Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hi,

We have been considering for many years the reproduction of the Ivory wheel which I believe is original on Senior cars and optional on most others. This is an expensive undertaking and while there are no guarantees in life we'd like to get an idea of the demand and at what price they would sell. I know they'd sell like hotcakes at $14.99 with free shipping, but lets be reasonable. We estimate they would sell for $275-$375.

The 2 pot metal ornaments on the horizontal spokes are expensive to make, as injection molds are needed and they are left and right. To keep the cost down we do not plan to include these, you can re-use your old ones or if upgrading get them from a used wheel.

Comments/questions please

Thank you

Fred Kanter
Kanter Auto Products
Boonton NJ

If the reproduction has the same translucent quality and subtle color striation of the original and was less than $300.00, I'd get one. I am lucky in that my wheel looks pretty good from a distance but there is a major crack in the hub and I noticed the last time I drove it that the tiny cracks at the top of the wheel where the sun hit it are definitely enlarging even though it's now rarely exposed to the sun.

Price sounds reasonable but is that with or without a core. Would think there would be demand with so many out there and some not holding up too well. No idea what it costs to send to one of the redo places but would think comparable. At least with you offering, would save the hassle of finding one and then a place to redo it and the buyer would know what he is getting.

I think the main concern would be removing the chrome pieces off the old. As mentioned in another post, some come off relatively painlessly but others haven't. It someone gets too aggressive in removing the old one or if one of the pins sticks in the retainer & piece is cocked removing or installing, the pin usually loses. Other than some kind of adhesive, don't know any way to reinstall it if that happens.

We are plannoing to reproduce the wheel, that is to make a brand new complete wheel (without chrome ornaments) which therefore would not need a core.

Yes, as with all our other reproductions, we will make it as close to the original as possible. It will be translecent, but as far as the color striations I believe they are a result of degradation either from sun or age. Comments??

If the chrome ornament pins break when removed, all you will need is to glue them on. The appearance will still be original.

If I recall correctly the 54 carries a diferent part # which is not only from the different ornaments but form a different coloration. As I recall, it is more white and not very translucent if at all. Comments?

I had a 39 Caddy wheel redone at a strg wheel restoration specialist about 20 years ago,it cost $300.

Fred Kanter

Note 1: Some hve comented on my typin/speling, I'm a graduate engineer not a professional typist. Please limit your comments to the subject of this post

Note 2: I just read Forum Etiquette in Frequently Asked Question, suggest everyone read and heed it. Most importantly, keep to the subject of the post. No comments on this week's Americas Top Dancers etc please. Hey, bigkev didn't say no humor.

I have seen two nos wheels in the last two years at Packard shows and the sellers got upward of 600.00 each. They were new, nice but not perfect. I think you would have a winner at the 300.00 dollar mark. Like anything else you have to be able to buy the right amount of quantity without having to stock 10 years worth. As for the 54 wheels I somewhat remember a color difference but cannot help you for an answer that you could bank on. There are a few original 54s still out there, maybe someone can help on that one. I believe the price now to send one out to be recast is in the 600.00 dollar range.

Those wheels are so pretty I could think of mounting one on my Pat. My grandmother had a '37 Buick with an ivory steering wheel and a matching floorshift knob. The Buick was painted gunmetal grey - classy car.

randy,

won't work on 55-56, they are deep dish wheels. the ivory wheel is flat, will sit wrong and not be comfortable

I have a 1950 23rd series Deluxe Touring Sedan Is that ivory wheel a correct factory option (the "deluxe" steering wheel)? If it is correct for my car I would love to order one at $300. My wheel is black and has some small cracks developing.

Yes it is correct either as orig equpt or approved accessory for all 48-50. Please note this is a contemplated project and our GUESS is that it will be about $300.

You cannot order it now and the price if we make it may be different.

This froum is for gathering info. I will keep everyone posted. If there is a lot of interest, it will be more likely we will make it

Thanks.

Fred Kanter
Kanter Auto Products

Did anyone ever respond about the 54 color. Parts manual has the deluxe wheel only listed as an option thru 53--although I'm sure a dealer would have sold one on a 54 if requested. I was under the impression all wheels 54 on were painted in the appropriate colors as listed available.