Steering Wheel Color

[mhestley]

I have to repair cracks in the steering wheel for my '48 Deluxe Runabout. Does anyone know the exact color of black and the finish (satin, gloss, etc)?

[Kerry Price]

I could be wrong but I thought the steering wheel was white on the post war Deluxe.

[offshorespars]

I have just completed the restoration of the cockpit and deck on my 1947 deluxe. I painted the sterring column semi-gloss black and the steering wheel Whimbledon white. There is another thread on the buzz with this information.

[Al Benton]

It appears that the color of the steering wheels installed on the post-war 17' Deluxe may have been random between white and black throughout their production years from 1946 through 1950.

I don't recall any mention on the hull cards which color was installed on them so either color should be acceptable. If the one you have is black then refinish it black and you can't go wrong.

I'll see if I can find other topics which may help with the refinish process and post a link here later.

Well, I found this thread; http://www.chris-craft.org/discussion/v ... t=steering after a few minutes. The final post may be of some help. There are others on the same topic dating further back.

[Brian Robinson]

I've seen black, white, and beige. They all start black cast plastic, the white and beige ones were painted. Some white wheels came on white painted steering columns (seen on 17 Deluxe's and red & white Racing Runabouts and others).

[Bob B]

Our R17-1539 Deluxe wheel (July 20, 1948)is the creamy off-white, original.

[mhestley]

Many thanks for the replies. My experience so far with this restoration is that while much is known about the details, much is uncertain because of practices at the factory. Many differences that are considered incorrect are often due to a customer request. I have seen steering posts match the color or are black with either color of wheel. Is there an agreed color and finish for the black or the white. I don't know what Wimdeldon White is.

Thanks for the advice.

[offshorespars]

Murray:

Whimbledon White is a shade of white that is available at automotive supply stores. I believe it is a Ford Motor color. I have seen it in spray touch up cans. I had an automotive paint supplier mix me a can and had it sprayed professionally.

[knotty48]

Send me a private email and I will send you an article that explains everything you are asking about. You can get the correct color at your auto parts store and it comes in a spray can. The color was from Ford.
Pete