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.

 

[bradfly]

Are there other shops other than Gary’s Steering Wheel for repairs? $900 is crazy expensive.
I want to get my gtx one fixed.

 

[71RRHI]

I put a repoduction steering wheel on my 67 back in 2020, no problems with it so far. Don't rember exact cost but alot cheeper than 900.

 

[65satelliteman]

I just tried to send you a personal message concerning this, but your inbox is full and will not accept anymore messages until you go in there and delete some of your old messages. I've been professionally restoring old Mopar steering wheels for customers worldwide for over 30 years now and quite a few for members on this site. Take Care, Charlie Quarters.