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

My first two Packards were 1954 Caribbeans and they both had ivory steering wheels for whats thats worth. I remember several other cars back then that had ivory wheels also. I won't fall on my sword for this one though as I am starting to forget more than I remember in my old age.

Its a question for sure. White is listed as one of many colors for 54--although only for the Pacific and Caribbean. What's interesting is the deluxe wheel for 48-53 is the only one called out as being plastic. Again, even though Packard didn't list it, bet there were lots installed on 54s. The translucent ivory would probably look more upscale than painted white.

I own a 53 Patrician and the white steering wheel was falling apart in my hands so I found a black steering wheel to temporarily replace it. When I get back to the car I will want a white steering wheel. So count me in as wanting one of these if/when you do make them.

Fred,
I agree with Joel, at $300-$350 I think you have a winner. At $450-500 the market still exists but is significantly smaller. Count me in for one for my 51 Patrician 400. We appreciate your help!
Mike

Happy Thanksgiving All

If it's a correct accessory for my 54 clipper deluxe, I would be interested but I have 2 other projects for the car to fund first (so it would be in CY 2011). Assuming $300 to $350.

I have noticed a high demand for emblems but a high priced short supply. There seems to be the only game in town. Could this be an area where you could possibly diversify? thanks - Frank

Fred, You can add me to the list of the interested.The wheel on my 51 300 is in poor shape. brian

Fred, if the "ivory" material that you're thinking of doing is the same as the wheel on the 48 Custom 8, perhaps you'd also consider the matching pieces made in the same(?) material, the hood latch handles, direction signal handle, and the gearshift knob. Many of these have shown similar deterioration as the wheel itself. Why not do a matching set?

Talk about Packard steering wheels,the Soviet cars steering wheels (ZIS,GAZ,MZMA) suffer under the same problems but in some cases its even worse because once the decayng of the plastic starts it can not be stoped. For a reproduction Soviet car steering wheel they ask 600-700 USD per wheel, here and a NOS wheel was sold for 900 USD last year.
The reproduction wheels are many kind some are made close to the original but others are more like a home made improvment.
Sorry for the off topic.

If you examine the deterioration of what I'm calling the "ivory" wheels (48 Custom 8 and others that used the same wheel), it seems that it's a combination of shrinkage (usually a gap at the upper hub) and ultraviolet deterioration which is very pronounced at the upper outer (towards the windshield) segment, and far less where the material is more shaded from the UV. This seems to manifest itself more as deep crazing rather than shrinkage. Certainly modern plastics have improved dramatically in mechanical properties and resistance to UV, etc. But those wheels were quite elegant with a quasi-translucent appearance and a real "ivory" (as in tusk) color.

Exactly Owen, also humidity is one thing that is the catalyst in the decayng process. I have seen many ivory wheels that have decayed rapidly to exposure to UV light and humidity in less then 3 years+ all the other factors you mentioned.
But the thing is ,if the wheel is decayng it emits a funny vinegar like odor in to the cabine.