WTB: '65 Steering Wheel

Lowrider70 · February 4th, 2010

Im trying to source a stock steering wheel for my '65 Riv... one thats preferably in reasonable condition (not too dried and cracked). Failing that, maybe a nice wooden one, or an aftermarket (classic style) item that would fit. Any suggestions people??

BUICK RACER · February 7th, 2010

64 65 66 BUICK RIVIERA GS WALNUT STEERING WHEEL & HUB : eBay Motors (item 110489933745 end time Feb-13-10 18:30:00 PST)

Lowrider70 · February 8th, 2010

Thanks for the link... but are there other Riviera emblems (apart from GS) available which would fit over the centre hub?

RivNut · February 8th, 2010

The hub will (should) have the Riviera "R" in the center. There wasn't a GS hub for these wheels. These wheels were a separate option available on any Riviera; it was not part of the GS option. Unchromed horm bars are available from Gene Garnere. He has an ad in the back of the Riview. His horn bars are made of brass and won't pit.

Ed

Lowrider70 · February 9th, 2010

So did you ever use this wheel yourself? If so, what kind of hub cap emblem (if any) did you use and where is it now? Does Gene also have the "R" hub caps that would fit this wheel??

RivNut · February 9th, 2010

I have a complete wheel of my own that came from a '64 Riviera, but it's not pitted and the horn bar is in tact. The wheel was a Buick option and probably could have been ordered on other models as well. But if you bought the wood wheel option along with the GS option on a Riviera, the cap would have had a large script R on it.

Gene reproduces horn bars because the OE ones are easily broken. They were originally made of die cast and it was possible to push the bar farther than the casting allowed for. Hence, a lot of bars were snapped off. The only problem with the caps comes with age. Diecast pits as it ages. Muggy weld makes a rod that can be used to fill in diecast after the pits have been removed. Refinish it and it can be rechromed. The secret to keep the bars intact is to use your index or middle finger and push up on the bar from the rear. That way you're pushing the bar into the hub. If you push down on it, you're pulling the bar away from the hub and you can go too far and snap it off. Your thumb on the end of the bar can create a lot of leverage and everyone knows that the lever is one of the "simple tools" used to overcome excess weight and force.

There are no reproduction caps that I know of. Just call Gene, he can tell you everything you'd ever want to know about these wheels and what's available for them first hand.

Ed

Lowrider70 · February 10th, 2010

Thanks for that piece of information Ed... in that case, I'll contact Gene and see what he can offer me, in terms of a better steering wheel.

65VerdeGS · February 11th, 2010

Has anyone seen or purchased one of the brass wood wheel horn bars that Gene Guarnere is offering? Are they good quality, crisp castings? Once chromed, will it look like the original?

I had my horn bar repaired many years ago by a welder friend, (after being told that pot metal could not be welded). I suspect my horn bar is growing weak again... but I'd I buy one of Gene's bars I'd like some feedback on Gene's bar before buying.

buick-riviera.pl · February 11th, 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65VerdeGS

Has anyone seen or purchased one of the brass wood wheel horn bars that Gene Guarnere is offering? Are they good quality, crisp castings? Once chromed, will it look like the original?
I'd I buy one of Gene's bars I'd like some feedback on Gene's bar before buying.

Hi folks,
The same question: any feedback from somebody regarding quality ? I would also need one ....

RivNut · February 11th, 2010

I've seen them at Gene's table at some of the ROA events. The quality of the construction is first rate. He didn't repro them in pot metal, he made them so they're strong and won't pit. The final quality will depend on you and the plater you chose to do your chroming.

I've known Gene for a long time and know for a fact that if it isn't right, Gene doesn't sell it. I wouldn't have mentioned it in my earlier post if I didn't think it was a quality product.

Ed

PS - I haven't bought one because I'm fortunate enough to have one that isn't broken and isn't pitted. If (when) it breaks or starts to pit, I'll buy one of Gene's in a heartbeat. Look at what you have now and just think about your other options.