Putting Money Where My Mouth Is September 12, 2011, 02:28:12 PM Over the past couple of years there have been a few, sporadic cases of NOS steering wheels for our cars popping up on eBay. In my experience, steering wheels are typically one of the costliest restorations you can do on a car--any car, not just ours (it's just not typical for ours). So to find one NOS, in your color, correct for your car...that's just plain uncommon these days, and it saves the hassle of trying to restore yours.Naturally, a few of people have made comments about the money involved buying a NOS steering wheel. I retorted--consistently--that $200-300 US is actually a good price for one.Well...I followed my own advice recently:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-1984-1985-1986-Ford-Thunderbird-Steering-Wheel-/120764816932Now the proud owner of a 1984 A-frame wheel in Academy Blue, leather wrapped, with cruise control. Still has the clear plastic on the wheel. And I bought the correct NOS center section for it a few years ago. Total for both: $260 US.That's the price you can expect to pay if you're going to restore. I've yet to find wheels that sell for under $200, but anything is possible.I guess if you spend $300 for an entire car, and then see the price of NOS steering wheels, that's quite the sticker shock. LOLBut for those restoring, I think you'll agree that I paid a fair price.Just wanted to share, that's all. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #1 – September 12, 2011, 03:33:38 PM Looks great! If ya gotta have it, ya gotta have it, lol Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #2 – September 12, 2011, 04:08:26 PM Nice find. I would be afraid to use it, lol. Its so hard to find original parts for these things! Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #3 – September 12, 2011, 04:15:55 PM The stock wheel is actually pretty awesome for 107K miles. No scratches or peeling in the leather, and only the color has rubbed off in the usual locations. Otherwise it could pass for a very nice restoration wheel. I just bought this one because, for once, it met all my needs and was priced right.Eventually, when this car is restored, I will be able to pull all of the restoration parts from boxes or packages and apply them.You guys have NO idea what I've accumulated... Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #4 – September 12, 2011, 04:25:26 PM Good find Eric and reasonably priced for what I've seen out there. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #5 – September 12, 2011, 04:33:57 PM I would be afrid to drive with a NOS wheel for fear of wearing it.Mine is in really good shape though. The leather is intact, just a bit of wear, and it doesn't leak goo. Props for the NOS part. Now just keep the plastic wrap on it when you drive. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #6 – September 12, 2011, 05:28:57 PM I would be happy with a really nice Mustang GT wheel with cruise. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #7 – September 12, 2011, 11:43:44 PM I cut the remnants of disintegrated leather from my A frame wheel and found a steering wheel underneath. :hick:Nice score Eric, btw. I would be hard pressed to use it if I had it. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #8 – September 13, 2011, 01:16:04 AM Sad thing is, all but one cougar/bird I have bought is under $500. The price of thunderbird has grown quite a bit, but the cougars have stayed the same.Its time to buy the car you want to keep, or pay a lot. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #9 – September 13, 2011, 03:49:48 PM Nice!!!It does reminds me why I chose black as the interior color for my TC, of course mine will never be restored, at least not by me... Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #10 – September 13, 2011, 09:26:51 PM Quote from: vinnietbird;367500I would be happy with a really nice Mustang GT wheel with cruise. I walked right by a 2.3 Mustang coupe that had one that looked new. I swore Id go back with a puller and snag it. Forgot, and I havent seen another one in decent shape since then. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #11 – September 14, 2011, 03:24:19 AM Quote from: Haystack;367530Sad thing is, all but one cougar/bird I have bought is under $500. The price of thunderbird has grown quite a bit, but the cougars have stayed the same.Its time to buy the car you want to keep, or pay a lot. I think it is because cougars arent well known... Just about everyone Ive talked to about my cougar locally didnt have any idea what I was talking about... Fox body cougar? 5.0? it came like that? Guess when people think hotrod, they think mustang or Tbird, and the cougar stays shadowed in the tall grass. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #12 – September 15, 2011, 03:46:26 PM HOLY JESUS, didn't realize steering wheels were that high. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #13 – September 17, 2011, 11:43:25 PM Well, to be fair...I did pay $500 for the car. So the steering wheel was 2/5 of the initial purchase price. Quote Selected
Putting Money Where My Mouth Is Reply #14 – October 07, 2011, 01:13:47 AM Quote from: EricCoolCats;367491You guys have NO idea what I've accumulated... I have an idea or two :) Quote Selected
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