been to Richard Dunham's place multiple times and talked with him extensively about wheel restoration on C1s, which is why I dare comment on them.

Patrick, On the 2 I did, the welds were fine. On the C1 wheels the plastic always seems to crack at those 3 joints. I suspect because when made the material is very thin there.

Cracks did not reappear.

Rich

[Keith M.]

Re: Steering Wheel Restoration

Thanks all. My inquiry was based on wanting to further my education which you have succeeded in doing.
Keith