Jim Davis says:
> Triumph changed the TR6 steering wheel spokes from a matte black finish
> to a brushed metal finish sometime in 1969. 1972 models would not be
> "correct"
> with black spokes. The early '69 cars probably had leather covered rims,
> but none of the silver spoked wheels I've seen have leather rims.
> If anyone can confirm that they have an authentic, factory supplied,
> leather rimed, silver spoked, US spec. TR6 steering wheel, I would very
> much like a photo of this wheel. Just so we can put this one to bed.
> Jim Davis
> Fortson, GA
Jim, I researched the steering wheel shortly after I bought the car ('72
TR6). Aside from the leather question, American TR6's from 1970 to 1972 (CC
series cars) had a 15" steering wheel with slotted *black* spokes. RHD cars
had silver spokes. A number of changes were introduced in the 1973 model,
including a 14.5" steering wheel with silver spokes. But you don't have to
take my word for it. Here's Bill Piggot in _Original Triumph TR4/4A/5/6_,
pg. 98:
"Upon introduction, the TR6 had a black, 15" steering wheel with non-padded
spokes, each spoke having holes of increasing diameter towards the centre,
while the padded hub contained six visible bolts around its perimeter. The
Triumph shield was retained. This type of wheel was short-lived, as cars
from the 1970 model year (CP-50001 onwards) had a wheel with a silver
anodized finish and spokes with slots, not holes. US SPECIFICATION 1970
MODEL YEAR CARS FROM CC 50001 ALSO HAD A SLOTTED WHEEL, BUT IT HAD A BLACK
ANODISED FINISH INSTEAD OF SILVER. The arrival of the CR series [CF series
in the US] TR6s at the end of 1972 brought a new 14.5" steering wheel with
slightly thicker rim padding, central boss padding with fake stitching
instead of the previoius smooth finish, and white 'Triumph' lettering on the
horn push." [end quote]
In other words, for US models from '70-'72, a 15" wheel with black spokes
and a "shield" horn push, and from '73 onward, a 14.5" wheel with silver
spokes and 'Triumph' lettering on the horn push. This is the correct
documentation. And of course, my car has the black anodized spokes, being a
completely original '72 U.S. example.
As to the leather rim, that has been comfirmed by others on the list and by
a specialist in auto-uphosltery in my local area. It is also documented in
_Triumph TR6_ by William Kimberley, pg. 143 as a "leather rim". This goes
for all model years. The wheel is also described by other sources as having
a leather rim. The Pres. of my local Triumph club has a later model wheel
with the silver spokes and a leather rim. I'm not sure why you believe the
rim isn't leather (unless you expect it to be brown leather)---but I have to
say I was uncertain at first also. It's because it isn't particularly
obvious, as it might be with a custom leather add-on. As was pointed out on
the list, the stitching tends to become melded into the seam over time. I
(and the auto-upholsterer) confirmed with a needle that the stitches are
real. Also, the black leather is wrapped tightly over a foam core that
gives it a rubber-like feel when you squeeze the rim. The leather itself is
smooth and has little texture.
Phil Haldeman
haldeman@accessone.com
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