Re: Who is doing our woodgrain wheels now?
[Re: ConvertiBee]
#1881811
07/30/15 10:40 PM
07/30/15 10:40 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,000 Long Island, NY
shakerjoe
master
|
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,000
Long Island, NY
|
I sent my rimblow to Doug Lepak - www.stwheelz.com - I am very happy how it came out - a real quality job - just looked for some pics on my computer and can't find any - can't believe it lol - but he was recommended here on moparts and he answered all my questions and concerns and kept me informed on the progress - 2
Last edited by shakerjoe; 07/30/15 10:41 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Who is doing our woodgrain wheels now?
[Re: ConvertiBee]
#1881884
07/30/15 11:48 PM
07/30/15 11:48 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,653 Cut and Shoot, TX
kentj340
top fuel
|
top fuel
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,653
Cut and Shoot, TX
|
Not cheap, but Doug Lepak is in Edmonton, AB, www.stwheelz.com. Here's photos he made of a non Mopar wheel. He can convert Mopar colored (non-wood grain) wheels to wood grain. To duplicate the metal band he glues chrome stripes around the rim and clear coats over it. He simulates wood grain with an airbrush.
If you don't see two dolphins, you need a vacation.
|
|
|
Re: Who is doing our woodgrain wheels now?
[Re: ConvertiBee]
#1881888
07/30/15 11:56 PM
07/30/15 11:56 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,653 Cut and Shoot, TX
kentj340
top fuel
|
top fuel
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,653
Cut and Shoot, TX
|
Lepak's resto cost is about twice as much as a new B/E&A wheel that has incorrect shiny spokes: link And international shipping is about double. Estimated cost to mail a steering wheel to Canada via USPS and package weighs 10 lbs is $54 online.
If you don't see two dolphins, you need a vacation.
|
|
|
Re: Who is doing our woodgrain wheels now?
[Re: kentj340]
#1888214
08/09/15 07:27 PM
08/09/15 07:27 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,129 Somewhere near Palm Springs
ConvertiBee
OP
master
|
OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,129
Somewhere near Palm Springs
|
Alrighty: I am plenty pissed-off with the prices I've gotten: $425 and UP for one-half of one wheel. There's no metal work needed, the back of my wheel looks amazing... I just need the front plastic piece re-done. THIS is price-gouging, and I would rather pay for a new repro wheel than pay THAT much for the little bit of work my '69 sport wheel needs. NUTS! Don't drink the Kool-Aid!
Last edited by ConvertiBee; 08/09/15 07:29 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Who is doing our woodgrain wheels now?
[Re: topside]
#1890190
08/12/15 12:08 PM
08/12/15 12:08 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,129 Somewhere near Palm Springs
ConvertiBee
OP
master
|
OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,129
Somewhere near Palm Springs
|
Looking at the steering wheel in the link, seems to me some flattened clear sprayed on the spokes would give the satin look of the originals. Right! Easy-peezy, and a whole new wheel for the price of a resto... and then sell the original wheel to get a "rebate" on money spent. I like that!
|
|
|
Re: Who is doing our woodgrain wheels now?
[Re: ConvertiBee]
#1890385
08/12/15 05:15 PM
08/12/15 05:15 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,938 Spokane Valley, WA
Big Bad Bee
I Live Here
|
I Live Here
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,938
Spokane Valley, WA
|
Hey Frank! Long time, no see. Here are my observations regarding rimblow wheels. 1. The new repops are probablythe quality of original but don't look correct, especially with the plating of the spokes which is apparently the hardest look to reproduce. It's that "milky" look. 2. For dead-on authenticity, I haven't seen a restoration that exactly replicates concourse NOS original. 3. Restorations are going to be way better looking than original and will last much longer. 4. Restorations take tons of hours and expensive materials to get done right. They are expensive and worth it. Doug Lepak did the resto my rimblow. I gave it to Doug because I wanted an over-the-top custom centerpiece for my interior. Doug came through in spades. One of his wheels will set you back 2-3 times what that reproduction wheel costs, but that's what you pay if you want that OMG!!! factor. Do you still own that Convertabee? I've posted pictures of it on the 70 b body Facebook group. Your car has some huge fans.
I’m listening.
|
|
|
Re: Who is doing our woodgrain wheels now?
[Re: AARCONV]
#1890387
08/12/15 05:19 PM
08/12/15 05:19 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,938 Spokane Valley, WA
Big Bad Bee
I Live Here
|
I Live Here
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10,938
Spokane Valley, WA
|
Wasn't happy with the original man..lost his touch i guess..went with Doug ..awesome job..to the point I dont want to scratch it.. LOL. No kidding. I told Doug I was going to take my rings ans wristwatch off and wear white gloves when I drive. He assured me that the Rat Fink Mobile steering wheel has taken years of abuse and still looks awesome.
I’m listening.
|
|
|
Re: Who is doing our woodgrain wheels now?
[Re: ConvertiBee]
#1890919
08/13/15 12:19 PM
08/13/15 12:19 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,976 Chilliwack B.C. Canada
RUNCHARGER
I Live Here
|
I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,976
Chilliwack B.C. Canada
|
I think the wheels are like bodywork. A person has to try it himself and see how many hours are involved to understand why it costs so much.
Sheldon
Last edited by RUNCHARGER; 08/13/15 12:20 PM.
Sheldon
|
|
|
|
|