C2 Steering Wheel Resto

[Sydney G.]

The plastic steering wheel in my '63 has a few cracks at the 3 and 9 O'clock positions and the grain while worn a bit, is still ok but not show worthy.
I have been considering sending it out for restoration and was wondering what the best course of action might be.
I was quoted about $500.00 from Gary's to restore and I find this a bit high to say the least. I was also quoted about $700.00 for a restored ready to install wheel.
As usual, I would prefer to stick with the original and restore it to it's former glory. An extra few bucks to stay with the part that came with the car back in '63 is worth it to me.
Where do I go for the best result? I'm looking for the closest to original.
Who has had great results on a sensible budget?
Syd

[John R.]

Re: C2 Steering Wheel Resto

Gary's was highly recommended when it came time to restore the simulated wood wheel for my 67 coupe. I was not happy with the results as the finish came back rough with orange peel and did not match the original factory grain. I was reluctant to return it for further work after being told "that's the way they came from the factory." I subsequently acquired another wheel that was in good condition which I have substituted for the "restored" one.

[Jack H.]

The current issue of Restorer Magazine...

(Vol 30, Number 3, Winter 2004) has a nice step-by-step article from NCRS member Michael Haluska, on home restoration of his '63 steering wheel. Have you considered doing the job yourself?

[Sydney G.]

Re: The current issue of Restorer Magazine...

I have studied the article and found it fascinating. I am a real novice though and simply don't trust that I will be up to the task. (I have been trying to build up the courage to follow the cluster removal instructions from the Adirondack Chapter as my first real doit yourself job). I would hate to ruin the wheel that has been sitting in my car for all these years and feel more comfortable sending it out to the pros.
I had heard that Gary's does a good job but I'm sure there must be several other options where I can compare prices.
It seems to be pretty common that these wheels crack over time usually in the same places as I've seen many pictures of '63 interiors with noticable damage to the wheel.
Perhaps Teak Freaks? Anyone had success there?
Thanks!
Syd

[Tom D.]

Color of Wheels? C2 - 1963

Do all 63 steering wheels look similar? How many colors were there?

Thanks
Tom D.

[Sydney G.]

Re: Color of Wheels? C2 - 1963

Black, red, blue, saddle tan and also option N34 woodgrain plastic which is rare.

[Loren L.]

As a rule, I think that I would say the '63

wheel tends to last much longer/better than the 64-7 imitation wood wheel, but the problem is the duplication of the grain when it has to be redone.

[Sydney G.]

Re: As a rule, I think that I would say the '63

Interesting!
I think the main culprit of the wheels cracking, especially at the 3 and 9 position like mine, is that people tend to use them as an assist bar when exiting the vehicle.
Did not know that about the 64-7 wheels. I don't know if the 64-7 simulated wood wheels are the same as the rare N34 woodgrain plastic option for '63 but if they are, it would explain why there seems to be many '63 cars with this said option today.
Has anyone had success with Teak Freaks or another outfit for this repair and re-graining?
Is there a greater point deduct in judging for having a wheel that is cracked and fading in original grain or one that has been restored but with not quite the original grain?
Syd

[mike yager]

Teak Freaks

Syd:

Teak Freaks restored the plastic wood grain wheel on my '64 about a year and a half ago. They did a great job. They actually use donor pieces from other wheels to make the repair. I remember speaking to them at the time. They said much of the cracking is seen on cars in cold climates. The repeated tempature changes over the years causes the cracks. It made semse to me as my car was originally from Michigan.

As I recall, the cost was approximately $250 for the restoration. I would think the wood grain would be more expensive to restore than the solid wheel but perhaps not. It would seem to me that it would be more difficult to match the grain.

[Tracy C.]

Ha heck Syd...come on a give it a try! It will

mean more to you when all is said and done. Mike's article is great with lots of pointers.

Go to a wrecking yard and find an old plastic wheel off something generic and practice first. Bettcha get the hang of it in no time.

tc

[Sydney G.]

Re: Ha heck Syd...come on a give it a try! It will

Mike's article is great and it does look tempting! Still, it's taken me all winter just to loosen that first bolt on my cluster job! You're talking to a guy who until very recently owned just a hammer and a couple of screwdrivers and they were all in different drawers!
I have gotten alot better though. After purchasing so many correct parts over the years for my '63 I got tired of just stacking them in the corner and have accomplished many tasks on my own. I am dying to do a resto on my car and believe that one day I will!
Not experienced or brave enough at this point to ruin my original wheel.

Thanks to all for the great input!
By the way, is the N34 option woodgrain plastic wheel for 1963 the same as a standard issue from 1964?
Syd

Mike Yager, your Red 64 pics are fantastic!

[Tracy C.]

Re: Ha heck Syd...come on a give it a try! It will

Syd,

I know squat about the 63 plastic wood grain wheel option. I would suspect however that only very late 63's qualify for any type of "qualifiable well maybe sort of possible" factory installation.

Maybe if you just email Michael Haluska, he would restore yours for an extra buck or two.

tc

[Tom D.]

MMMmmm... Wood Plastic Wheel

I have a late (June build) 1963 with a brown wood/plastic steering wheel. I just figured someone switched the steering wheel - Looking at the screw heads, I still think it's a strong probability.

It does not look exactly like the 66 wheel however...

Tom D.

[Bob R.]

Re: MMMmmm... Wood Plastic Wheel

The stainless steel part of the 63 steeringwheel (even the wood grain option) has a grain indicating the way the stainless was machined. It is in a circle around the wheel. The 64 - 67 wheel was machined with a grain from the outside of the wheel to the center. The apearance will be obvious.

[Tom D.]

Thanks Bob! *NM*