308GT4 Steering wheel damage | FerrariChat
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308GT4 Steering wheel damage

Discussion in '308/328' started by rimmie, Sep 18, 2013.

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  1. rimmie

    rimmie Karting

    Aug 28, 2013
    71
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Joe S.
    #1 rimmie, Sep 18, 2013
    I recently purchased a 1975 308GT4 and I am having some trouble with the steering wheel. I believe it is the original 3-spoke Dino wheel, but it appears to have crack on the inner structure that is causing it to feel like a limp noodle from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock. Someone must have wrestled the steering wheel too hard while the vehicle was stationary (no PS).

    Is there anyone that repairs such damage? I would imagine that the leather would need to be removed, wheel repair structurally and then reassembled. I have no idea what the inner structure is made of but I must be some sort of plastic/composite. Replicas are inexpensive, but the original Dino wheels are command $2k plus. Any advice is appreciated.


    Cheers

    Joe
     
  2. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,638
    South East
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    Jimmie
    #2 greyboxer, Sep 18, 2013
    As I understand its all but impossible to even get the leather repaired so at least for the time being its probably worth getting a close replica so you can driver the car whilst you figure out what to do

    A picture might help others advise better
     
  3. rimmie

    rimmie Karting

    Aug 28, 2013
    71
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Joe S.
    #3 rimmie, Sep 18, 2013
    I think that is good advice. I can adapt the Dino horn button to the replica leather 3-spoke wheel for less than $500 and hang on to the wheel while I sort out options. It's really not safe driving around with the wheel in this condition. The damage amounts to a crack in the inner structure around 3 o'clock. The only thing hold on to the wheel in that section is the outer material. Feels very spongy....
     
  4. Red 27

    Red 27 Formula 3

    Feb 2, 2008
    1,002
    San Diego, Ca
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    Dave
    #4 Red 27, Sep 18, 2013
  5. rimmie

    rimmie Karting

    Aug 28, 2013
    71
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Joe S.
    #5 rimmie, Sep 19, 2013
    Thanks. I am wondering if the leather could be carefully peeled back to expose the cracked frame. The difficult part would be finding a compound to repair the frame with enough confidence that the crack would not return...particularly under bad circumstances (i.e. racing). I think either way, I am going to need a replica spare. Going to pick up one from Superformance. These guys have been great to deal with so far.
     
  6. DinoRossa

    DinoRossa Karting

    Nov 4, 2012
    65
    New Zealand
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    Chris Mulvena
    #6 DinoRossa, Sep 20, 2013
    I bought a new one from Superformance?? If they aren't orginal you could have fooled me, great price
     
  7. rimmie

    rimmie Karting

    Aug 28, 2013
    71
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Joe S.
    #7 rimmie, Sep 20, 2013
    I talked to Chloe at Superformance and I think am going to pick one up. Cheap enough and the only vendor I can find that carries the style like the original.

    I'm also think about retro-fitting 3 point front belts from Superformance to my 308GT4. It currently has 2-point racing lap belts. I'd like to have the 3rd point for a little extra crash safety :) I also need to figure out how to retrofit a seat belt in the rear for my 5 year old. I'm still digging around for pictures of what others have done for rear belts.
     
  8. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 3, 2002
    6,613
    Toronto / SoCal
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    Rob C.
    #8 Nuvolari, Sep 20, 2013
    I just went through this with a Dino wheel restoration.Steering wheel restoration is VERY expensive and there are very few people who can do it correctly. Unless you are adamant about originality AND are willing to pony up cash into the thousands, then buy a reproduction wheel. They are very nice, well priced, and most of the way there.

    Just to let you know the insides of the steering wheel are made of metal skinned in foam and then covered in leather. Because of the way the leather is stretched on, it is impossible to salvage it when removed. A broken rim is the most expensive type of restoration because it involves repairing or replacing all components of the wheel.
     
  9. Wonderbrad

    Wonderbrad Karting

    May 21, 2012
    170
    NYC
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    Bradley Price
    #9 Wonderbrad, Sep 20, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Momo made several wheels nearly the same shape as the OE wheel for the 308 GT4. If you are patient and not completely anal about originality, you can buy a similar/nearly identical wheel on ebay. I do not recommend restoring your wheel, because as was previously stated it is basically impossible to re-cover a vintage MOMO wheel to anywhere near original standards. Plus the modern leather we have now will not look as good as the original leather.

    Definitely just search ebay for the right wheel. I think a cool period MOMO like the Jackie Ickx, Clay Regazzoni or Niki Lauda wheel would be great. I found a black Gilles Villeneuve wheel for my 208 GT4 which is the exact correct shape as my missing OE wheel. Just has a thicker rim.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  10. Fave

    Fave F1 Rookie

    Aug 12, 2010
    4,157
    Tarana
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    L. Ike Hunt
    #10 Fave, Sep 20, 2013
    I would suggest not getting Superformance belts. They are generic, good for Ford's and GMs. Look for a set of NOS Klippan belts. They were widely used on Alfas. The parts are available.

    If you really want the Superformance ones I have a new set lying around I'll let go cheap.
     
  11. rimmie

    rimmie Karting

    Aug 28, 2013
    71
    Carlsbad, CA
    Full Name:
    Joe S.
    #11 rimmie, Sep 20, 2013
    I decided to hold off on the seat belts until I can identify a 3 point solution for the rear as well. I want to take my 5 year old for rides and there are currently no belts in the rear. I agree that the Superformance units look generic. I have already found a few other units. I will check your suggestion as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

    I also agree that the steering wheel is not worth repair. Maybe I will sell it for parts or make a really cool office clock out of it :)


    Cheers

    Joe
     

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