Steering Wheel - Restore or Replace?

[rklewis1005]

My steering wheel needs to be restored or replaced. I contacted Gary's and with shipping, etc it will be a tad over $900 (wheel, spokes, and shipping). Are the $550-$750 reproductions so bad that I should spend a couple hundred more to use the original steering wheel? Are there stamps or something that would make it obvious that it's a repro? Reproductions are Chrome where the restore would be more of a Chrome paint. I don't mind spending money where it makes sense, just want to be sure I'm not throwing it away.

Thanks
Ross

 

[rklewis1005]

Pictures as everyone loves pictures

 

[71RRHI]

What type of steering wheel. I have repo standard wheel on both my 67 Coronet, and 71 RR.

 

[rklewis1005]

What type of steering wheel. I have repo standard wheel on both my 67 Coronet, and 71 RR. View attachment 1706626

It's for my 1970 Charger SE - I believe it's the Rallye Wheel with woodgrain (pic in the 2nd post).

 

[R413]

The reproduction wood wheels have spokes that are way to much like chrome. I could stand to have that in my car.

Restore an original.

 

[rklewis1005]

The reproduction wood wheels have spokes that are way to much like chrome. I could stand to have that in my car.

Restore an original.

Good point - I appreciate the input.

 

[#41]

Spray it with silver paint, DIY an eBay brown leather wrap, and throw a $870 keg party to show it off to all your pals and people who give you good ideas.

 

[71RRHI]

Repro wood wheels are about $800. Since its the same price as having your original redone. I would redo the original.

 

[rklewis1005]

Spray it with silver paint, DIY an eBay brown leather wrap, and throw a $870 keg party to show it off to all your pals and people who give you good ideas.

Worth considering

 

[493 Mike]

I repaired the big craters on my 65 Coronet wheel with JB Weld, primed, and sprayed the spokes. Spent $95.00 for a leather wrap and I'm quite pleased with the results. Maybe $135.00 invested.
Mike

 

[davek]

The wood wheels are big dollars,I would have my american wheel redone. Chinas stuff is CRAP. JMO

 

[MarPar]

My question is, what state is your Charger in? Interior complete and looks good etc etc? Is the car overall in good shape?

If it's a driver that's a little rough, try a DIY restoration. If she's in good shape and presentable, I would restore the original all the way. The repros are pretty obvious from what I have seen.

 

[68BabyBlue]

Restored original in my current GTX, reproduction in my former A33 car (black dash). Your call.

 

[rklewis1005]

Restored original in my current GTX, reproduction in my former A33 car (black dash). Your call.

View attachment 1706796

View attachment 1706797

They both look great.

 

[hunt2elk]

I had 1970 Roadrunner on this site restore one for me several years ago. He was cheaper than Gary's and did a nice job.

 

[65satelliteman]

I just sent you a private message concerning this.

 

[vsj100]

I restored mine by removing the plastic surface. It had been ruined by years of baking in the Nevada sun. Then I found some heater hose that I split so it could wrap around the metal wheel. I then stitched a gray leather kit around it. The other parts were just painted.