73 Steering Wheel Question
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 10
From: New Jersey
73 Steering Wheel Question
Hi!
We have a ‘73 with the original steering wheel.
This weekend, the metal decorative ring on the outside of the wheel popped off.
I can pop it back in but it comes pretty easily now.
Is this common, anyone have any experience with this?
Sorry if this has already been addressed in the forum, searched and didn’t find anything.
Thank you!
We have a ‘73 with the original steering wheel.
This weekend, the metal decorative ring on the outside of the wheel popped off.
I can pop it back in but it comes pretty easily now.
Is this common, anyone have any experience with this?
Sorry if this has already been addressed in the forum, searched and didn’t find anything.
Thank you!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
That grain looks original. Not sure how they were assembled but if it's loose enough to come off there's no way I see of salvaging it unless you start cutting and glueing in which case you would have a noticeable seam.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 10
From: New Jersey
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 671
From: Northeast
Could you take a mirror or feel the back of the steering wheel 360* and see if there is a letter stamped in it. There would be a small indent.
Friend has an original 73 car and the letter K is stamped there on the back. Wondering if perhaps repo wheels were not stamped.
Thanks.
PS.
Guy at a car show told me while he was away from his car someone stole that ring so be watchful.
Friend has an original 73 car and the letter K is stamped there on the back. Wondering if perhaps repo wheels were not stamped.
Thanks.
PS.
Guy at a car show told me while he was away from his car someone stole that ring so be watchful.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
A plastic wheel that gets a lot of sun (UV rays) can deteriorate and shrink to the point that the outer ring would become loose or actually come off. You could leave it off, reassemble it with some kind of glue (clean ring and groove before using this approach), or replace the wheel with a leather-wrapped smaller diameter wheel (like in later model C3's).
Last edited by 7T1vette; Dec 16, 2019 at 04:04 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10,805
Likes: 706
From: Feverish All Over
If you cut the ring ( I know you may be reluctant) and then remove enough material - start with with 1/16 inch, try it and keep going until it fits well.
Then glue it on to the SW with the cut at the very bottom. Investigate what glue is best ( maybe GOOP?).
Delicate operation, but if you mask the wheel and ring with tape, I think you could get a nice result. I personally like doing delicate work like this, but understand it may not be for everyone...
vetfever
Then glue it on to the SW with the cut at the very bottom. Investigate what glue is best ( maybe GOOP?).
Delicate operation, but if you mask the wheel and ring with tape, I think you could get a nice result. I personally like doing delicate work like this, but understand it may not be for everyone...
vetfever
Last edited by VETFEVER; Dec 16, 2019 at 04:24 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 417
From: Central Texas
I think cutting it could open a can of worms.
I would first try gluing it using the gel type super glue. Clean the wheel, apply glue and slide the metal ring from the back side
[slide it back first] Good luck!
I would first try gluing it using the gel type super glue. Clean the wheel, apply glue and slide the metal ring from the back side
[slide it back first] Good luck!
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10,805
Likes: 706
From: Feverish All Over
I have used the glue in the picture. It's good stuff because it's a gel and stays where you put it. And the squeeze bottle applicator is very precise.
But mask the edges along side the groove as you will have squeeze out for sure...unless you have surgeon-like precision abilities...
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10,805
Likes: 706
From: Feverish All Over
I also had another idea that does not involve any glue, and might be easier.
If you were to use a drill punch (the kind of punch that one uses to start a hole in metal), it should raise a dimple in the metal around it.
Hammering a few dimples into the inner surface of the ring might give you enough "purchase" in the groove to hold the ring in place.
Things to consider:
1 - hammer the dimples on the inside surface (seem obvious, but thought I would mention it)
2 - Rest the ring on a very sturdy metal surface (like an anvil or block of metal) when doing this. If you do it on something soft like a wood surface, there will be a higher probability the punch mark will telegraph through to the visible side of the ring.
3 - Use a punch with a shallow angle vs one that is pointy
4 - experiment with one punch to see if it works and how hard you have to hit the punch
If the experiment of a single punch works, then hammer dimples in a symmetrical pattern around the inside of the ring to give you enough purchase so it stays secure...
OK - my brain hurts now, so I am going to beg off.
Let us know what you wind up doing...
vetfever
If you were to use a drill punch (the kind of punch that one uses to start a hole in metal), it should raise a dimple in the metal around it.
Hammering a few dimples into the inner surface of the ring might give you enough "purchase" in the groove to hold the ring in place.
Things to consider:
1 - hammer the dimples on the inside surface (seem obvious, but thought I would mention it)
2 - Rest the ring on a very sturdy metal surface (like an anvil or block of metal) when doing this. If you do it on something soft like a wood surface, there will be a higher probability the punch mark will telegraph through to the visible side of the ring.
3 - Use a punch with a shallow angle vs one that is pointy
4 - experiment with one punch to see if it works and how hard you have to hit the punch
If the experiment of a single punch works, then hammer dimples in a symmetrical pattern around the inside of the ring to give you enough purchase so it stays secure...
OK - my brain hurts now, so I am going to beg off.
Let us know what you wind up doing...
vetfever
Last edited by VETFEVER; Dec 17, 2019 at 04:55 PM.