Going out to look at a bird(56 Tbird) today and I know the steering wheel has cracks all the way round. Who has used a restoration co.? Or should I try one of those restore kits from Eastwood?

Robert

that would depend on what you can afford.if you send it out you may get a better job.if you do it yourself,you will save money

Robert,

I had mine restored earlier this year for my 68 by a guy named Doug Lepak. He did what he claimed he'd do: restore it to it's original condition.

Here's his website:

http://members.shaw.ca/stwheels/index.htm

It cost me $636.00 Canadian but was totally worth it. Here are some pics:

NICE LOOKING WHEEL.HOW MUCH DOES HE CHARGE?

Terry,

He charged me $636.00 Canadian, which is about $600.00 US at today's rates.

Mine was cracked all the way around at the base of the spokes. That's all gone now - it truly does look brand new.

nice wheel,but not cheap.i was hoping i could send him some wheels to restore so i can resell them redone but not many bird owners will spend that kind of money or should i say,not many have that much extra money.either way.he did a good job for you

Thanks for the info and link Mark.
We picked up the "bird" yesterday and been having fun with her.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d903b3127cce8784f7ca8a9700000026108CcMmzVo1bK

The wheel is not that bad so it'll wait till all the mechanical issues are taken care of. Meanwhile she runs and drives pretty well for a 51 year old car.

Robert

Lucky guy....nice!

Nice ride, Robert!

What condition is the paint in? Looks good from the picture.

Thanks, Mark. It's in pretty bad condition actually. I mean its all covered in the same color but it sort of looks like an old original paint job. I'd say about a 15 footer with my bad eyes. Doesn't quite look like somebody painted it with a brush but almost. We took it to a show in Danville with the TBird club on Thursday(the wife's first with her own car). It was kind of funny standing back watching as people walked down the row of all 7 55-57 birds. We were last in the line. Alot of people would glance at the beautiful finished ones then stop and do a walk around of our rough one. We even picked up the paper today and there's a pic of my wife and daughter looking it over. What a crack up.

Robert