Steering Wheel Restoration.

Author
Discussion

Jim H

Original Poster:

1,137 posts

196 months

Monday 18th September 2023
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Evening folks,

I’ve had this steering wheel for ever! Basically it came off my old man’s Mk 1 Scirocco TS. He had a smash in the car and it got slightly bent (now straightened). But the wheel was replaced with a new one after insurance repair.

I’ve had it kicking about ever since, and it is a lovely style steering wheel. And I’m steering wheel bonkers, it really does bolster the feeling when driving a classic.

These Steering Wheels go for an absolute song these days (they are very rare). Normally around £500.

I’ve tried to purchase a few off eBay but always got out bud ( it’s heading north of 500 quid after all).

So I’ve always had the wheel, but not the horn button.

I now realise you can buy a reproduction off t’internet (from Germany)

So, I’m thinking of having a go at sorting it out. I’m not afraid of having a go at most things, after all I’ve pretty much done a full nut and bolt job on my own MK1 Scirocco Storm.

But… how do I go about fixing this? I know I have to make a mould of some sort, against one of the other spokes.

I’m just wondering what to make a mould from, and then whatever? To match the black rubber-like material.

Decky_Q

1,658 posts

184 months

Monday 18th September 2023
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It depends on how much you want to spend. Could fill it with epoxy putty and shape it to match, then wrap a band of leather around it to hide the repair?

Manners79

186 posts

66 months

Monday 18th September 2023
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Maybe a daft suggestion but why not take it to a shoe / bag repair place? Judging from what I’ve seen on ‘The Repair Shop’ near invisible repairs are possible on all sorts of materials.

PositronicRay

27,533 posts

190 months

Tuesday 19th September 2023
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You could try


https://perfectiongroup.net/services/leather-and-t...

Or for a complete retrim isn't too expensive

https://royalsteeringwheels.com/

tapkaJohnD

1,993 posts

211 months

Tuesday 19th September 2023
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Try "Sugru", 'mouldable glue'? https://sugru.com/

It available in many colours, including black. I've used the white version to replace the gate diagram on an old gear knob. Worked well!

If you wanted to copy the 'leather' pattern on the surface, then take a mould from another spoke, using "Dental Impression Material", also available online.

John

lowdrag

13,032 posts

220 months

Wednesday 20th September 2023
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Completely O/T really, but I found an old original wood steering wheel for my Jaguar, the wood all cracked from the sun, I guess from the USA. Of all people, it was my golf Pro who took it off me and repaired it. I still have it thirty years later, still in perfect condition!

elanfan

5,527 posts

234 months

Wednesday 20th September 2023
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https://jacobengineering.co.uk/index.php/steering-...

Have a word with Mark he’s a miracle worker whether it’s economic for you I don’t know

Jim H

Original Poster:

1,137 posts

196 months

Wednesday 20th September 2023
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Morning folks from a very wet and dreary Cumbria!

Gawd it’s chucking down!

Many thanks for all replies and advice, it’s great this place (the whole forum) for picking others brains. You so often learn of products and services you didn’t know existed. Always useful whenever you are thinking of your next project in addition.

I think I’m going to effect a reasonable repair on the missing bit of trim, then send the wheel off to get recovered - probably in leather.

The wheel on my Storm is leather bound, and it adds to the thickness of the rim (which I like the feel of).

Thanks again.

DanCat

298 posts

220 months

Lotobear

7,152 posts

135 months

Wednesday 20th September 2023
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Look up Len Chandler - he's done a few wheels for me and is simply superb, very popular in classic Lotus (Elan) circles.

...one he did for me

Jim H

Original Poster:

1,137 posts

196 months

Wednesday 20th September 2023
quotequote all
Oh that is lovely Loto.

Following my post here, the project has really changed dynamic, I’m really considering handing it over to a professional.

I’ve got a lot of steering wheels, too many in fact - more than cars!

But this one means a lot to me sentimentally, I’ve had it in a cupboard since about 1980. It was the wheel I used to see when my old man was driving me to primary school, and that impression was printed on me. Which gave me my love for MK1 Scirocco’s.

Understanding that I can now get a horn button for it a week or so ago! I was chuffed to bits.

New Project!

Just one thing. A quick Google of Len throws up a few links to forums of which I’m not a member, I can’t really see a direct contact. Anyone?

PM me if Len runs a ‘quiet’ business and he has enough work not to advertise.

Edit: it’s stopped raining in Cumbria and is now rather sunny!

Lotobear

7,152 posts

135 months

Wednesday 20th September 2023
quotequote all
Jim H said:
Oh that is lovely Loto.

Following my post here, the project has really changed dynamic, I’m really considering handing it over to a professional.

I’ve got a lot of steering wheels, too many in fact - more than cars!

But this one means a lot to me sentimentally, I’ve had it in a cupboard since about 1980. It was the wheel I used to see when my old man was driving me to primary school, and that impression was printed on me. Which gave me my love for MK1 Scirocco’s.

Understanding that I can now get a horn button for it a week or so ago! I was chuffed to bits.

New Project!

Just one thing. A quick Google of Len throws up a few links to forums of which I’m not a member, I can’t really see a direct contact. Anyone?

PM me if Len runs a ‘quiet’ business and he has enough work not to advertise.

Edit: it’s stopped raining in Cumbria and is now rather sunny!
I'm in Cumbria too Jim and my Dad had 2 Mk1 Scirrocos in succession (URG 409T and then DTY 211W), followed by 2 Mk 2's so a small world!

....and I also have an Elise S2!

Len doesn't advertise so I will PM his email address.

Dids444

419 posts

227 months

Tuesday 12th March
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Afternoon all,

I was just searching the forum for steering wheel repair options for a series 1.5 E Type wooden wheel and found this thread.

If its ok could someone send me an email address for Len please as he certainly sounds like the man for the job smile

Regards
Paul

Jim H

Original Poster:

1,137 posts

196 months

Tuesday 12th March
quotequote all
Dids444 said:
Afternoon all,

I was just searching the forum for steering wheel repair options for a series 1.5 E Type wooden wheel and found this thread.

If its ok could someone send me an email address for Len please as he certainly sounds like the man for the job smile

Regards
Paul
Hi Paul,

Holy thread resurrection!

I e-mailed Len and got no response at all? Maybe he’s retired?

Lotobear

7,152 posts

135 months

Tuesday 12th March
quotequote all
Shame if Len's retired but not sure he did wooden wheels anyway, but here's an option to consider:

https://jacobengineering.co.uk/index.php/steering-...

Dids444

419 posts

227 months

Saturday 16th March
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Jim H said:
Hi Paul,

Holy thread resurrection!

I e-mailed Len and got no response at all? Maybe he’s retired?
It wasn;t that bad was it biggrin

Thanks for the PM and I'll ping him an email. I'll report back if I hear anything

Thanks again!

Dids444

419 posts

227 months

Saturday 16th March
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Lotobear said:
Shame if Len's retired but not sure he did wooden wheels anyway, but here's an option to consider:

https://jacobengineering.co.uk/index.php/steering-...
Their new wheels look amazing! I'll ping them a message and see if they would consider a resto.. fingers crossed!