Graeme1938 Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Greetings One and All, I recently acquired a 1929 Chrysler 75 after initially being beaten to it. Anyway my daughter and I took it for it's second run in my hands last Tuesday afternoon. It was a spirited run through the streets around Sydney harbour on a near perfect winters day. Needless to say it was very enjoyable and probably encouraged me to press on a bit. Before we headed for home we decided to stop for coffee. As we slowly pulled gently to the kerb outside the cafe the steering wheel hub broke. I think the car was looking out for us because I'd certainly been loading the steering up in the preceding drive. The failure occurred in fine cracking in the hub boss, I only had light pressure on it at the time and didn't run up the gutter (or anyone else) so no shock load. The wheel had looked OK if a little shabby and gave no indication prior to it breaking with a cracking noise. I noticed the image in the 1930 Chrysler V70 Parts Catologue that the 1930 V70 wheel appears to have a steel? Reinforcing ring. Is this the case? See the photo of the broken wheel and the very elegant temporary repair. So a question for the Aussies - does anyone have a steering wheel they'd be prepared to sell. Regards, Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Gidday. Shouldn't it be made of black Bakelite or similar? That looks like a previous repair out of filler ("bog")? The cracks and shapes in the rest of the hub look like it too? Love the "got me home" repair! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme1938 Posted August 1, 2016 Author Share Posted August 1, 2016 Hi Spinney, I have no idea whether the wheel is original or not or what an original should be made of. This one is definitely cast alloy / muck metal of some sort with cast in undercuts and casting part lines. It doesn't appear to have any bog / filler in it. I'll take some photos that show detail when I get a wheel to replace the broken one with. The jury rig raised a few eyebrows as we were outside the cafes in Kirribilli and amused the evening passers by. The blade is jammed into the woodruff key hole but worst part of it was the screwdriver handle caught on my legs whilst turning. I think 72's, 75's and 77's had a four spoke wheel and the lighter cars three spokes - but I really can't say for sure. Regards, Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 (edited) Goodness, I had no idea they used die-cast to make steering wheels! You can repair that one using low melting point solder but if the zinc is corroding and it is falling apart like that you might be just chasing your tail. The interchange books don't do steering wheels! Edited August 1, 2016 by Spinneyhill (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maok Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 WOW! I'm going to be more gentle with my wheel now. I'm not sure that would be repairable. Even if you invested the time and money, you will not feel confident that it won't fail again. There is a bloke in Sydney who has a huge range of early Dodge parts, he may have a steering wheel that might be compatible, but others can confirm. You can find him on gumtree.com.au, search for chrysler parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme1938 Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 Hey Mo, All of the Chrysler parts have been sold. He doesn't want to sell parts just as job lots. I can understand his point. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 Do you know the part number? There may be another Chryco wheel that is the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme1938 Posted August 2, 2016 Author Share Posted August 2, 2016 Hey Spinney, Unfortunately I don't. I don't have a parts manual for the 1929 series 75. I would like one so will keep a look out. I do have a parts manual for a 1930 series V70 but that doesn't help. It does have some good assembly drawings in it. I may post a wanted to buy and see how I go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maok Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 17 minutes ago, Graeme1938 said: Hey Mo, All of the Chrysler parts have been sold. He doesn't want to sell parts just as job lots. I can understand his point. Cheers So it's going to cost you $985,000 to buy a dodge steering wheel from him that may or may not be compatible...lol I will keep an eye out for a steering wheel for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hchris Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 Have you tried any of the Chrysler Restorers members in NSW ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graeme1938 Posted August 4, 2016 Author Share Posted August 4, 2016 Hi Chris, I'm not really connected in the vintage Chrysler world but they are an accepting group. I have made a friend in the Blue Mountains who is having a look for me. If he doesn't have a useable steering wheel I'll do the ring around. It's been a busy week so haven't been able to devote time to the pursuit. I've been trying to get fuel and carburetor issues sorted out as well. It had some pretty major oil leaks too but I think I've got them beaten. Next thing is braking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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