PAG 7, page 5
Set off the cockpit with a cord bound steering wheel like the one illustrated. Easily made from an unwanted 2CV single spoked wheel. You will need for this project – 1 x suitable 2CV wheel. A 1.5m length of plastic hose with an internal diameter of 14mm. A scrap of leather 120mm x 100mm (or material to match your cars trim). A ball of parcel string. A piece of aluminium 220mm x 60mm x3 to 5mm thick (to make optional centre trim ) Araldite, Superglue and Evo-stik.
1)Using a Stanley type knife cut the foam rubber outer from the main body of the wheel. The inner spokes will show so paint them the colour of your choice.
2) The plastic hose will now require slitting down its entire length. Where the hose crosses the area between the spokes glue on the trim leather with Evo-stik and tuck the edges into the slit in the hose. I cut the two ends of the hose at an angle to help joining and give extra support to the binding string.
3) Once the hose fits the wheel it can be taped in position and Superglued.
4) The binding can now be applied. Superglue one end of the string along the top of the slit and then start binding over the top. This should hold the end firm.
5) About a dozen turns of the binding string is generally enough before stopping and making sure that the binding is even and continues to be at right angles to the wheel.
Remember-If allowed to run out of true this will magnify itself as more binding is applied. Finish the other end by sewing the string into the binding with a large darning needle.
6) Should you decide to fit an aluminium trim piece between the spokes then it will need to be bent as shown to lie flat into the slot on the outer edge of the steering wheel and flat on the column mounting area. I finished my trim aluminium with three weight saving holes and a ‘dummy’ wheel removing wing nut to add further interest.
7) Temporary position the trim piece and drill the 7mm clearance holes for the fixing screws. Plated or stainless button headed allen screws will add a touch of class.
Finished and polished the trim was Araldited into the slot on the wheel’s rim, held in position and allowed to thoroughly dry.