Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

[Larry T.]

I have a chance to buy an "original" Teak Steering Wheel that comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity", numerous photos signed by the seller and an article penned by the seller all supposedly supporting that it is in fact the real deal. Right now I am assuming original means circa 1965/66. But in reality the certificate is only worth the reputation of the person behind behind it the way I see it.

This wheel was purchased in 2001 at Bloomington Gold by the current owner from Mike Lott with "Teak Freaks". I am working on getting pictures, but does anyone know anything I might need to know? I am aware of the fact that Teak Freaks purchased the tooling to reproduce originals, and that has me a little tenative, but I do not know when that occured or if that should concern me. Thanks.

[Ted S.]

Re: Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

Hi Larry I have owned and worked on vettes for the past 34 years and am still amazed at the things I learn. I brought my family to Carlisle for the first time this past weekend with my 65 Fuelie. I was very pleased with the entire event and the rain was no big deal. The offer to purchase my steering wheel by 2 people caught me by surprise. One offer was a mind blowing 7500.00! (good thing the wife was not there) One person told me about mahogany rings that were incorrect. My wheel is all teak and is in pristine condition. If you like I can send you some pics. Please let me know what you find out. Thanx Ted

[Larry T.]

Re: Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

Ted,

Thanks for the offer. I would very much like to see some pictures. Please send to larryt@charter.net. Also, if you know of any distinguishing characteristics of an original vintage wheel let me know. I will share what I learn that is not posted here.

Thanks,

Larry

[James W.]

Re: Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

Hi Larry I have owned and worked on vettes for the past 34 years and am still amazed at the things I learn. I brought my family to Carlisle for the first time this past weekend with my 65 Fuelie. I was very pleased with the entire event and the rain was no big deal. The offer to purchase my steering wheel by 2 people caught me by surprise. One offer was a mind blowing 7500.00! (good thing the wife was not there) One person told me about mahogany rings that were incorrect. My wheel is all teak and is in pristine condition. If you like I can send you some pics. Please let me know what you find out. Thanx Ted

Ted,

I would also like to see the pictures of your teak wheel. I am interested also in seeing the machine work that is done on the spoke portion of the wheel as well as the wood portion. Send them to me at jwest@oppd.com.

Thanks,

James West

[Mike B.]

Re: Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

Hi Ted,

Can you forward the Teak Wheel shots to me as well? Trying to ID a real one as well.

Thanks,
Mike '65, '66
mikenmick@msn.com

[Pancho T.]

Re: Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

Hi Larry I have owned and worked on vettes for the past 34 years and am still amazed at the things I learn. I brought my family to Carlisle for the first time this past weekend with my 65 Fuelie. I was very pleased with the entire event and the rain was no big deal. The offer to purchase my steering wheel by 2 people caught me by surprise. One offer was a mind blowing 7500.00! (good thing the wife was not there) One person told me about mahogany rings that were incorrect. My wheel is all teak and is in pristine condition. If you like I can send you some pics. Please let me know what you find out. Thanx Ted

$7500 wow.Did you get his name and number by chance? I have one that is new in the GM box that guy needs

[Wayne M.]

Re: Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

All --- here's 4 pics of edges and spoke junctions I sent to someone over on Corvette Forum, back in July. And I attach the story behind my N32.
================================================== ==
Sam -- that post on Corvette Forum must have been a few years ago. The
wheel was unrestored, back in 1975. I saw it on the
wall of a sports car dealer; he wanted more than $50 so I passed. My (then)
girlfriend bought it as a surprise for my next birthday [paid a bit more, I
assume]. My "restoration" involved applying hydrogen peroxide on the "sweat
burn" areas, mostly at the 10 o'clock hand position (you can see a bit on
the backside, which I didn't touch) to clean and lighten the wood; then
carefully applied clear Varathane with a brush to the driver side. Don't
remember if the thin strip that covers the circular steel frame is rosewood
or not, but it is visible depending where you examine the circumference.
I'll try an take a few pics tomorrow that show the ring, in contrast to the
wood grain of the top and bottom segments.

Regards, Wayne Midkiff
======================

[Wayne M.]

Re: Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

Here's two more close-up views from my Photobucket account that I took about 4 years ago; some some of you regulars might have seen them before.

I have not examined many original teakwood wheels, but, IMHO, they are all unique, due to the wood grain patterns, etc.

[Larry T.]

Re: Teak Steering Wheel Authentication?

Great pictures. Thanks.

Here's two more close-up views from my Photobucket account that I took about 4 years ago; some some of you regulars might have seen them before.

I have not examined many original teakwood wheels, but, IMHO, they are all unique, due to the wood grain patterns, etc.