Restoring Mustang wood grain steering wheel

[Chad]

Who is doing the best job at restoring the Ford Mustang wood grain steering wheels these days?
Thanks

[Brant]

Who is doing the best job at restoring the Ford Mustang wood grain steering wheels these days?
Thanks

Chad,

If you are talking about the plastic wheel on the '66, I have personally never seen a repaired original that either looked really close to the original grain/finish or held up over any length of time.

There are a few reproductions on the market today that are nice and very, very close to the original finish and grain.

The only other choice, in my opinion, is an NOS Ford one.

[Bob Gaines]

Who is doing the best job at restoring the Ford Mustang wood grain steering wheels these days?
Thanks

Chad,

If you are talking about the plastic wheel on the '66, I have personally never seen a repaired original that either looked really close to the original grain/finish or held up over any length of time.

There are a few reproductions on the market today that are nice and very, very close to the original finish and grain.

The only other choice, in my opinion, is an NOS Ford one.

+1 . The chrome on the core wheel is often compromised in some way compared to new besides the less then accurate attempt at assemblyline wood grain that can be achieved by a restorer. I personally wouldn't waste my time restoring one given the very nice original looking reproduction alternatives. In this case the repro is the next best alternative to a NOS original. Just the opinion of a sometimes considered picky enthusiast/concours judge.

[Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas]

Who is doing the best job at restoring the Ford Mustang wood grain steering wheels these days?
Thanks

Chad,

If you are talking about the plastic wheel on the '66, I have personally never seen a repaired original that either looked really close to the original grain/finish or held up over any length of time.

There are a few reproductions on the market today that are nice and very, very close to the original finish and grain.

The only other choice, in my opinion, is an NOS Ford one.

+1 . The chrome on the core wheel is often compromised in some way compared to new besides the less then accurate attempt at assemblyline wood grain that can be achieved by a restorer. I personally wouldn't waste my time restoring one given the very nice original looking reproduction alternatives. In this case the repro is the next best alternative to a NOS original. Just the opinion of a sometimes considered picky enthusiast/concours judge.

+1. Bob is correct Restoring them is not worth the effort

[EdwardGT350]

will the original horn levers mount up with the repro wheel?
and is the horn function still a problem w the repro wheel?

[Brant]

will the original horn levers mount up with the repro wheel?
and is the horn function still a problem w the repro wheel?

They work great. They have to be adjusted just like the original.

[Chad]

Who is doing the best job at restoring the Ford Mustang wood grain steering wheels these days?
Thanks

Chad,

If you are talking about the plastic wheel on the '66, I have personally never seen a repaired original that either looked really close to the original grain/finish or held up over any length of time.

There are a few reproductions on the market today that are nice and very, very close to the original finish and grain.

The only other choice, in my opinion, is an NOS Ford one.

+1 . The chrome on the core wheel is often compromised in some way compared to new besides the less then accurate attempt at assemblyline wood grain that can be achieved by a restorer. I personally wouldn't waste my time restoring one given the very nice original looking reproduction alternatives. In this case the repro is the next best alternative to a NOS original. Just the opinion of a sometimes considered picky enthusiast/concours judge.

That is why I love you Bob!!!

[CharlesTurner]

Keep in mind there were or still are a couple suppliers of these wheels.  Some of them were shiny on the face of the spokes, which on the originals was satin... I presume to minimize glare.

The repro wheels are a decent compromise.  I've restored original wheels with nice results.  But, like most anything, starting with good parts yields the best results.  Hairline or no cracks on the plastic rim would be ideal.  Big gaps larger than 1/8" will most certainly crack again later on.