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Is there any way to decern between an original and a very nice reproduction Teak wheel? Thanks, g.
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Re: Identifying an original Teak wheel '65/'66
George,
--------There are many guys out there now doing repro teak wheels. Some are way better than others. I have had many, many real teaks over the years and always find it hard to explain what I look for without having an original side by side. For one, there are very thin slivers of wood put inbetween the larger pieces. Most of the repops slivers are much to wide. Generally, twice as wide as they should be. I have no idea why these guys dont do better on this part. The finger notchs on the backside are also a dead giveaway on several of the repops. The edges of the notchs on the repops seem to be too sharp, as if they didnt want to spend the extra time to round them off a bit. All bets are off (unless you really know what you are doing) if you are buying from Eric Freeman or the fellow from Ontario. Both make very nice reproductions and if they are on thier game plan their wheels are pretty hard too spot (but not impossible)!!!!!.....Hope this helps........Bill S -
Re: Identifying an original Teak wheel '65/'66
Other than knowing you're looking at an original teak wheel because you know it's history OR the owner didn't strip and re-finish the wheel in order to preserve its history, the answer is pretty much no. Those who are reproducing (there's more than one source), are hitting the target pretty square on when it comes to originality.Comment
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Re: Identifying an original Teak wheel '65/'66
Bill and Jack, thank you, G.Comment
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Re: Identifying an original Teak wheel '65/'66
George,
I bought a wheel from Eric Freeman this winter, and he really does do a great job as was mentioned by Bill. Eric also has an original 65 - 66 wheel that he displays at shows, maybe you can get him to send you a picture. Or you may want to give him a call, he is great to talk with and very knowledgeable. He also has an original Grand Sport wheel that is a real piece of art.
GeorgeComment
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Re: Identifying an original Teak wheel '65/'66
I have 5 GM wood wheels which came from the estate of a engineer from Inland Manufacturing Div of GM. They are believed to be preproduction samples. 2 are teak and the other three are made of other hardwoods (possibly walnut, poplar and maple). The inlays between the segments are very thin. If you would like to examine them contact me through email.Comment
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Close-ups of edge and backside -- Original
The auto-load pic shows the joint with thin sliver of wood between sections; difficult to see the outer circumferential strip of laminate wood. My (then) girlfiriend bought it for me about 1975. The finish on the wear surfaces was gone and it was quite dirty; I used medicinal bleach to remove the dirt and lighten the wood; then applied urethane paint. Don't know how it would judge but it satisfies me.
The second shot (click on link below) is of the untouched backside.Comment
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