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MG TD TF 1500 - Fixing steering spokes to rim

I've looked at many of the archive steering wheel threads but haven't seen described how the spokes are afixed to the 3 metal "clamp" on the rim. Pictures of wood rebuilds show everything nice and tight, almost a welded look. Am contemplating a temp fix until have more time to making a wood one like others have done. My 3 clamps seem to be sprung in the mouths (where the spokes enter) are agap. Now my spokes can freely slide out of the rim "clamps". Are the spokes supposed to be mechanically held in place by this clamp? Or was everything (spokes, rim, clamp) all held together by the "plastic" that has now deterioated? I has thinking of positioning the spokes in the rim clamps and then filling in with JB weld or epoxy and pressing the clamp mouth halves together to bond it all.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks
Randy
R Biallas

Randy:

I had a steering wheel with almost no plastic left and had it redone with a wood rim. I have a bunch of pictures taken while the wheel was apart. It appears that the wire spokes were crimped to the the metal tabs. Most of mine were loose, so I mig-welded them in place. I would not want the rim to come loose while driving. Send me an e-mail off the board and I'll forward them to you.

John Masters
Wichita, KS
John Masters

Randy... the ends of the spokes are pressed into/by the metal 'clamps' Haven't seen any spread apart, they seem to stay pretty secure (spokes can slide a bit)...wonder if someone tried to spread yours apart.
The spokes are stainless steel...they could be tack welded (?) ...not sure. Might be a good idea to at least 'tack' the outside ones and let the JBW hold the rest in place?
I have used JB Weld to give that area a bit smoother look and it is easy to clean up with a small rat tail file.... If you take a length of 1200 grade sandpaper, the spokes clean up nicely....(use it like you were using a polishing strip on a pair of shoes.
Have seen plenty of spokes broken 'cleanly' at both the rim and hub ends...not sure how or why they might break that way?


gblawson(gordon)

Thanks John/Gordon, John you should have mail. Does look like the tabs have been spread (PO?). They definitely don't bend back easily.
I'll start looking around for anyone in the area who could do such tacking. Been reading the threads about how to get the wheel off.
Gordon I've seen your beautiful wood wheels and contemplating having you work your magic. The DIY in me gets in the way sometimes though. What is your typical turnaround time?
Randy
R Biallas

Picture is dark but shows tab spreading.
R


R Biallas

Randy; Have "naked" wheel laying on my shelf-appears to have had 2 spot welds on each of the steel tabs securing the spokes in place.If you can find someone with an electric jaw type spot welder and are able to get the attaching points clean,you could recreate the original bond. Would definately use some sort of a welded joint in this repair,rather than a glue. Dan
Dan Craig

My welding specialist used silver solder.
Len Fanelli

RB... usually about a month...however, the one I'm doing right now seems to have taken since November (bad me)!


gblawson(gordon)

Thanks all! Got the wheel off and rusty tabs cleaned up. Now to find someone to weld the spokes on. Depending on whether much of the plastic gets damaged in the process will dictate next step. Would like to not be out of commission for the short MN driving time!
R Biallas

If your plastic is that bad, you can always cover it temporarily... http://www3.sympatico.ca/gordonblawson/td/td4.html Part way down the page....
gblawson(gordon)

Randy, e mail me about making a wood covered OEM steering wheel frame.
Len Fanelli

Gordon, I bought maybe your first wooden wheel - 0251?

Mine is two tone lighter looking wood I think maple and mahog. - the one in your picture looks dark - areyou making them out of walnut or dark wood now? It looks nice. I am finishing up my TF restoration and wheel should be on in a month. Hope it looks good with the very dark BRG paint and tan interior.

Keith
K E MURPHY

Still mahog and maple... i added a very light coat of golden oak to warm it up a bit....
gblawson(gordon)

Thanks all!
I got the wheel spokes spot welded back to the rim ok (cost was only $30). The guy even was able to not disturb the existing plastic wood. (shoot forgot to take and post a picture for y'all). Guess the shop guys were a bit baffled about what the wheel was off of! At least now I can drive this summer. Will put back on the black leather covering that's been on for 25+ years. Probably make the wood wheel this fall, winter then.

Len, you should have mail.

Randy
R Biallas

http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/steeringwheel.htm
Len Fanelli

Another method:

http://gblandco.com/oldwheel/oldwheel.html
gblawson(gordon)

Thanks Len, Gordon, et al.
Have looked at yours and other sites and will redo it using your helpful guides this fall. Don't have my good work shop anymore so will need to wing it.
Randy
R Biallas

Gordon, are you still modifying or outright selling the TD wheels as shown on your main site? Would love a wood rim added to mine, and I have neither the tools or skill to do it :-)

Cheers

Larry
L Karpman

I still do them...either your rim or mine....
gblawson(gordon)

Send me your email address Gordon. My old saved files are gone :-( Send to:

lkarpman at tx dot rr dot com

Thanks

Larry
L Karpman

You have mail
gblawson(gordon)

For Gordon L.

Hi Gordon, I also am interested in getting my steering wheel done. I had sent you a couple of emails a few days ago to two different email address. Not sure if you got them. Could you let me know the best way to connect with you.... Thanks - John
J Ostergren

This thread was discussed between 26/04/2009 and 21/05/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

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