wood wheel restoration

shbop · 11-01-2006, 06:30 AM

Anyone know what the finish was on the older wood wheel? Anyone have a referral for a shop that does restoration?
Thanks!

304065 · 11-01-2006, 06:59 AM

Hi Jon,

We are thinking the same way lately.

Bruce Crawford. Get the wallet ready.

http://www.hardwoodclassicsltd.com/

shbop · 11-01-2006, 08:20 AM

Oh boy... Thanks John.

304065 · 11-01-2006, 08:23 AM

randywebb · 11-01-2006, 10:59 AM

those are very pretty but aren't very safe -- unless you want a face or chest full of splinters

304065 · 11-01-2006, 11:22 AM

Randy, LOL. Freaking SEATBELTS were an option in 1966.

snowtire · 11-01-2006, 01:21 PM

I refinished one for my long lost 1966 912. I sanded the existing finish off of the wheel with sandpaper, making sure not to scratch the black paint on the metal spokes. I taped the metal to help prevent scratches. After sanding, I cleaned very thoroughly, then painted with UV resistant marine spar varnish. This stuff is made for being alternatively in the sun and underwater in salt water, so it held up to palm sweat and through-the-windshield glare perfectly. I think I did three coats, sanding between coats. Two was sufficient. I used the clear stuff--the wood color comes out right and it brings out the wood grain beautifully. It is not too "slick." Even at a high gloss, the finish feels very grippy in your hand. Total price: about $10. And you will love your wheel when you are done...

snowtire · 11-01-2006, 01:33 PM

Oh, and don't sand too hard on the dark strip in the wheel--you want to preserve it.

304065 · 11-01-2006, 01:41 PM

Thank you posting that-- I think this project lends itself nicely to DIY.

Here's my wheel in its current state-- note the dark strip.

snowtire · 11-01-2006, 02:02 PM

Your project looks like mine. You know how to get the wheel off, right?

It looks as though you could paint, too. I would use Rustoleum High Temp Black BBQ spray paint to redo the spokes and even the horn wings. Others may have suggestions regarding paint. It was a good match for mine. You should sand the metal parts to make sure they are smooth. If you are feeling particularly fancy, you can primer and sand again.

The foam inside my leather pad had collapsed, so I pulled that apart and redid it. The leather itself will be in decent shape--probably you can give it a bit of hide food if you want. The chrome ring could be rechromed, but I just used steel wool and WD-40 to rust specks off. They never came back because I kept in nicely treated with stuff.

This was the type of project that was fun because there was a definite start and finish, and the impact was big. I'll look for photos tonight when I get home.

304065 · 11-01-2006, 02:10 PM

Yes, the wheel is off (27mm socket) and the temp wheel is on.

Thanks for the tip on the Rustoleum. I have had good success with Duplicolor semi-gloss black on engine tin and other bits, I'll try that and the rustoleum on the wheel before I strip the finish off.

I have never heard that you could rechome the ring. How would you get it off? Is it glued on, or crimped on?

Somewhere I have some detailed instructions on wheel refinishing from the 912 board, I'll see if I can find them just to add to the info here.

shbop · 11-01-2006, 02:12 PM

John, That interior is beautiful! Is the wheel an example of Bruce's work? How about the dash wood. Did you refinish it as well? Boy-o-boy, the old "to-do" list just keeps on growing. I'm afraid to post a pic of my dash after seeing yours. WOW!

DarrylD · 11-01-2006, 02:22 PM

Wow John! That's sooooooo sweeeeet! Having a plain-jain '66 912 makes me really appreciate the deluxe 911 trim for that year!

The little metal ring on the horn button is held on with tabs. They look strong enough to stand being removed and reinstalled without breaking off if some care is used. I'm planning on having mine rechromed.

304065 · 11-01-2006, 02:46 PM

Gentlemen,

The bottom dash, the one that looks like it sat in the rain, is mine.

The top dash belongs to Pelican Mitch aka Mighty2.0.

The bottom photos are the personal car of none other than Herr Alois Ruf. It's the 37th car off the line and properly termed a "901" because it was produced before Porsche conceded the marketing name to Peugeot! Note the absence of 911 script, there was no reason to distinguish it from the 912, which didn't come out until 1965. How many other '64 details can you spot? (Hint: there are at least three visible)

I had the privilege of seeing both of these cars at the Parade two years ago, and they gave me inspiration to continue with my '66 project!

My dash and wheel are currently out of the car, awaiting restoration while the shell is off at "college" undergoing restoration itself. More on that later!

DarrylD · 11-01-2006, 02:50 PM

Here's one... no left hand ignition switch (key).

NY65912 · 02:59 PM

Here's one that I did for the '65 912. Stripped using progressively finer sandpaper. Many coats of clear varnish, wet sanding in between coats and polished.

The metal frame of the wheel was stripped using paint remover, primed using a self etching primer and painted using a "secret" color. I could tell you John but then you know what I would have to do afterward.

I have removed the ring around the horn button with no problems, just treat it gingerly. The leather of the button likes saddle soap.

DarrylD · 02:56 PM

Excellent results Mike! I'm looking forwrd to doing the one for my '66 912:

I've got the original window sticker and it's listed as an option.

304065 · 11-01-2006, 02:56 PM

Some more detail.

Darryl, thank you for the tip about the ring. I'll have a close look at mine and post some pictures.

RFR · 11-01-2006, 03:53 PM

Any of you guys with a little bit of patience and time can do it your self.

I build guitars for a living and 2/3ds of the time involved in labor is in the finish.

Sure there is art involved as well as the knowhow that comes from experience, but a novice can do it.

the reason the pros charge so much is simply the fact that to do it right it takes TIME.

With some stripper, various grits of sandpaper Some cans of clear, you can DIY in a weekend and have the reward of saying "I did it myself! "

Pricelesss!

If any one wants to DIY, pm me and I will turn you on to some wood finishing links.

If you doubt my expertice in wood finishing, check out my website .

www.ristguitars.com

Roman in LA
78 Targa

shbop · 11-01-2006, 05:33 PM

I don't see an emergency flasher between the fog and heater knob, so I'll vote that in as one of the three. Nice job on the wheel Mike. I'm going to give mine a shot. There are some great new products from the marine world that hold-up very well under uv. Now, to figure-out a "secret formula" for the black...