E-Type steering wheel

[DJames]

Recently purchased a new steering wheel (wood had shattered on the old one) for my '69 E. New wheel came with a packet of 6 Allen flat head screws and nuts. I removed the horn button and found the the original wheel is held to the hub by what looks like flat head rivets, maybe? Before I screw something up, is the wheel riveted to the hub and if so do you just grind or try to drill out the rivet from the back hub side?

Thanks,
dj

 

[Grantura_MKI]

I would purchase a new boss(hub) for the wheel, as your old one can be restored.
Yes, they are riveted from the factory. Is the new wheel a copy of the original, or a Nardi, etc??

 

[DJames]

Got it from Welsh Ent. Looks very much like the original. My old one had some cracks in the wood and one day I had a mini Mag light in my right front jeans pocket. When I exited the car the Maglight caught on the wheel and shattered the wood. That could be restored?
Thanks,
dj

 

[Grantura_MKI]

If you have the pieces of wood, it can be done.
Just do a Maserati wheel that was broken in several places along with the inlay missing bits. A better alternative than spending 4K on a new one!

 

[DJames]

I think I will take your advise and buy a new hub. I believe I have all the pieces of the old one (I have it wrapped in one of those fake leather lace on covers so I can use it). Can you recommend a company that could renew it?
Thanks
dj

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Good idea.
I do wheels on the cars I restore, but don’t do outside work as I am always busy.
Have a look in Hemings motor news in the services offered section.
Good luck.

 

[DJames]

Great, I'll check Hemmings and do some web surfing.
Thanks,
dj