Question Re: 3-spoke "Sport" Steering Wheels

[CaliWagon83]

So I've started going through the hoard of parts I've gotten off eBay (and GBF) for the wagon restomod, and I was taking a closer look at the 3-spoke wheel I got. The spokes were a little rusty, but I went at them with some WD-40 and some 3M green pads, and they shined up pretty good. I took a closer look at the rim, and it seems like it was painted at some point. But the texture didn't feel like leather at all. There was "stitching" along the inside rim, but it looked like it might have just been a molded-in pattern. Were all of these actually leather-wrapped, or did some of them have just a textured foam rim? Will try to post a photo tomorrow. It's late, and I've had a long day.

 

[fleming442]

I believe they were mostly molded with an actual leather wrap option. I used one of these flipped inside out: https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/...rands_browse-bin=AULLY PARK&ref_=fsclp_pl_s_3

 

[CaliWagon83]

OK. If it's just a foam rim, I'm probably going to have it overlaid with an actual leather wrap.

 

[CaliWagon83]

Here are the pics of the wheel core I got. I’m not sure if it’s original leather or foam. It seems the rim was painted at some point. Regardless, I want a thicker grip, so I think I’m just going to do a color-matched leather wrap overlay.

These pictures are after I cleaned it up with WD-40 and Scotchbrite. One spot had some oxidation even after I cleaned it, and one of the spokes has some pitting. Overall though, I thought it was decent shape for what I paid for it. Pristine wheels are a fortune.

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Spoke Pitting

• CaliWagon83
• Feb 5, 2019
• buick regal steering wheel

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Spoke Pitting

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Spoke Rust Spot

• CaliWagon83
• Feb 5, 2019
• buick regal steering wheel

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Spoke Rust Spot

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Core

• CaliWagon83
• Feb 5, 2019
• buick regal steering wheel

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Core

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Inside Rim

• CaliWagon83
• Feb 5, 2019
• buick regal steering wheel

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Inside Rim

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Rim

• CaliWagon83
• Feb 5, 2019
• buick regal steering wheel

CaliWagon83’s Sport Steering Wheel Rim

 

[fleming442]

I bet if you got crafty with a brush and silver paint, it would look better.
I'm still amazed that they tried to make steel look like aluminum. The 79 T/A wheel I used is actual aluminummy.

 

[CaliWagon83]

I can tell you with certainty that as rusty as this thing was when I got it, it most certainly isn’t aluminum.

 

[ItsnotaGN]

There's several places online that will make a leather wrap for your wheel, the names of which escape me right now. Researched them trying to find a new leather wrap for the wife's Grand Cherokee. You gonna spray some clearcoat on the brushed section?

 

[350-G]

Maybe try wheelskins.com

 

[CaliWagon83]

I have an auto upholstery shop I’ve found that does a good work. Are these pretty rust-prone? I’ve thought about clearcoating the spokes.

 

[tkruger]

I have that wheel on my Monte Carlo LS. Added it later but it does have leather on it. What is it off of? Also the horn button is not long enough in it. Anyone know what part number would make that work?