Dick,
If you want to repair the wood there are glues/adhesives that are stronger
then the wood itself. There are 2 part marine epoxy adhesives that are used
to fabricate masts and hulls that are extremely strong and will penetrate
the wood fiber to insure good adhesion and strength. Two popular brands
are WEST Systems (for Wood Epoxy Saturation Treatment) and Epiglass
from Interlux.com. Both are extremely strong adhesives and are clear. It
would be the best option to fill and fair the chips and would not come out.
If the laminated pieces of the wheel can be disassembled you may want
to do so and re- laminate the entire wheel to improve strength. Do not use
polyester or other glues as they are not as strong. These products are
available
from marine suppliers and mail order houses like BoatUS and West Marine
Stores.
Are far as the debate on the safety of wooden wheels I will leave that to
your discretion. I use a wooden wheel. Your choice but if you choose to
restore the wheel yourself I believe the above is the strongest and safest
way to go.
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard E. Buckingham, Jr. <rebjrmd@ix.netcom.com>
To: <vintage-race@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2000 12:05 PM
Subject: Re: Nardi wood rimmed steering wheels
> Listers, I am restoring a 1960 Taraschi Formula Jr. The steering wheel
> (original) was made by Nardi. The wood (as near as I can tell) was made
of
> one or more thin pieces of wood which were wrapped around the rim. What
> has happened is part of this wood has chipped out leaving 1/8 in. slit
like
> voids which have been filled with filler, which has also chipped out. I
> think that the wood would either need to be replace entirely or perhaps
> small piece could be spliced in. If anyone has any thoughts on this
> subject or better yet, any experience with some talented wood worker who
> has done this sort of thing in the past, I would be very appreciative for
> the referral.
> Dick Buckingham, Jr.
>
> >
>
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