Rebuilding Steering Wheel

[Ashley James]

Someone in Australia told me not to use Pearlcraft and they are twice
the price of Myrtle who does mostly R-R, Bentley and Jaguar woodwork
and steering wheels. Lots of owners of these cars have jewellery that
scratches the lacquer. I don't but my steering wheel is flexible in
all directions unlike the later ones. I understand this was because
Brooklands was extremely bumpy as were the cars of that era (so is the
400 for that matter!) and it made it easier to hold on to the steering
wheel at speed. I had a racing AJS motorcycle that was fitted with
handlebars like a small car leaf spring for the same reason.

I'd definitely use Myrtle for the job and I think he is as good as any
you'll find, Bluemells Brooklands wheels aside and I don't know a
solution for those.

Rich has completely rebuilt a couple of 400 seats for Ivor Thomas's
car and it is a hell of a lot better than the standard ones but
higher. The springs were too weak in the original, there was nothing
underneath to support them, there wasn't enough horsehair padding and
the backrest gave no lumbar support at all. He partly rebuilt mine
using the original Bristol cover, but it's not the same as a complete
job, so if I can find some of the original Moquette (we have a source
of original type leather) I'll get the whole thing done because it
will transform the car. It goes like stink and cruises at well over
eighty, but needs to be more comfortable IMO.

Ash