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MG MGA - Steering wheel, wood rim, removable spokes (3)

My 60 roadster has a 16" outside diameter wood rim steering wheel with 3 slotted spokes (120 degree spacing) and 9 bolt hub. Each spoke can be separated from the wooden rim (when wheel assembly is unbolted from the hub). The spoke end that goes into the slot in the wooden rim is 1 1/2" by 3/16". The spoke end that fits to the steeering boss is a 120 degree flange segment with 3 bolt holes. I'm not sure what the material is that the spokes are made of, but it is light, only very slightly magnetic, is harder than aluminium when filed and has been chrome plated.
The wooden rim, internal diameter is 14 1/2" and 13/16" deep with finger grooves on dash board side on a 1" pitch.
My queries are who made these steering wheels, are they unique to Australia, are they original?
The metal parts need re-chroming I assume this is only a matter of taking them along to the plating shop - but I woukld like to know what metal/alloy they are made of so I can sound like a guru.
Also the wood is cracked where the spokes fit in, for an inch or so along the wheel in both directions - I thought I would just open these cracks up a bit and glue with Araldite (JB Weld), sand and revarnish the wood. Any ideas on these issues?
I am attached to this big wooden wheel as it suits the car BRG colour and tan upholstery (in my mind any way!) - (I neeed to set up a web site so I can post a picture rather have to describe something like this!!!)
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Mike, I have a similar steering wheel on my 63 Sprite. It is a Derrington if it is the same.

Mark
MWhitt

Hi Mike. Regarding filling of wood cracks. I have had good success by mixing suitably coloured sawdust with clear epoxy glue. This gives a strong repair that can closely match the colour of the wood rim, if the sawdust colour is picked carefully. Good luck! Cheers, GLenn
Glenn

Thanks Guys - I had a look on the Derrington web site but my steering wheel is not shown - it is possibly a old model no longer made - there aren't too many 16" wheels still available.
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

www.holden.co.uk have some good pictures of wooden steering wheels.
Nigel Munford

This thread was discussed between 24/08/2006 and 25/08/2006

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