Leather-Rimmed Factory Steering Wheel: Guidance Needed

[saaron]

And just to muddy the waters, the pierced Euro wheel also was available with a wood rim.  I've seen one or two over the years.  

 

A certain FAQer just bought one of those recently.  

 

Scott 

[Conserv]

 

Next time I'm going to mark my question answered after the first reply. First responder is correct; no one else needs to respond!

 

I already know much more than I likely need to know on this topic. Next some one will post that they watched the steering wheel factory burn while managers ran out with armloads of trim pieces -- and no 2 pieces were alike!

 

(I actually like the multiple suppliers explanation.)

 

Thanks and regards, All!

 

Steve

 

Edited October 31, 2018 by Conserv

[esty]

i have 3 of those wheels, 2 with the cutouts on thespokes and one without and although one is slightly pitted, all are chrome plated

[HBChris]

My bad, the CSI wheel trim pieces are definitely chrome plated, held by a screw from backside.  Just looked in the daylight.  Leather looks awesome on it, don't use fake stuff.  Mike,  I only have two large pieces for the backside of the wood wheel.  Just sold the fronts two days ago to an e9 guy, sorry.

[HBChris]

Former 02 with sport wheel no cutouts, satin trim pieces.

[Conserv]

So, in conclusion, the original trim pieces are cast or stamped, aluminum or steel, satin or shiny. As with so many of the "answers" we discover when we seek "The '02 Truth," uniformity of materials and treatment are more wishful thinking than fact.

 

It would appear, therefore, that I CANNOT GO WRONG in my approach to restoring these trim pieces! I like that. Maybe I'll do the first wheel one way, the second another way. My horizon opens up before me!

 

Thanks for all your assistance: I'm considering this consultation a huge success!

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

Edited October 31, 2018 by Conserv

[Guy Cocquyt]

Scott where did you find the cool retro steering wheel cover with the holes and the vinyl wrap. I had this on a '57 Triumph and would like to find one for my stock wheel.

[socal73]

Reviving an old thread. I am currently refinishing a wood BMW sport wheel, and while the urethane dries, thought I would look at the imitation leather version I have in my collection. It seems someone stole the springs out of my horn button, so I opened it up. Unless I'm mistaken, the date code is 75. I wasn't aware they were offered that late.

[uai]

early ones are matte chrome late ones are glossy and e3/e9 wheels are larger and genuine lather

Edited March 25, 2020 by uai

[Conserv]

1 hour ago, socal73 said:

Reviving an old thread. I am currently refinishing a wood BMW sport wheel, and while the urethane dries, thought I would look at the imitation leather version I have in my collection. It seems someone stole the springs out of my horn button, so I opened it up. Unless I'm mistaken, the date code is 75. I wasn't aware they were offered that late.

Yes, a bit surprising, but not shocking. I suppose wheels produced this late were replacement parts as opposed to dealer accessories (yours is the U.S. style). I’ve regularly seen ‘72 and ‘73 dates on these, but this is the first square taillight-era date I’ve seen.

 

Thsnks for sharing this, complete with photographs!

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

[SydneyTii]

Are these sort after and more expensive like the  Petri wheel? I think they look good with the nice leather rim.

[esty]

they are hard to find these days, you can find a petri easier and the price will vary from seller to seller...

 

to answer your question as simply as possible....one or the other will cost more or less

[Conserv]

37 minutes ago, SydneyTii said:

Are these sort after and more expensive like the  Petri wheel? I think they look good with the nice leather rim.

I still regularly see U.S. versions in the U.S. for $100-$200. Euro versions are more expensive here but are reasonably priced outside of the U.S., where, shockingly, they are much more common.

 

The eBay listing for a Euro-spec version for $1,200, shown recently in another thread, was simply ludicrous. There were lots of these wheels made. They were manufactured from 1967 until — as we found out above —at least 1975. Most, today, however, need “re-leathering” or whatever one calls the process where you remove simulated leather and replace it with real leather! ?

 

These are, in my mind, nowhere near as rare or valuable as Petri’s. For heaven’s sake, they’re faux leather! I love them because they were a factory design and, thus, permit an upgrade from the standard wheel while remaining OEM.

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

Edited March 25, 2020 by Conserv

[Conserv]

2 hours ago, uai said:

early ones are matte chrome late ones are glossy and e3/e9 wheels are larger and genuine lather

Thank you, Uli,

 

I’ve been waiting for you to weigh in for... five years! Your answer makes sense, as my “shiny-but-pitted” examples came off 1971 and 1972 wheels.

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

Edited March 25, 2020 by Conserv