Steering wheel restoration

[CJ]

I'd like to restore this steering wheel for use on my boat (not the chain drive part). Does anyone know where I can get a missing spindle bolt and its bottom ring? I'm assuming it's made of bronze, is that a fair assumption? Where can I buy a bronze rod (that I can machine to fit)? Where can I get the teak handles for this? I found some at Hamilton's, but they were too short and the bored hole was too small. The wheel was made by Wilcox Crittenden, but they haven't responded to my questions yet. BTW, anyone have a guess as to how old this thing is? Also, what is the best way to restore the finish? Thanks. http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid117/p2dde0fae1faf72dcc40f4a49cd413174/f8a1841d.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid117/pb4dd7d10139a589e758323ac25f0407d/f8a1841e.jpg

[Stiletto]

It looks like a not too expensive commision for a local semi pro woodturner for the handles.
If you cant get an exact match for the bronze pin you could use the slight difference for marking the uppermost spoke in the 'straight ahead' position.

[ 05-26-2004, 04:19 AM: Message edited by: Stiletto ]

[JimConlin]

With any luck, a bronze carriage bolt can be doctored to do the job. Start the search with StaFast.

[nedL]

CJ, I may be able to help out. I sent you an email.

[Paul Scheuer]

There have been several similar wheels on eBay recently. They usually show up without the mechanism, intended for "decoration". Most are in slightly better shape.

[John/Kathy]

I have the same one on our upper helm station and it is on a 1939 Monk Sr. LRT. So who knows the age but seems like it could be from the 30's..

Kathy