Topic: Steering wheel for 1300/124

[zippyfiat]

I need a correct steering wheel for a Fiat Abarth 1300/124, like in these photos below.

Thanks,
Gil

[grant gauld]

Gil,
      This wheel is in fact quite rare.You have the 'Abarth' logo towards the centre instead of towards the bottom of the bottom spoke.Your horn button has a sharp ramp edge from button to wheel unlike the  later 'bulbous/rounded' shaped edge to the button rim.The button must have have a metal trim piece.(Very rare).
 Small details but they do make a difference.
 The close alternative is a lot more common and genuine Abarth but later in period,and...cheaper.
 Just a tip when you go shopping.
 Good luck,Grant Gauld

[degruch]

Here's a close alternative from a fellow forumite (I would love this AND the OT oil pan - but my bank account tells me 'no').

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Vintage-Fiat-Abarth-OT1000-Spider-Steering-Wheel_W0QQitemZ260316607623QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item260316607623&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A727%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 [nofollow]

Cheers,
Duane

[guy moerenhout]

I thinks its a good one

[degruch]

The centre horn button is very faded. I might consider stretching the budget for a purchase, but does anyone know if replica horn buttons are available? Appears to need some work, but noting too bad.

Cheers,
Duane

[viotti600]

I might consider stretching the budget for a purchase, but does anyone know if replica horn buttons are available?

  Yes, replica horn buttons are available, but usually only have the later style scorpion, not the early type scorpion as seen on the horn button on the steering wheel in that auction.

FYI, the same seller (me) also has one of the replica horn buttons for sale separately:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260317875210

  It all comes down to a matter of personal taste, whether one wants the correct/original style items for their car or just new-looking items. Personally, I'd rather have the faded-but-correct items on my own car, but that's just my own preference.

[degruch]

Did you pick this one up Gil?

I missed out (last minute change of mind, but couldn't bid high enough), but would be interested if anyone else has another.

Cheers,
Duane

[zippyfiat]

Yes, I could not resist.  J.S. usually sells only genuine good old junk so I thought this would be a lot better than the stock 850 wheel that came with my car.  Actually, I have to thank J.S. for supplying me with a number of super rare parts already for my project.  I should have bought the other wheel he had for sale in the photo I posted above, a couple of years or so ago.

Hmm, to keep the faded, but original horn button, or to install a shiny new , but not-quite-correct replica?

Gil

[degruch]

Ah, good work...I like happy endings. I wasn't the second to last bid, so I'm not responsible for the final price...

Glad you got it.

Cheers,
Duane

[grant gauld]

Gil,
      You can polish the original.It just takes patience.In Australia we have a product called Brasso its a fine polish like toothpaste,this works well as will the finest wet-dry sandpaper.I have had to do it to irreplaceable tail lenses before.It takes time but you will be amazed at how clear you can make the plastic in the end.
 Worth a try ?
 Grant

[zippyfiat]

Hi Grant, yes we have Brasso here too.  It's been around for centuries I think.  I think that the white houshold cleaning paste might work  too, as a cutting paste.  It might be a bit too coarse though, so I'd have to try it on a scrap piece of plastic first.  I think it goes by various names.

It looks like the leather on the back needs re-gluing.  I'm not sure what type of glue to use.  Contact cement perhaps?  I also wonder if there are steeering wheel restoration places out there?

Duane, speaking of outbidding, this practice needs to stop amongst we enthusiasts!  I got caught up in bidding up the price of some items against someone from here recently.    Maybe we need a buying agent somewhere, lol.

Gil

[degruch]

Gil, I'm sorry, you're right...I'm all up for co-operation between enthusiasts, just changed my mind at the last minute. Although, my final bid was nowhere near the final price (was stretching it thinking I could afford the item at the moment), I should have dropped you a PM first.

An agent hey? Hmmm...sounds like we just need to drop Jeff or Grant an email first, between 'em they've got everything!

Good luck with the 1300/124, it'll look great with that wheel.

Duane

[degruch]

If anyone else out there has one of these, I'm looking to purchase one now also! PM me if you have one for sale.

Cheers,
Duane

[guy moerenhout]

Berni have them back in his programe

[degruch]

Thanks Guy,

Unfortunately, Berni won't deal direct with Australian customers and won't respond - I don't even know what his prices are.

I must look elsewhere.

Cheers,
Duane

[zippyfiat]

Duane, I thought BM had an Australian agent.  Accoring to one of his catalogues, it's Italian Auto Spares in Hornby, tel. 61 413999071.  You could always try the US agent, Judge Parking Racing at www.judgeparkerracing.com.

Gil

[guy moerenhout]

I will ask for you ?