Pearlcraft-style Steering wheels

I have a custom steering wheel I picked up from DogDish here on the HAMB that I've spent a lot of time making it really nice. All microscopic cracks are gone, I've wet sanded it and primered it several times. I've been thinking about sending it to Pearlcraft in Australia but just saw a thread that mentioned some discoloring from people who've had the process done on their wheels. Mine will be going on a roadster and will definitely will see a lot of daylight. They sound like a great company to deal with but I'm wondering if there is anyone else here in the states performs the same or a similar service. Between the shipping to AU and the price for the process, it might be wise to explore other options first. Any suggestions?

 

Looks great. What kind of finish are you looking for? Why not just base/clear it?

 

The finish that Pearlcraft achieve is a marbled pearl, like many of the shift knobs we sell. I wnat to try and match my wheel to a custom shift knob. At the end of the day, aint nothing wrong with a two-stage basecoat/clearcoat, but those Pearlcraft wheels are stunning.

 

I had them do the wheel in my 57 eldorado several years ago still looks great. Roger

 

Not sure how practical that is but it looks cool as hell...

 

Ive been waiting for a DIY Pearlcraft tech thread for years now.

 

I would be interested in this too if there is someone in the states that does a similar treatment.

 

True dat, Falcongeorge. It's going in a fairly light car, a Model A roadster. I'm thinking of running a 10:1 ratio steering box on it to minimize the need to really crank the wheel a bunch. Hopefully won't be too much of a bear...

really

 

I had a local Ozzie business do the wheel on my '66 GTA Fairlane convertible and recently for my '46 Olds. Drove the convertible for years with the roof down with no issues and it's damn hot down here. Just as good IMHO and cheaper.
http://www.pearlfinishing.com.au/

 

It appears no one in the US perform this type of service. I was really hoping to avoid the high price of shipping it all the way to AU. Well, guess I better figure something out.

 

IIRC, Jdee, from woodgrain.com, played around with duplicating that type of finish. I'm sure it can be done, just play around with some different techniques of applying the pearl. Just need some imagination!

 

Eagerly watching to see if someone in the U.S. can duplicate this process. C'mon guys, some of you talented HAMBers should be more than capable.

 

Youy could look into hydro graphing, there are a bunch of patterns out there and then clear it after with your coice of pearl.

 

Never heard of hydro graphing. Do you have any examples or can you direct me to someone who does?

 

alot of this done on gun handles and such, might check with your local gun store

 

The whole pearling process is a closely guarded secret which you can understand. I am looking at having this done to my Caddy's wheel - it looks killer!

I did some research a few months ago and came across this thread below. It's not the same as the pearlcraft finish, in finish or look - however it's as close as I found and I am keen to give it a try just to see how it turns out. I can always sand it off before I send it to pearlcraft to have it done properly!

http://www.fbekholden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8344

 

Thats what I was thinking, I have not seen anything that they cannot do with this stuff! Jim

 

how pricey is pearlcraft? anyone have one done and care say? they look awsome!

 

google "hydrographics" and you can see them doing it.click on video. it's very cool. when you see a wood grained dash in a new car, thats how it was done. also the band "chris isaak", his guitar player has a fender stratocaster and amp.that has been wrapped in pearl, all the contours, it's very nice.

 

This looks really cool 49cadi. Keep us updated if you attempt it

http://www.fbekholden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8344[/QUOTE]

 

Will do Tin Can - hoping to tackle this in the next month. I don't think it will be as schmick as a Pearlcraft but it will be a fun thing to try!

 

the star liner we did has one they sure look good

 

http://www.qualityrestorations.com/customwheels.html

this business may be able to help, i've never used their services just saw them at a car show.

Ross

 

I just watched a few videos on hyrographics. Pretty cool. I wonder if it could be done on a steering wheel, though. Nice tip 49CaddyClub coupe. Let's keep this thread going. I don't know what the Pearlcraft process costs. Maybe Kirk! will shed some light. I'll try PMing him.

 

I am no expert, only know what I have dug up through researching the process. There are two companies in Australia that do it. Pearlcraft ( in NSW) and Pearl Finishing (in Queensland). Both easily found with a google.

I think pricing is pretty close for both and is around $360 for basics to $500 for a two colour,..repairs etc are on top. Not cheap but they do look good,..

 

That hydro process is pretty neat...been around a while, but like so many tech advances we've seen, they typically don't have that "something" that a truly crafted process possesses. Even if a pearl look is available, I really doubt it would have the iridescence and depth that's achieved by this highly guarded skill. I for one would love to see it being done!

 

Dennis does BEAUTIFUL work...but be prepared to pay, they do wheels for the high end (Pebble Beach) restoration shops.

 

Anybody ever tried using Alsa brand 'Crazer' paint? Looks like you can get all kind of different effects with it.



Alsacorp

 

There used to be one in Melbourne called Pearlcote. Not sure if they still exist. Price would be similar. I had one done 20 years ago for the ol' '57. It was around $250 back then.

 

I honestly don't remember the price for sure, but it may have been around $250-$300. They are pretty good with their email responses, so try them.