Period correct way to wrap a steering wheel?

[Henry Floored]

Hey gang I am interested in wrapping the rim of the steering wheel in my `41 Coupe for a couple reasons. First to make it a bit more "grippy" and increase it's gauge diameter so it's a little more comfortable (hopefully) to my nerve damaged hands. This car goes on plenty of long drives so I'd like to improve this aspect if possible. The second reason is because the rim of the wheel is fairly worn and cracked and I'd like to preserve what I still have till I can find a better wheel or refurbish this one.

I have seen some interesting wraps on some early stock cars and moonshine vehicles. In keeping with the flavor of my coupe I'd like to use the traditional materials and old methods to accomplish this. I would like to avoid the cheesy parts store covers. So friends if you know how it was done or better yet if you have some pics I can look at I would definately appreciate it. Thanks!

 

[FL&WVMIKE]

Henry Floored ................
Back in the day, they used to make leather steering wheel covers. They are very scarce now.
I have found a couple older vinal ones that look like leather. They have been on my cars for thirty years and still look pretty good. They feel good too.
MIKE

 

[ford1]

check at truck parts stores, thats the only place i have found covers big enough for the larger steering wheels

 

[Henry Floored]

Thanks Mike!

 

[cmbrucew]

Friction tape was used. you might google steering wheel wrapping for the perfered start and stop places. I remember seeing that a few years ago. In the middle 1960's I was working in a truck shop, and cut my finger on a cracked steering wheel, so I drew a couple of rolls of scotch brand electrial tape and wrapped it up nice and neat. Then the drivers wanted all the rest wrapped as well.
They were big wheels then, before powersteering.

Bruce

Works good
Lasts long time

 

[Old Henry]

I use leather driving gloves. Does the same thing but better, other than covering an ugly steering wheel. Insulates my hands from the hot steering wheel in the summer and it looks pretty cool to drive with white leather driving gloves on - especially when giving hand signals during the daytime. Of course, you gotta have the white driving cap to go with them. Get 'em here:

Gloves: http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Unlined-Driving-Gloves-Black/dp/B000I7SW64?tag=atomicindus08-20

Cap: http://macsautoparts.com/search.asp?sb=0&ls=y&camid=F30&year=0&make=&ss=driving+cap

 

[FL&WVMIKE]

Henry Floored ..............
I decided to take a couple photos for you. The flash made them a little brighter than real-life, but they almost look like period leather ones.
I agree, I too, like the feel of a heftier steering wheel.
MIKE

 

[B-O-B]

Old Henry don't forget the spats!!!

 

[4t8v8]

Used one for a semi truck on mine. Leather and looks and works great. 17" wheel.

 

[Old Henry]

Old Henry don't forget the spats!!!

I had spats but learned they were from the 20's.

Saddle Oxfords with hand knitted Argyle socks were the 40's and 50's.
This photo is of mine with the Argyle socks mom knitted for dad in the 50's.

 

[Vic Piano]

Old Henry, One Sharp Dressed Man! I just bought new tu-tone tan/brown Saddle Shoes... Now I'm looking for some pink shoe laces and a polka dot vest. Man Oh Man. Guess I’m just lost in the '50's and havin' fun

 

[52merc]

nice leg!!

 

[Old Henry]

Old Henry, One Sharp Dressed Man! I just bought new tu-tone tan/brown Saddle Shoes... Now I'm looking for some pink shoe laces and a polka dot vest. Man Oh Man. Guess I’m just lost in the '50's and havin' fun

. . . and a big panama with a purple hat band!

Song made famous by Dodie Stevens in March 1959 (same month and year Dad bought "Old Henry" for $100). Sold over a million copies and launched her into stardom at the age of 13!.

Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gFOzaSQY6Q

 

[1949FORD]

I had spats but learned they were from the 20's.

Saddle Oxfords with hand knitted Argyle socks were the 40's and 50's.
This photo is of mine with the Argyle socks mom knitted for dad in the 50's.

Old Henry, One Sharp Dressed Man! I just bought new tu-tone tan/brown Saddle Shoes... Now I'm looking for some pink shoe laces and a polka dot vest. Man Oh Man. Guess I’m just lost in the '50's and havin' fun

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn2-b_opVTo
ZZ Top- "Sharp Dressed Man"

 

[Henry/Kokomo]

Gotta' have the saddle oxfords (or the tan bucs) with the red (as opposed to black) rubber soles. If you really get picky, the saddles need brass eyelets for the laces.
O.H. - Way Cool saddles!!

 

[grinnin]

I'm not exactly sure what you want to have as a finished product but I've covered both a Model-A and a '39 pickup steering wheel with "Wheelskins".
They offer a true leather lace on in standard and custom sizes. Their gallery shows both modern and vintage wheels with their covers. They offer both a smooth or perforated cover in various colors. I used smooth black and was pleased with the look and how they held up. You might take a look for reference.
Charlie

 

[FL&WVMIKE]

Henry Floored .................
I forgot that I had this old antique race-car steering wheel. It has a genuine leather cover, which has been hand stitched.
MIKE
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE - Twice

 

[CBoz]

Old Henry ==> Ya gotta dress from top to bottom or it doesn't count . BTW, I have saddle shoes like that I wear regularly

 

[FL&WVMIKE]

Old Henry ....................
These are not Saddle shoes, but I have this nice pair of "dirty-bucks", which were popular in the 50s. They are size 9 1/2 M. They are too small for me, so I could sell them to someone for $25.00 plus postage. They are used, but in good condition and clean. First come, first served.
MIKE
CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE - Twice

 

[paul2748]

A company named Wheelskins can make any size leather cover you want. I had one made for my 54 Ford. I am very happy with it. I laces on the inside like a factory cover. It was fairly easy to put on, but if you have issues with your hands you may need some help.

www.wheelskins.com