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Are Reproduction Stock Steering Wheels Decent Quality?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 71CJ54WD, Jun 4, 2020.

  1. Jun 4, 2020
    71CJ54WD

    71CJ54WD Sponsor

    DC
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    May 3, 2018
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    Getting ready to mock mount my stock steering wheel to my column and I got thinking maybe it would be a good idea to buy a new reproduction one. Are they good quality? My stock wheel is strong and straight just has the typical cracking at the base of the spokes. I think Crown and/or Omix has a repop and they're so cheap (I think like $75).
     
  2. Jun 4, 2020
    Lilbuff63

    Lilbuff63 Member 2022 Sponsor

    Sonoma County Ca
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    I put one in my ‘58 from Kaiser Willys, it’s only been in use for 6 months but seems good. I guess only time will tell! It installed fine, splines lined up and everything.
     
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  3. Jun 4, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Nov 22, 2003
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    I filled the cracks on mine with JB Weld & it's held up very well.

    I guy I know has taken one old wheel & dissolved the covering into acetone then used the resulting paste to fill cracks on other wheels, also with good results.

    Not the same material but I bought a repro wheel for our vw bug 7-8 years ago, it's so close to original factory quality it's cracked in all the same places the original did. :D
     
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  4. Jun 4, 2020
    Lilbuff63

    Lilbuff63 Member 2022 Sponsor

    Sonoma County Ca
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    Jan 12, 2014
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    I’m sure yours is a little different but this looks exactly like my stock steering wheel. 147ED653-EE3A-4E91-8BEF-8A71B171BEC9.jpeg
     
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  5. Jun 4, 2020
    Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2024 Sponsor

    Big Island on...
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    I have a repop going on 5 years, no issues. The only difference is the look of the horn button. I bought it off eBay.
     
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  6. Jun 5, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    I also bought what is likely the same wheel as Beach66Bum above. Its a nice reproduction, but doesn't have the rounded groove to retain the rubber horn button. I took a worn down grinding wheel (about 1 3/4" dia) and cut my own groove. After that, its just like the original Shellar, only doesn't have the "Shellar" in the oval recess for the name.
    Be aware there are large and small horn button differences on these wheels.
    -Donny
     
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  7. Jun 5, 2020
    71CJ54WD

    71CJ54WD Sponsor

    DC
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    Thanks all. I like the recessed horn button. I could cut a groove for it but then I'm back to working on the wheel. I think I will just fill mine in black epoxy and smooth. If needed can sand and just paint the spokes in gloss but I am not too particular just want the cracks filled semi-level.
     
  8. Jun 5, 2020
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    Oct 21, 2012
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    I repaired mine with no problem, and because it was a little bit greasy, I have put talc on it, now perfect.
    I must say that the brand of the talc was "Guerlain", sorry, I am French.
     
  9. Jun 5, 2020
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    I bought a repop wheel, have manual steering and it's been in use for 5 or 6 years now. I filled and painted the original but it always seemed 'gummy'. I would buy another reproduction wheel in a heartbeat.
     
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  10. Jun 7, 2020
    1967 CJ5A

    1967 CJ5A Mike 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Raleigh, NC
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    May 12, 2012
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    I have been dealing with black stains on my hands and paints from a disintegrating wheel since I bought my Jeep. I finally got around to buying a new wheel. I went with the Crown branded one, which I found for $65. I'll report back when it arrives.
     
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