Lagondaforum

Subject: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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Gentlemen, Please advise on the possibility of having my steering wheel restored OR if this process is prohibitively expensive wrapped in rope or is this considered a "cop out" , I do like that look.

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Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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Barry, what did you do in the end about your steering wheel ?
It seems that recoating a steering wheel "as original" is very expensive. However the person who has resprayed bodywork for me says that he can spray my steering wheel wheel with a large number of black "dulled down" coats of modern paint so that it will appear very close to the original look. This will not be very expensive.
I am wondering what to do ! Any advice appreciated.

Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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Hi Bill,
I had the steering wheel for my Riley RMB restored by Myrtle, who are based in Kent. Very good firm to deal with, happy to discuss what you require. The restoration, including recoating, came to around £275. I didn't think that was overly expensive...and I have to say it is one of the few aspects of the restoration of my Riley that I'm 100% satisfied with.
Laurence

Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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I see no one responded to your idea of winding it with string. I guess that's ok for those Bentley boys but just not the done thing for us Lagonda chaps?

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Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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I am determined to find out how the wheel rim was originally coated . It seems to be a big mystery to everyone! I have seen the same type of coating on Rudge motorcycle parts but they did not have to contend with all those holes around the perimeter . Yes there were magicians working at Lagonda. I have had the spokes plated and want a beautiful wheel.

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Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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The celluloid sheet is softened in an acetone/water mix and becomes like a sheet of rubber. As far as I can figure from the linked videos, some kind of glue is applied to the item to be covered. Out of curiosity I went looking for black sheet celluloid a while back, but came up empty. Apparently it is very flammable and with all the newer plastics around is not used much anymore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYsSifiDapo around i minute in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FAl9DZKgCQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW9l--AM7UA

Alec

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Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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Here is what I diid.It was labour intensive. I shaped 44 small washers and brazed them in place. I then had the rim powder coated as a base and painted over . I had the spokes chromed which may be incorrect but if so the damage is done and it looks good to my eye so the next owner can paint over it if they want!

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Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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Hi Barry,
Excellent work, it looks great.
The spokes would originally have been celluloid coated, with, if like the V12/LG6, a small raised ridge at the inner ends adjacent to the boss. Certainly the steel parts of the boss are chromed, but poorly originally, inevitably rusty after all these years. leaving one with a wheel needing total dismantling just to get a scarcely visible area rechromed.
Laurence

Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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Thanks Laurence. I'm not sure where I saw the spokes chromed. I have been using "restored" google searched M45's as reference and the closer you look the more variation becomes evident. I will just leave them as I like the look. Cheers, Barry

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Subject: Re: Restoring M45 steering wheel

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Hi Barry,
I've had a closer look at the LG6's wheel today. There are traces, literally specks!, of chrome just visible on the small visible portion of the spokes between the boss and where the celluloid sheathing starts. The chrome must have been very poorly done originally, probably no copper or nickel "undercoats", but then they probably assumed a very protected car interior environment. So I think you can rest comfortable with your choice!
Laurence