C1 steering wheel

[Joseph U.]

I need to restore or replace the steering wheel on my red/red 1960 - any thoughts about restoring the old wheel v purchase of a reproduction from either corvette central, ecklers or vette-gal. has anyone seen the reproductions and are they worthy of NCRS judging.
thanks
joe

[Joe D.]

Re: C1 steering wheel

Joe, I had asked the same question some time ago. I was told to restore my 1961 steering wheel. I sent mine to Gary's Steering Wheel Restoration, Carlisle, Pa. 717-243-5646. He did an excellent job. I was very satisfied with the work. Joe DeLuca #37862

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 steering wheel

Joe:
I did my own 61 Jewel Blue wheel with an epoxy kit from Eastwood. I had to repair all three spokes where the plastic had cracked. The textured finish is the hard part, which I was not able to do. I also mad the mistake of not fixing the real problem. The reason 2 of the 3 spokes had cracked was that the welds had failed, after the repair, the wheel cracked in the same places on 2 of the 3 (one still looks great). So, lesson learned, fix the root problem not just the symptom... just my $0.02

[Joseph U.]

Re: C1 steering wheel

Thanks Jim,
My wheel also has some cracks in it - I'm beginning to think that a repro may be the safest way for me. Now I just need to find the right vender. As I get more and more into restoring my car I am beginning to think that not all the "correct reproduction parts" are of the same quality. (and you would think that all "correct" parts should be "correct".
thanks for your advice.
joe

[Jim K.]

Re: C1 steering wheel

If you're oing to spent that kind of cash on new, it might be worth asking the guy Joe Lucia recommends, if it is similar, restored original is better than the repo's I have seen. Just another thought... Good luck!!!

[Dave S.]

Re: C1 steering wheel

Gary,

I have used Teak Freaks to do a couple of plastic wheels with good results. I just sent my 61 wheel to Gary's in Carlisle, Pa. He got great recommendations and I thought I'd give him a try. I would recommend restoration over a repro any time.

[Mike Nelson]

Re: C1 steering wheel

I had mine done at Gary's Steering Wheel Restoration also. Excellent job. If you have a good core, it will be cheaper than the repros.

[Mike Noguera]

Re: C1 steering wheel

REF the steering wheel- I had my 1957 wheel done by Gary Steering and recommend him highly. It was well worth the money spent!