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Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

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PaulM
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Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by PaulM » Wed Jan 25, 2017 9:03 pm

Hi Crew, We are restoring a 1940 Model 6, 22' Deluxe Utility with the optional ventilating top. Somewhere in this boats history
(It's been apart for many years) the wheel has disappeared. We have the throttle tube and all the parts that go with it. The steering shaft has the tapered top end with the woodruff key like most Chris Craft of that era. I have talked with Jim Staib with no luck. So, we are hoping there might be one laying under a bench somewhere that is restorable and wishing to go back into service.
Based on pictures, it is all black, probably 17" somewhat like a Willis military Jeep wheel . Staib says that he's not figured out who made those wheels.
Help!!
~~~ Paul ~~~

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Don Vogt
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by Don Vogt » Thu Jan 26, 2017 9:12 am

I believe al schinnerer sells reproductions at calif. classic boats.
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

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Ed Andrews
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by Ed Andrews » Thu Jan 26, 2017 4:58 pm

PaulM wrote: Based on pictures, it is all black, probably 17" somewhat like a Willis military Jeep wheel . Staib says that he's not figured out who made those wheels.
Help!!
I'm not sure what your wheel would look like but if you google "Willis Jeep Steering Wheel" there were ton's of pictures and ones for sale.
1951 Chris Craft Holiday
1952 12' Kit Boat w/Johnson 15HP engine

1953 Chris Craft Commander 10HP Outboard

PaulM
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by PaulM » Thu Jan 26, 2017 8:33 pm

Thanks Don, I had been looking at his website and have to say that it might be done when all other avenues have been exhausted.

Ed, The main thing I'm not confident of is if those have a center top pocket that the throttle and horn components will fit into, and what the top mounting method is - taper and key or spline. I see that Sheller did make a 3 spoke wheel for varius truck and military applications. Interesting.

I am trying to get in touch with Quality Restorations out in San Dieago to see if the 3 spoke wheel he shows under "boat wheels" as a 1936 Plymouth wheel will work. That wheel visually looks correct but would have to be black.
Thanks for the responses.
~~~ Paul ~~~

jim g
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by jim g » Thu Jan 26, 2017 9:41 pm

PaulM wrote:Thanks Don, I had been looking at his website and have to say that it might be done when all other avenues have been exhausted.

Ed, The main thing I'm not confident of is if those have a center top pocket that the throttle and horn components will fit into, and what the top mounting method is - taper and key or spline. I see that Sheller did make a 3 spoke wheel for varius truck and military applications. Interesting.

I am trying to get in touch with Quality Restorations out in San Dieago to see if the 3 spoke wheel he shows under "boat wheels" as a 1936 Plymouth wheel will work. That wheel visually looks correct but would have to be black.
Thanks for the responses.
Dennis at Quality Restorations is about the most knowable person steering wheels I've ever talked to.

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JimF
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by JimF » Fri Jan 27, 2017 9:27 am

I am working on a 1935 utility that someone else started. It came with a brand new wheel from sullivansgarage.com. Looking on their website it appears that it might be the 1935 Ford wheel but it is hard to say. $156! Look at it and give them a call.
1930 Chris-Craft Model 100 20' "MOXIE"
1940 Chris-Craft Red and White 25' "Old Paint"
1946 Chris-Craft Sportsman 25' "CinCity"

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Al Schinnerer
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by Al Schinnerer » Fri Jan 27, 2017 12:30 pm

Price at $156 is right but it's the wrong wheel.
Restoration projects:

1940 C-C 27' Racing Runabout
1955 C-C 21' Cobra
1942 Gar Wood 33.5 Runabout
1972 Riva 21.5 Olympic

PaulM
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by PaulM » Fri Jan 27, 2017 1:09 pm

Thanks Jim and Al, I had a feeling after looking at it that it was not really going to work, especially looking at the center "pocket" for the throttle hardware etc. And the beat goes on - - - .
~~~ Paul ~~~

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Al Schinnerer
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by Al Schinnerer » Fri Jan 27, 2017 1:20 pm

As you may know, I manufacture a reproduction of the original steering wheel.
Restoration projects:

1940 C-C 27' Racing Runabout
1955 C-C 21' Cobra
1942 Gar Wood 33.5 Runabout
1972 Riva 21.5 Olympic

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Don Vogt
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by Don Vogt » Fri Jan 27, 2017 2:19 pm

well, and the spoke shape is not correct, either, fwiw. Al's are the real deal.
1938 Chris Craft 17' Deluxe Runabout "Jennifer II"

PaulM
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Location: Des Moines, IA
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Re: Looking for a 1940ish 3 spoke steering wheel

Post by PaulM » Sun Jan 29, 2017 11:18 am

After consultation with the project's owner this weekend, we'll be getting the proper wheel from Al.

Al, I'll be getting in touch on Monday Sir.
~~~ Paul ~~~

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