Which Steering Wheel Appearance?

[Scooter 911]

I am in the process of putting a new (old) wheel in Millie and I am not sure of the look. The wheel currently has a nice patina, but not sure if it will look right in my interior, so I am thinking of refreshing it to look like new. I am also thinking of removing the anodizing on the spokes and giving it a brushed aluminium look. Take a look at the pics below and tell me what you think. Thanks!

Interior: Still looks pretty new



Wheel: Will be repairing the stitching problem

[bob tilton]

Scott,
Steering wheels are such a personal choice. I change mine like my underware which is once a month.
If you're looking for opinions then I would say the Racemark. It is a very cool wheel and hard to find in nice condition. Also I am a fan of the non ribbed style hubs which are also hard to find. All in all - a very cool combo wheel/hub with your existing interior.

[gulf908]

Scott,

The one in the first pic looks like a MotaLita which would also be period correct.
The Racemark looks to be a little smaller diameter so it may feel better.
It should depend on what wheel feels better to drive with.
Also,PLEASE do something with the under dash wiring - it looks as though you will trip over those wires someday !

Cheers,
Dennis.

[Chuck Miller]

Boy, Bob is right Scott...

Your steering wheel is a VERY personal deal...

My car had an old Racemark when I bought it... It was pretty fried so about a year later I put on a Personal 'Fittipaldi' semi anatomic (thumb depressions) contemporary wheel and it took me months to get used to it, always thinking the feel and look were just not right.

Then I picked up an old Nardi black on black leather 380mm finger-ribbed wheel at the first GAF swap for $15.00, it fit my non-ribbed Momo hub, tried it on.... and fell in love.

I bead blasted the black anodize off, freshened up the leather, and used the same horn button I upholstered over for the old Personal.

It's period, kind'a delicate (compared to the RaceMark), and comfortable as hell....... this one will stay for awhile.

Resently I was given a VERY good Racemark that I have tried again ... but the old Nardi still felt better...

Cheers,

[Scooter 911]

Guess I wasn't quite clear. I am definitely switching to the Racemark. What I was asking is....should I refinish the Racemark or leave it with the patina? Thanks for the replies.

[}{arlequin]

Guess I wasn't quite clear. I am definitely switching to the Racemark. What I was asking is....should I refinish the Racemark or leave it with the patina? Thanks for the replies.

i'd leave the patina. it just 'goes' w/ the car. do several applications of some leather conditioner to soften up the brittle edges. give it back some of its suppleness, and enjoy.

for this very same reason i bought a used prototipo from a guy on ebay instead of getting a brand new one. i know that many have them, and i'm sure it's just a personal thing, but to me they looked too sterile. the old ones have some personality, like the cars.

for all i know mine ('85 model year) could've come from some clapped out ferrari but at least now i have an appropriate 'home' for it.

[a911s]

Scott, I would also leave the patina, for awhile at least - then decide.

I have the same wheel as Chuck (a '69 Nardi) in my silver car - I am very happy with it - it fits the car and the houndstooth seats. For my race car I have a vintage and well worn Prototipo and for my blue '72S I have a 914-6 GT wheel. They are all appropriate and feel right, because the personality of each car is different as well.

[obrut]

i second the option of simply cleaning the racemark and seeing how it feels for a while. i think the fit between the wheel and the seat can transform driving a car.

i have a silver nardi like chuck's

http://www.typ901.org/showthread.php?t=700

and it is the most comfortable street car wheel i've ever used. i've come to ignore the wear/patina...

[kenikh]

I think this look befits Scott perfectly.

[Scooter 911]

I think this look befits Scott perfectly.

With the matching license plate frame?