Wrap the steering wheel with rope?

[kenparker0703]

Saw a "rope wrapped" stering wheel on FB a few days ago.. Me thots were I like that and it would look gud on my speedster build. So after several hours of commercials between oldl western movies thsis is what ended up with. It fits the patina of what he speedster is gonna luk like - I hope.
Here is the wheel and the beginnings of the speedster - named the AOS.
.

 

[DRG-ler]

Today I finally had the time to take care of my steering wheel. And now after about an hour of work I have a Ford Model A with a sports steering wheel!

The original Bakelite steering wheel was simply wrapped with 4mm jute cord. About 30m ... The wrapping was done without any knots. The ends were just pinched under the one that was already wrapped.



In terms of feel, it is much more grippy and much thicker to grip. I think that also relaxes the hands on longer journeys.



I like it. Time will tell whether the whole thing will hold up or slip. If not, come back down. Costs around € 6



Greetings Andy

 

[Russ B]

While my cabriolet was under construction and in shakedown mode, I wrapped my wheel with chord bought at a marine supply store.

A little further along in construction, I found someone who would mold a new rim for me.

The wheel is a 1938 Studebaker banjo, reduced rim diameter, and ‘34 horn button.

The chord is easy to wrap, but harder to nicely tie the ends, but it worked good for me for a couple years of driving.

 

[McMimmcs]

Nice job, why might I ask did you not do a Model A steering wheel ?

 

[Russ B]

Nice job, why might I ask did you not do a Model A steering wheel ?

There are plenty of Model A’s in this world still, after ninety plus years. My dad bought this one new, and it was not his favorite car. He liked hydraulic brakes, temperature gauges, and oil pressure gauges on other cars of the era. The one thing he liked the best on the cabriolet was the quail cap, so I kept the quail. I like customizing, but don’t post a lot of photos showing modifications I have made here, as this forum is more focused on restorations. But I do post photos relevant to inquiries.

Some of my work is restoration quality, based on the restoration guide, but some is original design.

 

[McMimmcs]

No pun intended “ whatever turns your crank “!

 

[Ilari]

I´m planning to do the steering wheel of my roadster with tar cord. Thanks for the links.

 

[nkaminar]

As far as hiding the ends, the easiest thing to do is just cut the ends off and throw them away.

 

[BillCNC]

After reading this thread it reminds me of my custom fishing rod building days. It has me thinking about the possibility of weaving in designs like fishing rods have design wraps above the real seat's winding check. It would need to be done with smaller cord, like 3/32" or 1/8". I'm not to keen on wrapping my wheel, but that's just me, but if I did, I'd probably try to so something pretty detailed, like weaving in mini versions of my "A" onto the wheel, or the words "1931 Ford Tudor" onto the wheel.

My thinking is, you might as well go big or go home because the simple wrap doesn't cut it for me.

Regards
Bill

 

[Ilari]

Now it’s finally done. It’s been waiting for many years. I will be polishing the center later.

I´m planning to do the steering wheel of my roadster with tar cord. Thanks for the links.