John & Steve Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 Fellow DB Owners:After almost six years of looking for a Neville (Fatman) steering wheel for my '24 Fisher Body Coupe; I finally lucked out and bought two of them on e-bay. This past winter I installed each of them (one at a time) just to see which one fit the best. Both wheels are in great shape and fit equally well. My question to you Neville owners is: -one wheel has four keyways, at the 12&6 and the 9&3 positions, and is marked 3B-5. The second wheel has two keyways only, at the 12&6 positions, plus a hole drilled through the hub marked with "Oil Here". The second wheel is marked 5B-5. Both wheels have the same makers plate with the same patent dates. Is the 3B-5 older than the 5B-5? I presently have the 5B-5 installed and may relist the other on ebay.Has anyone in the club ever "centered the wheel" on a '24 DB? With only one tie rod end, and what appears to be a square shaft coming off the steering box, I can't figure out how to center the wheel as I have in the past on other cars and trucks. Both wheels seem to come out at the 2 o'clock position when driving straight down the road. Even the original advertising for the wheel shows a well dressed lady with the wheel somewhat off center to the 1 or 2 o'clock position. Any ideas Guys?-----Should it be straight or slightly to the right to provide more room to get in and out?Still Collectin'.... John & Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jan arnett (2) Posted July 28, 2008 Share Posted July 28, 2008 I believe the one with the four keyways is newer. I have a locking fatman steering wheel on my 1916 Model t and according to my lit on the T they went to multiple keyways as a way of giving drivers the option. I would be interested in you steering wheel for my 23 screenside when you do sell.Have a nice day.Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John & Steve Posted July 29, 2008 Author Share Posted July 29, 2008 Thanks for the info. Jan. I had a T model, after market, tilt wheel, w/horn button, for the early ‘20s Ts. I would walk around the swap meets with it...every Ford guy would try to buy it, but I said it was for trade, only, against the cost of a Neville wheel for my ‘24 DB. After getting the two Nevilles I sold the T fatman for approx. $350, much less than the Nevilles bring on eBay now. Jan, you and one other DB member have expressed a wish to buy my “extra” Neville wheel; the one with the 4 key ways and the best of the two data plates. I paid top dollar for this one because I didn’t want to go to Hershey and maybe, even then, come home empty handed. The old timers, myself included, cringe when they see Nevilles going for $800 to $1,200 on eBay, but with the cost of gas-hotels-air travel-etc., it’s sometimes the only way to go. I want to find out if this 4 key Neville fits any other vehicle, like a Cad, Buick or Packard. The wheel could be worth more to them than a DB owner...maybe? I bought this first Neville on eBay last winter, eBay # 37001991, I doubt if the listing still appears after this amount of time. The original listing said circa 1917 Neville, it had good pictures and description. I paid approx. $950 with the shipping etc. I will sell it , but not at a loss...Still Collectin’...Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_RAH Posted August 7, 2008 Share Posted August 7, 2008 John & Steve, The one with the 'Oil Here' in the center would likely be for Dodge Brothers closed cars from '19 to '22. These were, however used on MANY other cars and were sold as accessories as well. After '22 when the horn button was moved to the center of the steering wheel the oil hole was omitted for obvious reasons of electrical connections. Rodger "Dodger" Hartley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDewey Posted August 8, 2008 Share Posted August 8, 2008 At the prices these are now going for, I would think someone would be reproducing them?David D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John & Steve Posted August 13, 2008 Author Share Posted August 13, 2008 Hi again Rodger: A belated “thanks” for helping Dad and me get the Neville questions posted. Did any of the DB factory wheels have the oil holes? If not, I wonder about the need for such; as an open hole just invites water and grit into the steering system. When installed properly, a little grease on the spline and keyways should suffice for many years. Also, to respond to David D’s question on fatman reproduction steering wheels, here are a few ideas and opinions on that subject. I talked to a very knowledgeable Texas collector some years back. He had researched getting the Neville wheel reproduced both in the U.S. and over- seas. The cost in this country exceeded the highest prices paid on eBay. Having 500 pieces made in China dropped the cost down to about half. Everyone I’ve talked to wants an original, “...I will wait as long as it takes to get one...” (In my case almost six years). I believe the cost of a good Neville wheel is more than offset by the increase in value of the vehicle in which it is installed. The Ford fatman and tilt type repros cost around $500. This is a lot of money when you consider how many Fords are out there. Ford owners had many different types of wheels and companies to chose from when buying their after market wheel, so many that Ford finally made their own factory tilt type wheel. This never happened with the DB factory. Most Ford repros wheels go on “hot rods”; “rat rods” and “speedsters”. This is fine for that type of application. The true Ford restorer wants an original, not a repro when it comes to a tilt or fatman type of wheel, and like most DB people I know, will wait for the right original to comealong. More than one Ford and DB owner has bought a car or truck just to get the fatman wheel. After swapping wheels the vehicle is resold. David D...Your original Neville “ More Room” wheel is out there, and is worth waiting for! You don’t really want a Neville repro marked “Made In China” do you? Still Collectin’...Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted August 13, 2008 Share Posted August 13, 2008 Steve, good to see you posting here. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DDewey Posted August 14, 2008 Share Posted August 14, 2008 Steve, Guess I'll keep lookin' Another factor is likely the liability issue too. I have plenty of time to look for a wheel, it'll be years before my touring hits the road!David.BTW, I was figuring the market would be more than just DB folks & Hot Rodders would probably buy them too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John & Steve Posted September 10, 2008 Author Share Posted September 10, 2008 The third Neville fatman wheel came my way last month. I bought it because I could see several differences between the first two I had. The cross over piece on the bottom is located behind the wood rather than in front, like every other Neville I've seen. The straight shaft is 3/4" diameter, with two key ways at the 9 and 3 position. Only one of these key ways was used, so it may have been installed on a "T" Model Ford. The key used on this wheel was made from square "key stock" which is still available from Napa Auto parts (#770-1782). For us DB guys, if we need replacement keys for our steering shaft, (it takes 2). They are called "Woodruff" keys and are half moon shaped. I went down to the local Napa auto parts store, to buy an over size key to file to fit; and much to my surprise they had an exact replacement key, I could not tell the difference between the one original I had, and Napa copy 85 years newer! This Napa part (#80474) is only 95 cents.----- Back to the Neville...the wheel has only one marking on it , and that is "C-1". All of the Nevilles I've bought, have six screws holding the wood to the spider. These screws have seen better days. Either the slots were worn or the screw head was pitted. I finally tracked down a box of NOS “Arrow Brand 1" X #10 nickel-plated, raised-head, iron wood screws”. The Neville Co. installed blued or nickel plated oval head wood screws------ what ever they had on hand at the time. I replaced all 18 screws on my three wheels...they look great! If any Neville owners out there need replacement screws, I have some extras...yours for 75 cents each, plus postage. If anyone out there has a Neville "More Room" steering wheel with any other markings than the three we have talked about, please let me know...Still Collectin'...Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 1, 2009 Share Posted March 1, 2009 I am looking for a fatman wheel for my 25 DB.. would you know of any for sale? I have to get in on the passenger side and slide over.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Cozza Posted March 1, 2009 Share Posted March 1, 2009 There's one on Ebay right now. bid is $316. Bid ends 3/4/09 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DBAcadia Posted March 1, 2009 Share Posted March 1, 2009 Well Joe spilled the beans about the wheel on e-bay. I've been bidding on this wheel. I'll drop out p-d if we can share it or we can both pull on it until we are broken. Interesting to see what the market will bear. BID HO ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Nuts.. no sense in us bidding it way up but I know of no other way to get one.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DBAcadia Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 P-D, Its me Tom. I was at $385 and SOMEONE outbid me. I'm gonna give that one a rest and watch,at least for a day or two. Good luck with it. After this one wins the hillclimb event,it would be neat if someone put another up for more$ in a "buy it now" feature event and she how fast she goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Hi Tom..I know a guy out East that makes them now for Mod. T and he is retired machinist .. I will see if he would want to try to dup. these..Maybe there is a market out there.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DBAcadia Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Hi P-D, Sure reads like he'd sell all he can make. From most of the above comments not too many other folks are aware of this mans craft. Now watch, with this news the bidding on this "more room" wheel will freeze! How far out east? I'm quite faa downeast,not much faathaa and its Canada. Wouldn't be much difference to fit DB column. Call him up already!P.S. I'm seeking interest in a mini-tour here in Bar Harbor,see related posting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 Hi.. I just sent him a email. If I dont hear from him by tomorow nite I will call him.. We got so far at one time that he made the center hub and sent it to me to see how it fit.. It fit perfectly.. The wheel for the Mod. T had a 4.5 inch raise from center to the wheel and he scrapped the idea when he seen he would have to make all new casting molds.. Maybe he will rethink it if there is some interest. He has sold his wheels for the T on ebay and they really looked nice.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick dodge 1927 Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 one on ebayhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Neville-F...sQ5fAccessories Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickBrinker Posted March 2, 2009 Share Posted March 2, 2009 I watched an E-Bay auction before on a Fat Man steering wheeland it went for $1,500.00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Scafani Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 this is a photo of an original wheel on an original car which shows the orientation of the keyways and the oil hole. The wheel is mounted upside down I think. I haven't driven the car and it has been so long since I pushed it anywhere, I'm not sure. I don't see any numbers anywhere. Clearly the one on ebay is not made for Dodge and would require new keyways cut and possibly the hole reamed to fit the Dodge shaft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 If this Ebay wheel is not for Dodge Brothers, What do you think it may be for ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 3, 2009 Share Posted March 3, 2009 I just talked to Peter the Machinest and pattern maker. He says He will look into it but he needs to get his hands on one to make a pattern.. He is in Clarence NY.. If anybody would be willing to let him have it for a short time I think we will have affordable Neville wheels..He has another guy that does the wooden wheels and they are really sharp. He sells them for Mod. T on ebay but this deisign is different as his are a flip up instead of moving in the slide..Let me know if anyone can help..Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jan arnett (2) Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 That wheel is for a Model T with one Keyway.Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 And it has a square hole not round! I asked the seller and he says it square.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick dodge 1927 Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 another one on eBay nowhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Neville-F...sQ5fAccessories Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 Square hole also.. Not for Dodge Brothers I dont think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACK M Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 The four keyways make it look square. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DBAcadia Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 it would help if the pics showed the wheel vertically Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DBAcadia Posted March 4, 2009 Share Posted March 4, 2009 The "fatman wheel" on my '26 DB Business Sedan is marked C-1 * Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
platt-deutsch Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 The one that just sold for $520 had square hole. I emailed the seller and that is what he told me..Does anybody have one that we can use for a few days to make a pattern from? Have a guy that will reproduce them if there is any interest.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Merchant Xpress Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Someone clue me in to how the fatman wheels are different. Did they come off the column to allow easy access or did they slide up? I can't tell just looking at the wheels how or why they are so desirable.Harry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 There's a thumb operated release that allows the wheel to slid up the aluminum frame to allow for more access for us full figured guys. Supposedly closed cars came with them, but I've not seen a factory picture with one, except in the accessory catelog. I absolutely can't get in a roadster from the drivers's side without one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1930 Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Full figured??? Int that how you would describe a lady, your supposed to say large boned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 I thought we agreed to not talk about big bones a few weeks ago? My belly is mine and it's the only thing that's paid for. And I get to take it with me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 1930 Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 Sorry, I coudnt help myself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Backyardmechanic Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 BIG Built is another way to but it :? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Merchant Xpress Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 I think Neville named them correctly, I was just wondering how they worked. I got my 29 because the previous owner couldn't get behind the wheel.Harry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jstro Posted March 8, 2009 Share Posted March 8, 2009 Yet another one on eBay....... Item number: 180333718310 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickBrinker Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 Its at $750.00 with 3 1/2 hrs to go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RickBrinker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Its at $750.00 with 3 1/2 hrs to go </div></div> That sounds like a fatman that needs a steering wheel!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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