Update on my wheel search... I decided to try out another reproduction wheel that looked in pics much more like the oem wheels I've had or seen previously. I ordered a 67-68 walnut sim wood wheel from OPGI (i know, i know...) and it arrived today. I have to say I am VERY happy with the quality and appearance of this wheel! And it arrived 5 business days from the day I ordered. I won't say it's a perfect reproduction but the finish is smooth as I feel it should be, the coloring is similar to what I feel it should be, and it actually looks like a wood grain rather than a hunk of brown plastic being passed off for wood. The weighting also feels better, lighter than other repros, that all seemed really heavy to me compared to oem. I'll post pics and more details later when I have some free time. This is a keeper, and I likely won't be looking for oem any longer.
Could you post a pic and the ordering details as I may have interest in purchasing one, what else do I need for the conversion as I have a standard 68 wheel now? Thanks
I ordered from OPGI: http://www.opgi.com/p/steering/19688/265/C990191.html OER website catalog(manufacturer): http://www.oerparts.com/Catalog/OER2012_Cat_Web.pdf Page 144 These are made in Taiwan, the quality of the workmanship is excellent. It doesn't look exactly the same as oem, but it looks GREAT, and I consider it an exceptionally nice reproduction. It totally blows away the junk repros out there for under $200. I paid $294 for this one. I suggest doing a google search for part # 9746195. You'll find better pricing elsewhere.
David, is it plastic Like the Original wheel ?Do you have a '68 horn contact ? I bought the last new one in the country I could find in 2010:idea2: DL
Don, it doesn't actually state in any catalog I've seen it in, what the material is. They just call it sim walnut wood wheel. It feels lighter to me than it should if it was plastic. On the backside there are 3 or 4 small diameter holes into the material, not sure what the purpose is of the holes. Looking in a hole, it appears it could be a composite wood material, but I can't really say for sure. I'm planning on emailing OER and asking them for specifics. FWIW, OER warranties it for 1 year. I believe you sold me a 68 contact a couple of years ago. ---------- Post added at 07:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:33 PM ---------- That one is Rosewood, not the walnut wheel that Buick offered.
Summit and Jegs sell this wheel also, just search for 9746195, about $275. OPGI grudgingly gave me a $20 credit to match those prices.
