Rebuilding Steering Wheel

[Ashley James]

Hugh
Have you spoken to Brian May to see if he can help. No one can own
more Bristols or bits of Bristol than him. Have a look at the piece I
did on him on www.jel450.com

Myrtle Productions did my 400 wheel and it hasn't been 100%
successful. The problem is that it's very bendy as are the spokes and
it cracks the Polyester Lacquer. It looks much better than before
restoration but there are cracks all round where the spokes meet the
rim, which may eventually result in chunks of lacquer falling off.

Ashley

[Hydroglen]

Well Ash, that is interesting as I was thinking about getting my 400 wheel
redone. Myrtle offer new ones for around 350. Do you think that may be
better than restoring an old one? Much difference in price between new and
restored?
Dorien

[Ashley James]

Dorien
I'd have a word with them about it. He's a very nice, helpful chap and
I'm sure will give an honest opinion.
Ash

[Kevin H]

Welcome Hugh,

There's a mob out here in Australia called Pearlcraft, whom I understand are very good - perhaps others with direct experience can verify?

Their web site is here www.pearlcraft.com.au/welcome.htm

They used to have pictures of a Bristol steering wheel on their site but they were poor quality photos which is probably why they have taken them down. However they have many other "before and after" pics at www.pearlcraft.com.au/before_and_after.htm

Kevin

PS. It looks like they should stick to restoring steering wheels and leave the web site development to someone else

[Hydroglen]

Interesting options on Bristol 400 wheels costs and restoration. I
dropped the hint to my wife, that a restored wheel would be a suitable
birthday present. Still dropping and no takers! It was suggested that
other presents might be more suitable, and of course fast driving will
put more attention on the road ahead and less on the wheel with some
broken plastic bits and dull brightwork!
Dorien

[Hugh]

Yes I used Pearlcraft to restore a 404 wheel the first effort not perfect
but they immediately took the wheel and refinished it to a perfect job in
black they also removed and replaced the leather grips as well
So worth a try I don't remember the cost but it seemed reasonable at the
time
Hugh

[412usa]

Dorien,

When you find a suitable restorer for the 400 steering wheel please let me
know. I need the Arnolt wheel restored and it is the same as the 400. I have
a later (401 etc) Blumels wheel that I can leverage the restoration with, if
this helps.

Peter