Recasting steering wheel options

[Gregg Benedict]

I've been looking at getting my tilt/tele steering wheel repaired/recast on my '68 Imperial for some time now. I do understand that Dennis Crooks at Quality Restorations is probably the best out there. However, he is also likely the most expensive. I was quoted $2300. This, I cannot totally justify given its about 10% the value of the entire vehicle! So, I was looking to see if there are some other options out there that are still good, but not nearly as pricey. Anyone have any sources?

-Gregg B.

 

[twostick]

The Steering Wheel Guy in Edmonton Alberta. Won't be cheap I'm sure but you might make out better with the exchange rate. If he charges $2300 Canadian you will see a good discount for your US$.

https://m.facebook.com/TheSteeringWheelGuy/

Kevin

 

[MrMoparCHP]

Check with Dave at D & D Automobilia, they are doing mine.

Your Source for Recast Steering Wheels and Impossible-to-Find Plastic Parts for your Classic Automobile Restoration

Alan

 

[vdk2010]

I have mine send to D & D Automobilia to be recast. It is the only option when you want to keep the translucency. I'm paying $2200 there.
One thing to also consider is, that he has a VERY long waiting list. I've send my steering wheel to D&D 18 month ago and still don't have it back..!

I also talked to The Steering Wheel Guy in Edmonton Alberta back then. He does fantastic work, but does not recast. He repairs and wraps the original wheel with carbon fiber and then paints it.
His work looks amazing, but the downside for me was, that it's not translucent anymore afterwards. He asked $1500 to do mine.

 

[Gregg Benedict]

Thanks for the information. The quoted price I got from Dave at D&D was between $2000-$2500, so basically the same.

 

[vdk2010]

It's a big expense, yes. Especially when your steering wheel is in perfect shape.
The only reason I did it, is the horrible smell of vomit, the degrading plastic produces. It was worth it to me.

 

[Gregg Benedict]

Is THAT what the off smell is in the car? I thought it was just old car smell...

 

[Welder guy]

The Steering Wheel Guy in Edmonton did mine . He does amazing work.

 

[Mudeblue]

Before and after, $300! What can I say!

 

[vdk2010]

Is THAT what the off smell is in the car? I thought it was just old car smell...

Jep, stick your nose to the wheel, horrible smell!

 

[Welder guy]

Just an idea-If your steering wheels in perfect shape, you could clean it very good and then have a body shop give it a clear coat and polish.

 

[Gregg Benedict]

Yeah...it's not in that great of shape, as it has a couple prominent cracks. No pieces are missing though. It is one of those clear/translucent wheels in a gold/amber color, so I have the feeling I'm relegated to the most expensive options to restore it.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

This is the tilt wheel.

Alan

 

[sprice]

Before and after, $300! What can I say!

View attachment 583244

View attachment 583245

View attachment 583246

What materials did you use to patch? Looks good.

 

[Mudeblue]

What materials did you use to patch? Looks good.

Material? I have discovered that the best material is to let the person you hire choose the material. The steering was done by the same person who painted the car. When he saw the wheel he said “ I can fix that for you” and what you see is what he did. This was after I bought a wooden walnut wheel, took off the cheap finish, stained it and put on nine coats of hand rubbed tung oil only to have it now stand on a shelf in my study.

 

[jmustian]

I've been looking at getting my tilt/tele steering wheel repaired/recast on my '68 Imperial for some time now. I do understand that Dennis Crooks at Quality Restorations is probably the best out there. However, he is also likely the most expensive. I was quoted $2300. This, I cannot totally justify given its about 10% the value of the entire vehicle! So, I was looking to see if there are some other options out there that are still good, but not nearly as pricey. Anyone have any sources?

-Gregg B.

I repaired mine with JB weld and body filler. I think it came out good so far. Only primer at this point. Hope to paint it body color thurs.

 

[Gregg Benedict]

I repaired mine with JB weld and body filler. I think it came out good so far. Only primer at this point. Hope to paint it body color thurs.

Mine is a gold translucent material...kind of looks like amber. So, filling with JB Weld and painting is not an option.

 

[Gregg Benedict]

Here is what my steering wheel looks like now.

 

[MrMoparCHP]

The tilt wheel is translucent, recast is the only option.

69 Polara

Alan

 

[jmustian]

Mine is a gold translucent material...kind of looks like amber. So, filling with JB Weld and painting is not an option.

Mine was amber plastic with black plastic at each spoke like a handle. Im repainting all gold like the body using the same paint