Re-rimmed S2 steering wheel

[RotoFlexible]

My steering wheel's rim was split beyond my ability to repair. I sent the wheel to Mike Lempert in S. Carolina for restoration. He recommended fabricating a metal rim welded to the three original spokes, and building up a new wood rim around that internal metal rim. I asked Mike to increase the rim thickness slightly, but otherwise maintain original appearance. I sent along the radio blanking plate so he could match the finish on the dash.

After quite a long wait, the wheel came back. I sanded the hub to bare metal and re-sprayed in Satin Black, and got a reproduction horn push (not quite right for an S2) from RD Enterprises. I'm very pleased with the results. The new rim feels more substantial in my hands than the original without appearing different, and won't impale me in the event of a crash. For everyday driving, I prefer the original diameter to the 13" boy-racer wheel I've been using in the interim. I kept the original rim in case some future owner wants it, but this solution works well for me.

[Jeff@Jae]

Looks fantastic and I really like the engineering fix with a full metal rim along with the thicker wood. What's the contact number for Mr. Lambert ? Cost ?

[65sunbeam]

How long did he take to finish your wheel?
My previous experience with him was not a good one. Good luck.

[RotoFlexible]

Mike Lempert's (not Lambert) number is 843 856 7542, and he's on-line at
http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/wheels. Cost was $510 including shipping. (A lot, I know.)

It took about 18 months to get the wheel back, and communication during that time was poor. Looking around on line, I found others who reported the same experience.