Steering wheels

Im looking at a number of different steering wheels, Leston, Derrington, Banjo, Oringinal 356. There are a number of different suppliers. Which mounting hubs will fit what wheels. If I purchase one outside of my builder, what questions do I need to ask the supplier, the builder? Which horn buttons would you use for these applications?

If your car is a VW based car the easiest way is to go with a Nardi; the cool thing is that you can get it with the right adapter for your application. Also Nardis look correct since they were also used on original 356's. The Porsche horn buttons can be found at a couple of different places; I got mine from www.nardiusa.com (Perfect Motion) and, if I'm not mistaken, you can get a real nice one through JPS.

If you're having your car built I would imagine you can have any wheel you want, though be ready to pay for it! I'm pretty sure you have to have a P type column for an original P wheel, I could be wrong?
I would start by picking the wheel first, then work backward to find which adapters are available for which columns, then figure out which columns will fit your car.

I guess Henry would be the person to speak with. There are just so many different options. I just want something that feels and looks original. Its the tactile senses, feel, grip, wood ,finish, smoothness, touch, which separates mass produced from truly,"custom" made. Not just with the wheel, but with the switch gear, finish, fit, gaps, leather, stitching, badges,etc.... This is sexual, any man who claims it isn't is full of B.S.

Howard,
First of all if IM is building your car then, from what I've seen of other IM's, the $ky is the limit. I don't know if Henry did all the work such as steering wheels, switches (There is a place on Samba that does concours quality dash and gear shiftknobs), emblems (Stoddards or Klasse 356), over-riders on the bumpers, etc... but if he can, I'd have him do as much of it as possible, emblems can be a bitch to put on correctly. My experience with steering wheels is this: Since my car was already built it had a wheel that was crap. So I decided on a Grant that had a "Nardi look", which was followed by a Banjo from Flat 4. I ended up going back to the Grant for three reasons, one - it was a smaller diameter, two - I wanted a Carrera GS look and three - the adapter was billet so it looked more "original". The reason I didn't do a Nardi was the diameter and the Derringtons were too expensive for me. Turnsignal switches have been a bit of a hassle as well. I have gone through two (one broke). I used 67-68 VW Bus switches and getting them so the housing diameter is the right size for the column can be difficult when using Samba or ebay because most people selling them don't have a clue if it will fit your car, they only know which VW it fits. I get the feeling that you are going for an "original look", so I would either get, or have installed, or purchase and have IM install, as much original Porsche items as possible. The original Speedster steering wheels pop up on ebay occasionally - $$$! I've had my hands on all the wheels you mentioned and with the exception of the Banjo they were all very nice, it would come down to preference. As far as original look, that will depend on the car you are trying to create. (I recommend looking over old photos to find the exact car you want and copy it to a tee) Banjos were on the earlier 356's and not on the 1956 and up, at least not as stock. And you're right, it is a very sexual/sensual thing - no matter what, if it doesn't feel good you're not going to enjoy yourself.

No one has mentioned DIAMETER.
Depending on your seats and height, be sure you'll be able to see your gauges!
I'm changing to a 16" ...

I hear you, Howard and Mickey.

Dave,
Depending on you "mid-section" or the length of your legs a 16" wheel may not be the right option. I like alot of room even though I'm a little guy, that's why I went with a smaller wheel.

Here is an original Derrington steering wheel on e-bay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-356-A-Vintage-Wood-Derrington-Steering-Wheel_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ140729QQihZ012QQitemZ220048497655QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW I just love the look,but no way I can afford the price. I have a Grand steering wheel in my car,very similar look and much much cheaper(has the rivets too).
My advice to you,ask the supplier if there is an adapter for your application and go from there.

Dave - good observation about DIAMETER. I started with a 13 inch Le Carra wheel. It was fine except I couldn't see the speedometer! Who cares, I'm only reading the tach anyhow? Too much stress. Traded for a 15 inch of same design. Huge improvement. Combination of short inseam and long upper body I suppose. I would'nt have guessed it was a problem, until I actually drove the car for awhile.

I'm in the middle of building my Speedster. I've installed a chromed IDIDIT column that I had made to my specs. It includes a GM directional switch and an emergency light switch, but no ignition switch. I had the adapter hub shipped blank, and drilled/tapped it to suit the Nardi type wheel that I had.

Alan is absolutely on the money as usual. I used the same method and wound up with a hole that was about 1/8" larger than the column.

If I could figure out how to attach a PDF file, I would attach a drawing of it here but I don't see "files" above.

I bought a supposed genunine Nardi off Ebay for $200-half what the shops charge. I went with the 360mm-14.25inches- Way better than the 13" Dino that came with my CMC. But I'm over 6 feet tall so my clunky legs get in the way.

Nothing beats an original VDM Banjo situated inside a 356 interior

Are there significant quality differences in the repo wheels,ie Derrington, Les Leston, Banjo, etc, vs the "real" thing. I have the opportunity to purchase an original Derrington wheel for a 356, beautiful condition for 650. Ive been on the Classico website, Karmann Konnections, even the repo wheels are expensive. Any thoughts?

Howard, it will depend on the steering column Henry is installing with the 911-IMster. I would check with Henry before purchasing anything. I have a Derrington from Jeff at P-motion/Classico on the column Henry has custom made for IMs. As you know, Dale has an original column with a VDM that is drop dead gorgeous. An original VDM/Derrington etc. should fit with no adaptor on that, if an original column is going in your car at your request.

I don't think there is much obvious difference in a quality repro Derrington and an original except for that patina that comes at a cost some times. In fact, I think the repro 356 Mota Lita steering wheels are just as attractive and they look just like a Derrington. See pics of John Leader's GT (now sold and in the EU)and Scott Sloan's IM. That's just an opinion and a non-expert one at that.

Expect a p-mail tomorrow when I catch up on mail.

Jim, Nice hearing from you. This build is just a short few weeks away and Im still trying to get my thoughts together . I want to make this as easy as I can for Henry, so knowing exactly what I want beforehand is key. I love the Leston that GB had, Dale's original is beautiful, as is the Derrington. The horn button is important as I dont want some of the junk out there. Henry and I have spoken about it. He's been great, up to his eyeballs in getting some other builds out the door. Happy Holidays and good health!

Howard,

Remember that there was a change in the number of splines on the steering wheel shaft between the "A" cars and the "B" cars. Porsche model year 1960 went with fewer, more course "splineage". The splineage on the 911 shaft, if that is what Henry is using will have the course splines (I think).

If you use an early 356 shaft or early VW shaft (not sure what year VW is the changeover) you can use the original VDM and some of the wood wheels.

I guess what it comes down to is find a wheel you like and find out what the splineage is and then use that splined shaft. I think that Henry can cut/weld any spline on any shaft. So if you want a Ford or GM wheel, you can have that too!!!

It is a moveable feast!

What do you think of this wheel. e-bay# 140061440538. I can get it below the buy it now. Probably around 6 hundred. Beautiful condition. Original, love the indents on the reverse side. Is it worth it?

You can get the large diameter Nardi for a lot less than that; Jjr got it and the adapter hub from a dealer in Canada for a great price; maybe he can jump in and give you the contact info.

This can be correct, can it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=003&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=130052999098&rd=1,1

How about a 1964 steering wheel. It is not a 1954 as the seller stated. I would guess it is a data entry error.

Well boys, Im now the proud owner of that original Derrington that I bid on got it for 550. Now Henry can hang some original switchgear on the column. Looking good for an early summer delivery.June? Have to still nail down color. I dont want to decide until I have to. Love playing with all this stuff.

One thing Howard - if you wind up using an adaptor it will add about 3" to the length of the steering column. When Steve set our column, he set it exactly where he wanted it.

Then decided he wanted another wheel so he bought the wheel and an adaptor. Then he HATED where it was placed and the fix was surprisingly complicated...

So whatever wheel you want to use, run it past IM to help choose the column (if choice is available) and length if necessary to compensate for an adaptor where needed.
angela

Hi Steve, I spoke with Henry before the purchase. While this is an original A Derrington, Henry can fabricate a column which can be adapted for me specifically or modify an original if need be. But your right, fit is everything. I plan on going to Vancouver at the end of May to be fitted and make sure the seats, steering wheel are comfortable. Im 5'10 so this isnt a stretch, since Henry is the same size.

Sorry, I mean Angela!

Hello guys. I think this is my first post. I've been a lurker for some time though. This is my subject, so I thought I would chime in. However, I don't know if the rules allow for vendors. I'll be happy to answer any questions about steering wheels if invited.

Regards,
Mike Lempert
http://www.lempertwheels.com

Mike, Beautiful wheels. I wish I knew about you before I purchased my original Derrington. I'll keep you in mind for any people who are looking.

Mike, Those steering wheels belong in museums or on display in fine homes: they're works of art ! ! !

Elegant and simply beautiful ! ! ! ! !

Thank you very much, guys. This is a passion for me. After retiring from my first career, I decided to join hobbies - woodworking and classic cars - and build a business around them. One thing that I do which is unique is to work with so many different woods. For me it is part of the fun. Over the nearly three years that I've been doing this I've created around 17 designs, mostly replicas of original wheels. My replicas, by the way, have all been copied from original wheels in precise detail. I'm always adding to the line and in fact have several more on the way. Included in those on the way is a Les Leston replica suitable for Porsche. Additionally, I'm close to offering a replica of the VDM Carrera 2 teak wheel. I guarantee this to be the most accurate replica available. The original wheels sell for $3000, give or take for condition. Lastly, I'm working on a special wheel for the replica makers. You very well may see it soon offered as standard on 356 replicas.

All that aside, I'll be happy to share with you any information on steering wheels appropriate for classic Porsches. There is factual information and there is opinion, I have both.

Regards,
Mike Lempert

Howard: I'm surprised Henry didn't mention something. He has a couple of my wheels, including this one (on his personal car ?):
http://www.pbase.com/image/71575232

Regards,
Mike L.

Mike, Henry has his hands full so he cant baby-sit me when I go off on my own. I looked at Karmann Konnections/Bob Campbell in this country and was blown away by the prices of his wheels. Absolutely beautiful, but very expensive. Classico puts out nice ones also, but I came across an original Derrington for the "right" price and couldn't let go. I wish I had known about your site. Your wheels look beautiful and the price point is great, you'll sell a ton of them.

Howard: I may have misunderstood. I thought you had consulted with Henry. Anyway, you can't go wrong with an original wheel in good condition. Original wheels today get incredible amounts of money if they are something special. A real Derrington is worth having, although there are no markings on a Derrington to authenticate. Nardi wheels from the mid '60s and earlier are very nice wheels and have great value today. A real VDM wood wheel is of even greater value. Les Leston in the correct style for Porsche is also a prized wheel. Lots of choices.

I don't know any more about Karmann or Campbell other than what you have said. While Campbell makes his own, I believe Karmann and Classico are resellers. I handcraft everything myself and sell direct (although I do have resellers). My prices are very competitive, especially when you consider that each is made to order. I'll compare my quality to any out there.

Thanks again for the kind comments.

Regards,
Mike L.

Mike,
Beautiful wheels! I just might have to think a bit about a Derrington.
Keep up the great work! BTW, have you talked with John Steele at JPS?

As if Mike Lempert's stunning pictures of steering wheel art don't already speak for themselves, I can personally vouch for Mike's quality, response, and personal attention to your requirements.

I shopped "forever", looking for the style and size that was right for me. Somehow (I don't even remember how) I stumbled across Mike Lempert. We emailed back and forth a couple of times and a month later I had exactly the perfect wheel I imagined -- made totally custom from scratch -- at about the same price as an ordinary production Nardi or Moto Lita.

Mark

P.S. Hi Mike! I love my wheel!!

I'll second Mark's post.
I have one of Mike's wheels on my personal car. African Rosewood w/ exposed rivets... simply beautiful workmanship.

Thanks Terry, Mark, and Carey for the kind words. Mark, glad to see you're still motoring about. You were an early customer. As you can see from my website, things have moved along nicely. Terry, no, I don't know John Steele. However, as you might guess from his above comment, I'm working to win Carey's business.

Regards,
Mike Lempert

Mike , I just got the original Derrington that I purchased. It looks great, wood in fabulous condition. There are a couple of nicks,scatches in the metal frame. would it be possible to have it polished out and restored to "new". They really are very minor , considering the age of the wheel. BUT, I want it to be perfect. Maybe original is not always the smart move.

Be very carefull, it might be clear anodized (like the side trim on Speedsters) or have some kind of factory finish to prevent/reduce oxidation and retain the original polished surface.

If you cut/sand/steelwool through that, to smooth out the nicks, you'll have dull spots which won't polish back up to the original finish, and the orignal finish will become scratched as well. You'll end up with a blotched and scratched finish.

But no nicks . . .

You may have to send it off to a professional. I ruined a Moto Lita once . . . .

I use Eagle polish wadding on the bright stuff like the steering wheel. It doesn't take much.