Mike Lempert Steering Wheel

Did not know you were in an accident. Glad to hear you're okay. Looks like you'll get a real nice wheel out of this.

Not sure why the other driver's insurance company would give you any fuss about a new steering wheel. I'm surprised they didn't offer you money to go away.

About four years ago I tagged someone in the back of their car during rush hour, didn't hit them very hard, and in fact there was minimal surface damage to their vehicle and my truck had no damage. I found out later my insurance company paid to repair their car and then gave them an extra $7,000 just because it happened. Seems that's how it happens nowadays, they just fold. What ever happened to just paying the damage and if no one is hurt that's it?

Well I'm kind of lucky. She was not insured and it is my insurance, Hagerty, that is covering everything. I'll post some pics of the car when I get them all together.

While the car is apart I'm having Greg redo the gear ratios in the transaxle. 3.11,1.86,1.21, and .89. I can't wait! He let me drive a car he was building with a similar set of gears and I loved it. While he was redoing the deck lid I mentioned that I would really like to put one of those Carrera screens in. He recommended the one from GT Werk (http://www.gtwerk.com/newpics/...s-Pages/Image18.html). This has already been installed and man does it look good!

WHAT??!! An uninsured driver in California? I thought we had laws to make sure this didn't happen?

Pictures Rusty, pictures.

Here's a pic of the bottom of the deck lid - not finished of course:

Glad you're ok, Rusty. The Carrera screen looks way cool! Don't forget- I want to hear what you think of the gearing after you get it back (and then a 2nd impression after you've put some more miles on the car). Al

PS- the wheel's neat too!

Hey Rusty!  I'm surprised Mike didn't tell me he was making a wheel for an SOC guy.  He's a neighbor (well, maybe a mile away) of mine and I am over there almost every weekend.  I've watched, and even helped him make wheels, including my own.  It's a very cool process to watch.

If I get over there in the next week maybe I can check your wheel out and possibly send updated pics.

ALB posted:

Glad you're ok, Rusty. The Carrera screen looks way cool! Don't forget- I want to hear what you think of the gearing after you get it back (and then a 2nd impression after you've put some more miles on the car). Al

PS- the wheel's neat too!

Thank you! When I said I'm kind of lucky I was referring to me being ok. She was in a 2011 Jeep Cherokee and could have easily climbed right over the top of me.

I will most definitely update you with full details - good or bad. I'm pretty sure this gear setup will turn out very good!

Lane Anderson posted:

Hey Rusty!  I'm surprised Mike didn't tell me he was making a wheel for an SOC guy.  He's a neighbor (well, maybe a mile away) of mine and I am over there almost every weekend.  I've watched, and even helped him make wheels, including my own.  It's a very cool process to watch.

If I get over there in the next week maybe I can check your wheel out and possibly send updated pics.

Hi Lane! Yes Mike mentioned you were his friend and neighbor. I just spoke to him today again and he said that he's doing the finger grips on the back of the wheel then putting the finish on it. I have seen this wheel on a real 356 at a car show. It is a beautiful recreation of a classic and I'm pretty excited about it.

Am I sweating the rear end of my car? No I'm not. Contrary to what's been said in recent posts this Chaz fella's car is a rare occurrence over at Vintage Motor Cars. Plus Greg now has the memory foam suit. Unfortunately with Alex now handling it the situation is going to go from bad to worse.... (I am so messing with you Alex!)

Looks like Lempert uses the same laundry I do.  Rusty, did Hagarty give you any grief regarding usage of vehicle at time of incident?

Glad no one was hurt and good luck with the rebuild...

Hagarty is great!

Tom Williams posted:

Looks like Lempert uses the same laundry I do.  Rusty, did Hagarty give you any grief regarding usage of vehicle at time of incident?

They did inquire about my driving habits. I told them that my car is in no way a daily driver but I do, on occasion, drive the car to work. According to their verbiage that falls within their stipulations.

I have zero complaints and only praise for Hagerty but I do fear they will cancel me or raise my rates next November. I asked them that directly and they said they would not as this incident was not my fault. They will also bill the gal that hit me and if they should recover their costs I don't see where there is a problem with regards to me. If they keep me I am going to bump up my coverage by another 10K a year. I've made some considerable upgrades since buying the car.

I'm curious... is anyone here in the insurance biz? If Hagerty cannot collect from an uninsured motorist does Hagerty then file a claim with their insurance? How does that work? Are insurance companies insured?

I've had Mike make me two wheels, and they both were/are beautiful.

One for my 1966 MGB (the car is gone, but I still have the wheel) and one for my new IM S6.

You'll be very happy with your steering wheel.

Marty G. is in  the insurance business I believe. Glad you are OK!

Rusty asked......I'm curious... is anyone here in the insurance biz? If Hagerty cannot collect from an uninsured motorist does Hagerty then file a claim with their insurance? How does that work? Are insurance companies insured?

Yes, all insurance companies are re-insured at some level (spreads the risk and keeps loss ratios inline).  But, your accident, while big to you is small potatoes from their perspective.   They will pay your claim under the "uninsured motorist property damage coverage" and be done with it.   Your only recourse would be legal to collect damages from the other party.  So in the end, you pay for your policy and the uninsured person that hit you.   Glad your ok.   

Thanks Marty. As I have no medical needs from the accident I won't be taking this any further. I think what fines she will have to pay the city coupled with the bill she gets from Hagerty should make her think twice about texting and driving especially while following a car like mine! 

You will love his work...Mike has made 2 wheels for me... Last one unfortunately sold with my 356 T6 S90.  Been thinking of having him make another for my speedy.  He is an artist.

Anand (sp) had one made in a dark wood. With two contrasting (lighter) VDM inlays I think it would look AWESOME.

I'm a little 'fuzzy' on details but I recall that Gary Bloom (flatfourfan) MADE a three spoke Banjo steering wheel that looked just like the one on my long gone '59 coupe...Very nostalgic!

Mike did my wheel as well. I love it. The thinner profile takes a bit to get used to. Can't wait to see your car back on the road.

Ted

Glad you are OK! I've been by Vintage Motorcars several times this past month and I believe I saw your Speedster and the rear end damage. My heart stopped! I'm sure Greg and Alex will get it all squared away nicely.

They are doing the prep and paint on my speedster body now. I had to push up the delivery date as my schedule is getting busy. Hopefully, they can get it to done timely without sacrificing quality

Lfepardo posted:

You will love his work...Mike has made 2 wheels for me... Last one unfortunately sold with my 356 T6 S90.  Been thinking of having him make another for my speedy.  He is an artist.

Anand (sp) had one made in a dark wood. With two contrasting (lighter) VDM inlays I think it would look AWESOME.

This black one is beautiful. 16"?

I believe Mike said 425mm... So about 16.7". It's a Spider VDM ebony special build. He also makes the traditional VDM in light wood with two dark inlays.

I talked to Mike about making  the new one in 15" like the Nardi style one he made for me,  with two lighter colored inlays...  The back would have rivets inlaid.

I already have the hub and horn button installed in my car....and CG woodcraft is willing to make  a black/inlay matching shifter knob.

... So tempted to pull the trigger! There is something about these wheels that's just so sexy.

That is stunning! I had Mike make mine in 16" and that is pretty close to what the original wheel size is. I think I have been bitten by the steering wheel bug. They make such a visual enhancement - like a piece of artwork.

I am the proud owner of Anand's wheel. Unfortunately (IMHO) is just too big for my speedster. PM if you are interested, it really is beautiful. 

Rusty, can't wait to see your car back on the road... Send pictures... The new wheel will look stunning and the rear deck lid mod looks awesome as well.

glad you are ok... Texting drivers scare the pants out of me when I'm out... I feel I need to be as vigilant as when I'm out on my bike. I drive the car almost daily and I use the horn to get ppl to look up more often than one would expect....  ( I actually installed a 3rd horn ( connected to my front ones) in the rear wheel well pointing back....  Just to get people's attention behind me....)

 Not ideal,  ( probably illegal). but I had a couple close calls ... One recently in which I actually drove up to the sidewalk to get out of the way/avoid a guy I saw coming behind me/ texting.   When he came to a screeching stop we were actually side by side... He rolled down his window and gave me the finger after I shouted to him that he needed to put his phone down.  Go figure.

Hope your back in the road soon.

cheers,

Here's the one Mike made for my IM6.  I chose the Les Leston downslant model for gauge visibility.  I might get a matching gear shift knob if I can.

Bob, I would recommend these guys if you want a matching shift knob made.... http://cgautowood.com/Vehicles

 Great guy, great products, and like Mikes wheels -made to order... ( he does carry some in stock... Has an eBay store as well.). A couple threads out there on his work.

beatiful wheel.

Thanks!  Looks like a great site.

Bob, love that wheel, and the pedals, carpet, seats...oh and that MOTOR!

... Here are a few more pics of the steering wheel being made:

The first two pictures are Mike's UV finish hardening system.  He can put a coat of poly-whatever and then hit it with the light.  The finish hardens fully almost immediately, allowing him to continue to add subsequent coats and sand between coats.  It has really helped with production.  The third appears to be the back of his lovely wife (Hi, Heather!) doing some sanding work on the finger indents.

Bob. What is the grip diameter of that Les leston wheel?  Can you put a string around it and measure?  Thanks!

Makes me question the choice I made for my steering wheel... damn it...

What's the cost of one of these fine craftsmanship? (if you don't mind me asking)

Check his site (www.lempertwheels.com).  Prices are a little more than a factory Nardi but you get a custom-made wheel to your specs.  I've seen him sell wheels from $300 to several thousand.  He also restores wheels and has done quite a few Porsche Carrera style wheels (not cheap).

Longfella (Brian?)

I thought the 'goal' of your build was to create something as visually identical to a period  Stuttgart  356 speedster as possible. If so, why are you even considering a non-authentic 'custom' steering wheel?.....The 356 Registry crowd would spot that a block away.   

Marty Grzynkowicz posted:

Bob. What is the grip diameter of that Les leston wheel?  Can you put a string around it and measure?  Thanks!

Marty:  It's a fairly thin wheel.  I'll check next time I am out in the garage.

We have framers and plasterers working here today, but I'll check asap.

Carl Berry CT. posted:

Longfella (Brian?)

I thought the 'goal' of your build was to create something as visually identical to a period  Stuttgart  356 speedster as possible. If so, why are you even considering a non-authentic 'custom' steering wheel?.....The 356 Registry crowd would spot that a block away.   

It is Brian

Don't worry, Carl. It won't be for my Speedster. I'm starting to plan (very very beginning stages) another build. This one will be for my wife (and me if I want to drive it). I've got the madness really bad now...

Yeah, it doesn't take long to go full speed down the slippery Madness slope.

*LongFella posted:

Makes me question the choice I made for my steering wheel... damn it...

What's the cost of one of these fine craftsmanship? (if you don't mind me asking)

$550

Carl Berry CT. posted:

Longfella (Brian?)

I thought the 'goal' of your build was to create something as visually identical to a period  Stuttgart  356 speedster as possible. If so, why are you even considering a non-authentic 'custom' steering wheel?.....The 356 Registry crowd would spot that a block away.   

These are most definitely period aftermarket correct. I was just at the Steve McQueen car show and there was a speedster there with a real Derrington like the one above. Mike makes these to exacting standards. I was going to ask him to leave the steering wheel out in the weather for a year to get the desired patina but decided against it...

Now, what the The 356 Registry crowd will say when they see this wheel on my car is... "Why would someone put such a nice wheel on a POS car like that?" No offence Henry.