Hi,

I am looking for an original wood steering wheel for my husband’s 1968 442. Does anyone happen to have one or know where I could get one? Any condition will do...

 

Meredith, I don't have one for you, but they are reproduced now for about $300.00 for just the wheel. There are a lot of parts you need to put the wheel on a car that never had a wheel like that. Those parts are about $150.00 - $200.00 more (new). Many (most) used wheels are cracked, some worse than others. I'm just telling you this so you can put things in perspective. Here's a good deal on a repro wheel that looks complete. I know you said you want an original. The grain on the repro is funky. I know this seller, he's reliable and it's a pretty good price.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-68-69-7...gAAOSwFh5gP~mZ

 

hi,

thanks for your response. We have looked at reproduction wheels, but he really wants an original. I’ll show him the link you sent to see if I can talk him into it 😁

thanks!
meredith

 

Jeez, that looks pretty good. I could certainly live with the faux tiger-stripe on the grip because everything else is so nice.

 

The reproductions look so different, they jump out at you as you walk up to a car, imho.

 

I agree Stephano, the wood is weird. I've actually never seen one. But I thought if it was a budget thing, for the whole deal it was cheap. I saw an ad for one recently (cracked) for sale, but I can't find it now.

 

Several years ago someone on ebay was selling a bunch of these wheels. I purchased one and compared it to a factory original. Here's the thread with photos.

3 spoke sport wheels on ebay, faux wood - ClassicOldsmobile.com

 

I've got one that was cracked in three places and repaired. I have a repro hub as well but the radius of the hub does not appear to match my 68 hub. I was going to sell the wheel and hub for $250. If you're interested I can get you pics. It's definitely not for a high end restoration.

The color is starting to wear off but I have the testors paint i used to match it. The formula for the color can be found here:

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/475.cfm

There's a good thread on repairing them here:

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/475.cfm

 

I have a OEM wood wheel, just send me your phone number and I can text pictures. Ken 805 886-7634