1981 Steering Wheel Restoration

[91-Vetteman]

I sent my steering wheel off of my 81 Vette out to Zip to restore. One of my winter projects !! I got a call yesterday from Zip saying they are no longer restoring old steering wheels, their vendor is selling reproductions which are exacty the same (actually slightly better - slightly thicker leather wrap) for the same price of $199. My car is a sunny day weekend driver, not a show car, although it is in very nice shape. It is for long term enjoyment for me !! My question is replacing OEM items with reproductions, does it hurt the future value ?? Should I get my orginal steering wheel back from Zip and find someone else to restore it ? I will appreciate your opinions !! Thanx !! John

 

[Yoda]

John,

Boy that's a tough call. It really boils down to what you want to do Me personally I would find a steering wheel off Ebay and use it for the exchange and keep the original, but that's me...

I did this with the speedometer, I purchased one Cheap, and used it as exchange for the 140 mph speedo. I kept the original one.

It's a real pita to keep our old steeds in pristine Original Condition. I admire those that do, but I also want to drive mine and enjoy it. I've taken it from California to Bowling Green Ky twice and once back to Auburn Indiana, I would rather drive and enjoy it personally than to put lots of $$$ in it for someone else to enjoy

Bud

 

[JonM]

Drop Chuck Pelton a note chuckpelton@comcast.net he is the person who Zip and other vendors send the wheels to be restored. You can also phone him...Phone Number Link

 

[91-Vetteman]

81 Steering Wheel Restoration

Thanx JohnM !! I emailed Chuck and he will restore for $160 & $10 shipping. It will be off in the mail to him this weekend. I feel better having original restored than replacing with a repo !! John

 

[Yoda]

Jon,

I think I need to contact Chuck and see if he would allow the L81VetteRegistry to post a link to our site

Thanks for the INFORMATION

Bud

 

[JonM]

Just doing my part Bud... FYI...he also restores other years...he did my 84 wheel and it came out beautiful. It was also returned in a couple days.

Jon,

I think I need to contact Chuck and see if he would allow the L81VetteRegistry to post a link to our site

Thanks for the INFORMATION

Bud