E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

any tips/tricks/guides? outer 'woodgrain' (plastic) and the inner rubber would be nice to know how to do right and not screw it up

You and me both my brother!  I've had very little success when I've tried to restore them.  So here's what I think it takes.  Sand, clean, epoxy repair, use a mechanical pencil (without led) to carve out each detailed wood grain (very time consuming), two step paint to get the right look and then lacquer.  I've tried a few different quick things like the hack saw or wire wheel, but doesn't look right.

I always end up turning it over to an expert.   There's 3 or 4 of them out there that do good work.  The prices range from the low $300's to the over $600 for a standard wood grain wheel to over $1,200 for a Rimblow. 

If anyone has a technique that works I would be happy to test it out on some ruined wheels I have.  If we can (as a group) get this figured out I'll make a video so we all can see how it's done and maybe do it yourself.  But here's a list of people that I've seen or heard that do good work:

Doug Lepak
stwheels@shaw.ca
https://www.facebook.com/TheSteeringWheelGuy/ (https://www.facebook.com/TheSteeringWheelGuy/)
Doug has a good reputation of doing top quality work.  Also on the higher side of the price range and often booked up for months.  But that's true with most of the best in any industry.


David Tays
http://www.rimblowsteeringwheels.com/ (http://www.rimblowsteeringwheels.com/)
I've not had him do any work for me, but what I've seen looks good.  Anyone have any idea of his prices and turn around times?


Brice and his Dad Jerome
jetsports36@hotmail.com
Sell on ebay with the user name "jetsports".  Probably one of the better valve restorers as most his wheel looks really nice and he does not charge very much.  Not sure they do restorations for people or just restore them and put them on ebay.  But his wood grain wheels run in the mid $300 (no core needed) and Rimblows often sell in the $650 range (again, not core).  [ebay]351901464430[/ebay]  &   [ebay]351901468690[/ebay]


Gary's Steering Wheel Restoration
http://www.garyssteeringwheel.com/
I have not seen any of his work in person nor do I know much about him.  Maybe someone else can chime in on his work.



I've attached a photo of a SUPER low mile original wood grain wheel.  If anyone has any suggestion on how to duplicate it, I'm wanting to learn too!

Quote from: 750-h2 on February 02, 2017, 05:04:26 PM
Sergio Palumbo owner of "Old School Auto" in Ottawa Ontario also restores our wooden wheels. Has anyone here Seen his work?

I haven't looked close at his wheels, but I can say that he's a great guy ! Helped me out more then once with parts :cheers:

Good to know. I will see if he has pics of his work. 

@realn96 (http://forum.e-bodies.org/index.php?action=profile;u=167)  was that price just for the outer + the metal spokes, or also the rubber spoke overlay and cap?

That is impressive!   :bravo:

Quote from: soundcontrol on March 06, 2017, 03:42:59 AM
Check out Pat's steering wheel resto on his Charger here, this guy is the master fabricator.
http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/threads/modern-bullitt-build.80384/page-22

Any recent updates to this topic? I'm getting ready to have a rim blow done. It's in pretty fair shape. No cracks, just wear and fade. Rim switch is shot.

Gary's did my friends rim blow years ago. Very nice and very expensive

Gary's did mine too. I came out great. It's all aboutthe condition of the metal plating though..if that is good, then it is worth restoring. If there is pitting, find another core.

Through a series of email exchanges, I've felt good about David Tays. His pricing and quick responses have gained him some points as well. My rim blow is actually in very nice condition with great spokes. It's just faded with mild wear, no cracks. Rim blow element needs dug out and replaced, but he knows I already have one to ship with the wheel. If ANYONE thinks I'm making a mistake and just doesn't want to say so here, I respect that. My iphone number is on my profile. Stop me if I'm making a mistake.

Jerome Verbit passed away a year or so ago.  His son was at Carlisle and still does them.  I had a wheel done and was happy with it.  Not technically perfect (not as much graining), but a very nice job at a good price.
There are others...I am just commenting on their work.