Period correct way to wrap a steering wheel?

Hey gang I am interested in wrapping the rim of the steering wheel in my `41 Coupe for a couple reasons. First to make it a bit more "grippy" and increase it's gauge diameter so it's a little more comfortable (hopefully) to my nerve damaged hands. This car goes on plenty of long drives so I'd like to improve this aspect if possible. The second reason is because the rim of the wheel is fairly worn and cracked and I'd like to preserve what I still have till I can find a better wheel or refurbish this one.

I have seen some interesting wraps on some early stock cars and moonshine vehicles. In keeping with the flavor of my coupe I'd like to use the traditional materials and old methods to accomplish this. I would like to avoid the cheesy parts store covers. So friends if you know how it was done or better yet if you have some pics I can look at I would definately appreciate it. Thanks!

 

Why don't you redo the wheel if you like it that much? I know somebody on here did one and it came out great. I think they used some kind of epoxy but not sure. Might try and do a search and see what you come up with.....

 

Don't know if it period correct.

http://www.wheelskins.com/gallery_pop.php?entry=15. Original Oak on 1946 Ford Wheel.jpg

 

what about a piece of buckskin or something, have it wrapped by an upholstery place, i'ts not that much

 

I've seen friction tape used but when it gets hot it gets real sticky,,electricians will give it the 'ol Moonshine runners look. HRP

 

Check this thread:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=576060&highlight=string+wrap

 

I have no idea how "period correct" this was but the old 36 wheel for my 33 ford pickup was in bad shape..first I bent up a new smaller diameter rim from steel rod and welded it to the stainless spokes...cut the old rim off with a cut-off "zippy" wheel.....I cut a length of 5/8ths garden hose [!] and slit it down one side....coated the new rim with "gorilla glue" and taped it all up till it dried.
I bought one of those gray leather auto-parts store covers and laced it over the hose...looked alright and was nice and fat for my hands..yeah, I know it was kinda rat-rod oriented but hey, it worked and looked ok.

 

Also google wrapping sailboat wheels

 

I think the best thing to do would be to consider what they would have had available to wrap one back in the day, they sure wouldn't have had fancy leather, if they had hide from a deer they might use it, or as mentioned the tape, no self respecting moonshiner from the hills is going to use something fancy from the store, that would be a waste of money, they were too resourceful for that

 

that looks great

 

Thanks guys that's all really good advice.

 

they used to sell a fuzzy steering wheel wrap. Buy one of those along with a fuzzy mirror wrap and you're stylin'

 

I dunno about period correct (what period? lol), but back in the 60's/70's wheel wraps were available that were perforated leather and laced with a plastic lace. I've been looking for some, but cant seem to find any. Anyone have a source?

 

Wow! noob mistake! I just posted on a thread that was inserted in this thread!
I'm really not drinking too much mom!
Anyway, have you considered these guys? www.wheelskins.com These guys make a leather cover for just about any wheel out there, and they are nice quality.
The leather wrapped wheel goes back much farther than any of us alive, so I believe it's traditional. And it's more comfortable and classier looking inmyarrogentopinion.
I've used several of them on builds, and they always turn out nice. One in particular, a 65 Biscayne, looked so good most of my friends thought is was factory!?!
Go to their website and check out the vintage wheels before you say no.

Sorry, lostforawhile, missed your post.....