Re: Steering wheel coverings

[CFritz7001@aol.com]

Walter, A couple of thoughts regarding wrapping your wheel with "rope", or leather: 1) I wrapped my TC's wheel with a nylon twiine that is about 1/8 inch in diameter (sorry, I'm not calibrated in metric). The stuff is sold here as "plumb" line, and is used in building construction to align masonry, lay out foundations, etc.. After wrapping all around the rim, I had an upholstery shop wrap the areas where the outer ends of the three spokes meet the rim with sewn-on covers made of black artificial leather. These wrap around both the rim and the outer ends of the spokes. Under each "cover" is a layer of 1/8 inch thick neoprene foam rubber, as used in diver's wet-suits. The wrapping could be coated with spar varnish or clear lacquer to keep it from getting dirty, but I've left mine un-coated. I'm attaching a digital photo of the finished product. If I were going to do it again, I think I would omit the foam padding for a trimmer look. The whole thing cost me about $25, including the upholsterer's labor charge. 2) In the U.S. Navy, it is quite common practice to embelish railings and hand-holds with decorative wrappings and knots. I've also seen this in photos taken aboard yachts, especially sailing ones. I think that your library would have or could find books on knots which would show how these things are done. It's really quite an art form, dating back to the days of wooden sailing ships, where the crew did such things as this, and carving/engraving designs on whale bone ("Scrimshawing", it's called) to while away time at sea. (I wish I'd thought of this idea when I wrapped my wheel ! I just did the best I could to get the twine on tightly & neatly.) 3) If you're interested in wrapping the rim with leather or artificial leather, you might look for the stuff used to wrap the grips of golf clubs, tennis racquets, and other sporting equipment. It's designed for just such uses, and has tapered edges which make the wrapping process easier & neater. It also is available in various colors, and either perforated or un-perforated. I think it may even be available with an adhesive backing. You'll still have the problem of dealing with the areas where rim meets spokes, but the sewn-on cover idea could be used there, I think. 4) The sewn-on steering wheel covers made of leather are really nice, but you may have trouble finding ones that will fit on a TC's large-diameter wheel with its thin rim.. These will, however, still leave you with the problem of covering the outer ends of the spokes. Regards, Carl Fritz TC # 6756 Gainesville, Florida