Opinions please..
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Near Madison, WI
Opinions please..
My steering wheel has two cracks. And, the plastic anniversary horn button looks "used". Otherwise my truck is beautifully restored. I almost bought a new steering wheel and horn button but at the last minute decided to re-think this.
Is the original wheel even if cracked and scratched horn button more valuable, cooler, nostalgic, etc than shiney new repros on an otherwise older concourse restoration (I drive it now)?
Is the original wheel even if cracked and scratched horn button more valuable, cooler, nostalgic, etc than shiney new repros on an otherwise older concourse restoration (I drive it now)?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: Rapid City, SoDak
IMHO, I would replace it. The fact that you started to order a new one tells me that you see it doesn't fit with the quality of the rest of the truck. I'm going to replace mine but it has many more than 2 cracks in it and when my truck is "done" it won't look nearly as nice as yours. Good luck!
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,975
Likes: 9,804
From: Rio Rancho, NM
and as an added bonus you can glue a magnet to the back of the old horn button and have a great fridge magnet
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
Why not buy a new after market wheel and Anniversary Horn Button and use those for everyday, and then wrap up the originals and store them - in case you want to sell the truck and have the originals.
Horn Buttons are available at C&G Ford Parts (so are the steering wheels). Theyre expensive (@ $75) but it's the centerpiece of your cab.
https://secure435.hostgator.com/~dlv...g=45&t=330&tn=
Horn Buttons are available at C&G Ford Parts (so are the steering wheels). Theyre expensive (@ $75) but it's the centerpiece of your cab.
https://secure435.hostgator.com/~dlv...g=45&t=330&tn=
New User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis
Hmm, Can you please post an image of your steering wheel? My beastie actually came with three wheels, sans buttons sadly, but if it matches, we may be able to work something out.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 146
Likes: 1
You can fix your wheel, I did. Take a dremmel and open the cracks in the wheel, this takes any loose pieces off and gives a good 'tooth' for the next step. I use J.B. Weld and fill just below the original level, don't be conserned about not enough all at one time. I applied 3-4 coats with the dremmel in between. The last filler I used was the fibregas re-inforced bondo, using files, broken hack saw blades that I took the set off with a bench grinder and finally hardwood shaped like the 'lines' to make everything look good. Because the wheel is exposed to UV, you need to finish with 2 component urethane. Also, I bought some green liquid fine metal and plastic polish and have used this on all my original plastic parts, shift ****, switch *****, parking light lenses, this will work out scratches and cloudyness on your horn and all the rest of your plastics. I just use rags and rub by hand. You should see the front parking lights I did, beautiful. Hope this helps.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Near Madison, WI
You guys are great!
I want to keep the original wheel and horn button as long as I have the truck. Couldn't ever part with it...
The JB Weld trick does work. I did it on my 66 GTO sport wheel.
I kind of like the vintage charm of the original but it does stand out to me as "unfinished". Then again, it works and makes the truck look more like a nicely shined up survivor...it isn't a money issue. Probably oughtta pull the trigger and get new.
I want to keep the original wheel and horn button as long as I have the truck. Couldn't ever part with it...
The JB Weld trick does work. I did it on my 66 GTO sport wheel.
I kind of like the vintage charm of the original but it does stand out to me as "unfinished". Then again, it works and makes the truck look more like a nicely shined up survivor...it isn't a money issue. Probably oughtta pull the trigger and get new.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,962
Likes: 261
From: East KY
My dad has a near mint 1950 ford coupe. It is very nice. The orginal steering wheel is still there. It has 2 cracks/separations where you can see all the way down to the steel ring. I offered to replace it. He flatly refused. Now that I've thought about it, I think that adds originality to a restored car or truck. But that's my opinion. A picture of this steering wheel would probably help us give you a better opinion.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Near Madison, WI
Mountaindoc. You're pulling on my heart strings. The cracks are small and the horn button is scratched. There are some chips on the wheel where someone has pry'd off the horn button. Not horrible but ...
Last edited by 53 Meadow Green; Sep 23, 2010 at 09:13 AM. Reason: better answer
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
I think ya need 25 posts or more before ya can put up pic's and a few other things.