‘31 steering wheel - what is this non-metallic material?

[JoelsBuicks]

I need to make this part that is broken, the picture shows it.  I don’t know what the original material is and I don’t necessarily need to know.  I would like to find a suitable material to make it - tough but not brittle.  It is a nonmetallic but I don’t know that this is a necessary property.  
 

Perhaps someone has a suggestion of what would work.   I think I can turn it out on my lathe.   Car is a ‘31 Buick Sr. 60 that I am restoring.

 

Thanks,

Joel

 

[Leif Holmberg]

Bakelite?

[JoelsBuicks]

I think you’re right.  It may be some sort of Bakelite that was actually molded with a binder in there.  The appearance on top is weathered but on the sun-protected bottom, it’s more like a shiny black.  
 

I recall seeing this same sort of stuff on pot handles - the ones that are old!
 

Seems to me like I recall this being a common problem and one without a reproduction available.  Maybe just buy a block of Bakelite and machine it and paint it black?

 

Thanks for weighing in,

Joel

[EmTee]

Maybe something like this?

 

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/materials/shape~rod-and-disc/color~black/mds-filled-easy-to-machine-wear-resistant-cast-nylon-rods-and-discs/

 

[JoelsBuicks]

Yes!  Maybe this will work.  I don’t know what mds filled means but the rest of that description seems to be just what I’m looking for.  
 

thanks again for your help,

Joel

 

[Robert Engle]

Any phenolic or bakelite will do.  In fact you could make it out of aluminum and paint it gloss black to match the steering wheel.

 

I may have a spare piece from a 32 50 series.  I will check the parts manual for interchangability.  Most of them broke at the lever mounting.

 

Bob

[DonMicheletti]

I broke that part on my '31. I machined a new one from aluminum and painted it to match the other parts, however, mine was not as oxidised as yours.

[Robert Engle]

Parts for steering controls for throttle, lights and horn are different for 1931-50 and 32-50.  My spares won't work for you.

 

Bob Engle