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Wood Steering Wheel Restoration


Peter K
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When I bought my Jarama in 2010 it came with an aftermarket thick leather steering wheel. I kept putting off buying an original one from Olivier/Emilio. When I was ready, it was recently sold. Then I was lucky enough to find one on ebay. Though cracked and priced on the high side at around $800, I bought and sat on it.

 

What I concluded is that it may have from an Islero that was in a front accident. The wood was repaired but not well, with the usual glue. Either both hands or a face hit the wheel in the accident. The spoke were slightly bent.

 

I searched on net and there was not much for restorers. I did see a guy name Bruce Crawford who has Hardwood Classics. I hesitated because I saw loads of Porsche and Ferrari wheels but no Lamborghini. I search the VLG and did see Jack R responded to someone asking that he know of someone who had a wheel restored with good results.

 

I sent the wheel to Bruce. The response was quick and to the point; the wood shouldn't be repair but replaced AND the spokes were bent. I told him to go ahead. I immediately accepted the fact that this artist works on one wheel at a time and it would take 3-4 months.

Well, I got the wheel back yesterday. It did not take as long.

 

It did, however, come out incredibly beautiful. The spokes straight and looks as new. The wood surround and shift knob all look very nice.

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Here are some of the new wheel....and a photo of the impact socket had my 80yr old stepfather make in his tiny machine shop in his basement..

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That man has some skills. Turned out absolutely gorgeous!

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Yeah, everything was about $700. A very small price to pay for something that stands out very much.

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There's a guy that lives by me that does these types of old steering wheels but for Porsche cars. Watching his process and how he does it is incredible. It's a seriously oldschool art and fun to see the finished product when you see what it starts with, which is basically just wet strips of wood.

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Yes! The old school process is still very cool to watch. most of the the wood pieces are a straight stick. Then lots of steam and water.........

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