Is there a difference in teak wood steering wheels?
#4
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Feb 2011
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2016 C1 of Year Finalist
I've been told that the old wheels have a different "feel" and they do.
I have 5 GM prototype wood wheels and you can "feel" the difference when compared to the new repro wheels.
But the repro wheels do look very nice.
I have 5 GM prototype wood wheels and you can "feel" the difference when compared to the new repro wheels.
But the repro wheels do look very nice.
#6
Instructor
#7
Team Owner
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#8
Never gave it much thought. The replacement was probably a 64 and it went on as easily as the teak came off. No extra marks, scars, or elongated holes.
The originals are thin, beautiful, and fit your grasp so easily.
If it don't fit I just may have to just put it in the car rummage sale bin. ( and no it wasn't 50 cents with one zero. )
The originals are thin, beautiful, and fit your grasp so easily.
If it don't fit I just may have to just put it in the car rummage sale bin. ( and no it wasn't 50 cents with one zero. )
#9
Burning Brakes
teak
I think from reading past posts on this issue that it is difficult at best to verify an original. Freeman wheels are very good repos. It is difficult to have 50(almost) years of "patina" on a repro.wood wheel.
Take your wheel to Carslile and have it verified by Eric. I assume he will b there. The value of an original vs. repro is big. $500 repro. At least $1500 for original if u can find one. I saw one on the bay for $2500, but does not mean it sold, or that it was an original. JMO
Take your wheel to Carslile and have it verified by Eric. I assume he will b there. The value of an original vs. repro is big. $500 repro. At least $1500 for original if u can find one. I saw one on the bay for $2500, but does not mean it sold, or that it was an original. JMO
#10
I bought an original; cost more but if you put it side by side with a repro, you can tell the difference. It all depends on what you want. If your car is otherwise original then it seems to me it only makes sense to try and buy original parts/replacements. Marty
#12
My ex bought me one for Father's Day 15 plus years ago from a guy who called himself Teak Freak. supposedly he had the original tooling from the company that made them for GM. came with some interesting background on the original company - think they made clocks as well. is the Teak Freak still around?
#13
Melting Slicks
#14
Le Mans Master
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Yes,
Based out of Canada I believe.
Based out of Canada I believe.
My ex bought me one for Father's Day 15 plus years ago from a guy who called himself Teak Freak. supposedly he had the original tooling from the company that made them for GM. came with some interesting background on the original company - think they made clocks as well. is the Teak Freak still around?
#17
Race Director
I have a teak repro from Crane's that my wife gave me as a gift years ago. I can pretty easily differentiate between it and an original. It seems a little thinner in section to me but I'm not sure of that. The big difference is that the finger grooves are cut sharper and not as rounded as on originals. I still like it but it is a little different.