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<DIV>While I was once a regular reader and participant in this email list, I
rarely have the time anymore to read the digests I receive. I do sometime scan
through the subject before filing the digest email. I just happened to do that
and noticed the discussion about steering wheel refinishing. </DIV>
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<DIV>There is much I can write and when I do I typically transgress into all
kinds of related trivia, but I will try to avoid that. But first some
comments about the original poster’s wheel. It is indeed a Derrington type, but
it is very difficult to know whether it came from Derrington or from another of
a few makers. Moto-Lita was certainly one of the makers and they did sell wheels
as Derringtons. I can usually tell a Moto-Lita by the workmanship if not the
quality of the ply laminate. A rivet poorly aligned with a spoke is an
indication of Moto-Lita. In this case it is something else that I find
unusual. Notice how the nine mounting holes are misaligned with the spokes. That
was either a very poorly done job from new or it was a wheel sold without holes
which allowed the owner to drill and maybe misalign intentionally... or
accidentally. More can be read about Derrington in my blog here, although
the information is not exhaustive: <A
title=http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/victor
href="http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/victor">http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/victor</A>
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<DIV>Refinishing or restoring these type rims is difficult due to the time and
exposure effects and also the limitations of the wood grain in spots as
explained in my blog. It is always a judgment call whether to restore or replace
the rim. I have recently completed one rare Victor Derrington for a Healey and
am working on another for a Jag XK. The Healey rim was worth saving because it
was in relatively good shape, but the Jag had to be replaced mostly due to bad
work performed earlier. The old wood, mahogany and obeche, especially the
obeche colors gets muddled over time and no longer displays the original
contrasting colors, but can still look nice as an obviously old and original
rim.</DIV>
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<DIV>I do not use chemicals for stripping rims, I use a very sharp razor as a
scraping tool, being careful to scrape in the angle of the grain not to damage –
you can feel it, but laminates will have grain going in multiple directions, so
care is needed. Only after fully removing the finish will I do any amount
of sanding, and never so much as to remove much wood. I do most of the sanding
by spinning the wheel on a lathe, but obviously not the rear where the grips
appear. In this case with the Healey version, we went through more heroic
efforts to save the wood. It was scrubbed with a toothbrush using ammonia and
then bleach two times. Still, the colors were muddled, but better. After
neutralizing the cleaners and sanding again just to smooth any raised grain, it
was given the new finish. I have read that the original finishing was french
polish, or at least at some point in time (Derrington, not necessarily
Moto-Lita). While you can select whatever method you are comfortable or
desire, I use a UV cure clear finish. Over the years I’ve used a number of
finishes, but for the amount of work I do now I have moved to this UV system
which I find to be excellent in every way. I would also recommend Waterlox at
least for a sealer if not topcoat also. It is a wipe on tung and resin mix. I
have also used General Finishes water based (only after the Waterlox seal)
Enduro-Var gloss. It can only be applied after the sealer has dried fully. It
typically took five coats with sanding in between. It dries quickly and feels
great when done. I always polished the rim on the lathe after finishing to
smooth out perfectly and give the desired amount of shine/sheen. </DIV>
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<DIV>This is the Victor Derrinton after all was done (UV cure), but prior to the
metal being cleaned and final polishing: <A
title=http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/smalley
href="http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/smalley">http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/smalley</A></DIV>
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<DIV>Happy New Year</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Mike Lempert</DIV>
<DIV>Lempert Wheels</DIV>
<DIV>‘56 BN2</DIV>
<DIV>‘59 BN7</DIV>
<DIV>‘60 Bugeye</DIV>
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