FS: Freshly Restored Wood Wheel

[jaudette3]

** WHEEL IS SOLD **

I will have another one in 2-3 weeks.

This is an original VDM steel frame 420mm wood wheel that has been freshly restored by the person who has restored my steering wheels for over 10 years. It's done to his (and mine) usual high standard. The numbers stamped on the hub are 3045.

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The pictures don't show a cancel ring or horn button installed, but I will include the cancel ring at no additional cost. Also, I'm at the tail end of restoring a number of hockey pucks and butterflys. The rings have been rechromed and the butterflys have been powder coated. No pictures of the completed items yet because the platers just finished the chroming today. Here's a picture of a powder coated butterfly with original leather:

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Everything here is #1 level.

Wheel Alone: $1,175
Wheel with Restored Hockey Puck: $1,550
Wheel with Restored Butterfly: $1,650

Buyer pays shipping at actual cost. I usually use UPS Ground for items like this. I'll pick up Paypal fees.

Thanks for looking.

JohnA

[jaudette3]

Early Alloy Frame Wood Wheel (901 wood wheel)
The wood wheels used by Porsche were originally built on an alloy frame. They were manufacturer by VDM and were 420mm in diameter. They were very light and weighed 920 grams compared to a normal wheel that weighs 2500 grams. These were fitted on race cars and were available as a rally accessory. They can be identified by the black frame ring on the inside radius of the wood. As they were easily bent or broken, they were replaced by steel very early on.

Not many of these wheels survive in good condition as they were so fragile. Wheels in #1 condition have sold for $15,000+ (which may have been an auction anomaly). So when you come across a wood wheel for sale be sure to pick it up and weigh it!

Steel Frame Wood Wheel
This steel wood wheel was listed in the Zubehor (Accessories Booklet). Here is the listing in the Zubehor printed October, 1965 for model year 1966:

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Part Number 901.347.082.01 - Accessory Number 9265
Described as a "Wooden steering wheel" and was an extra cost option

Here's the listing in the Zubehor printed July of 1966 for model year 1967:

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Part number and accessories numbers the same.
Described as a "Wooden steering wheel (for 911 S optional at no extra cost)

I think it was also in the Zubehor for the 1968 model year but I don't have that booklet (looking for one).

I try to refrain from using sales hype in my listings and just present the facts. It's consistent with that policy to say that this is a great price. I'm able to sell it for this because I've been working with my restorer for a long time and he gives me a reduced rate. These were selling for $1,500 at the Lit Meet in LA.

I received an email from one of our highly regarded members with the message, "Good piece and good price… hold firm, or put it on ebay."

JohnA

[Irish911]

John, can you fit a SWB wheel, as you show, onto a LWB car? I don't know if they are compatible.

[jaudette3]

Yes, same spline.

JohnA

[Frank Barrett]

John:

I have an original wood wheel that needs restoration (wood, spokes, butterfly, etc.). Who do you recommend, and why?

Thanks,

[jaudette3]

John:

I have an original wood wheel that needs restoration (wood, spokes, butterfly, etc.). Who do you recommend, and why?

Thanks,

Me. Restoring vintage parts is my specialty. Send me a couple of pictures and I will give you a quote. My email is john at audettecollection dot com.

JohnA

[jaudette3]

I have received some inquiries about who does the refinishing of wood wheels for me. He only does a limited number a year for longtime customers and, fortunately, I'm one of them. I might be able to coordinate having your wheel refinished by him but his production is very limited. I have another wheel with him at the moment.

JohnA

[jaudette3]

I have another one out for restoration that should be ready in 2-3 weeks.

Thanks,
JohnA

[Merv]

I have the same wheel in very good condition. Seems I should keep it. I do find it a little large in diameter and was looking at some Nardis.

[jaudette3]

Here's a challenge to those of you who are fascinatined with which craftsman I work with : Who does my plating?

JohnA