Do It Yourself Column

[Joe in Canada 539]

I got an email from a fellow forum member today about a source for steam bent bows asking if I was also interested. I tried to respond back to him but the email came back. Anyway I am a do it yourself kind of guy and I have bent white oak years ago on a wood boat project.  I remember years ago at Hershey a company called Oak Bows I think it was called that I have not seen for sum time. I ran into a vender a couple of years ago at Hershey that told me it used to be his family business. He was saying how the business had dropped off because lack of demand. 

  Anyway here is a video on making your own bows for all you do it yourselfers  like me. Only thing I understand different than this video is to use green lumber as it bends with less chance of splitting.

 

[Mark Shaw 1,308]

A great video...   Thanks for posting...

[Joe in Canada 539]

Here is one on wood steering wheels. These projects do not use expensive tools or great skills.

 

[Restorer32 1,463]

Interesting video. We can bend up to 3" thick ash if needed. With top bows the bending is the easy part. Shaping them is the time consuming job.

[Xander Wildeisen 1,357]

Oak Bows did the rear wood bow on my 49 Cad project. They were good to deal with.

[dibarlaw 1,302]

They are about a mile away from me and are still in business in my town of Chambersburg. The owner told me it would be no problem for my 1925 Buick Standard Touring as they have the specs for them. I would love to give them some business but I still have to find the correct top sockets.

[Joe in Canada 539]

Here is a video on replacing the plastic on a steering wheel. The thing is once you have made the mold you can use it over again. So if you want make one for your buddy's car first then the next one will be better from experience for your car. Besides it will off set the cost of making the mold.

 

 

[Mark Gregory 200]

Joe excellent . Thank you very much for sharing these video's . 

[Arend 3]

In regard to my YouTube video on steam bending the steering wheel, you may be interested to know that this 1929 Whippet 96A is almost finished. Attached is a picture of my brother and sister-law testing out the steering wheel. I originally bought the car from him for $1.00. The second picture is what he sold me.

Edited February 1, 2018 by Arend
typo (see edit history)

[Bush Mechanic 95]

4 hours ago, Arend said:

In regard to my YouTube video on steam bending the steering wheel, you may be interested to know that this 1929 Whippet 96A is almost finished. Attached is a picture of my brother and sister-law testing out the steering wheel. I originally bought the car from him for $1.00. The second picture is what he sold me.

 

That's perseverance for you. Well done Arend! I heartens me to see these basket cases resurrected.

[61 Sport Sedan 12]

Arend, welcome to the forum. I for one and I'm sure others would like to see more of your beautiful Whippet. I think your brother and his wife are quite pleased with your restoration.

[Joe in Canada 539]

Welcome to the forum and a great video on steam bending that you produced. Folks like yourself are far apart and few between with knowledge that you are willing to take the time and share. I believe with the economy the way it is that we may get younger folks interested in the older cars with a bit of guidance on restoring. With the cost on raising a family and paying for a house not many can afford a restoration shop. What you started with as a project and the end results is amazing.

                 Thanks Again Joe  

[CarlLaFong 384]

Another method, that could be used for bows, is bent laminate. It is well within the skill set of an average woodworker. All you need is a bandsaw and some forms, similar to the one in the video. Only difference is, you need male and female forms

[Mark Gregory 200]

This worth another watch  there are very talented people out there .