Technical 500F Steering wheel clour..black anyone?

[fiat500]

500F Steering wheel colour..black anyone?

It puzzles me that the wheel on my 1969 car is black but in the style of the white ones and not the 500L type. I think that 500R's had these and I think Giardinieras might have had them too. Someone could have swapped it in the past, but I doubt this. I just wondered if anyone knows lf any systematic reason why my car might have had this fitted if from new. Incidentally, the speedo binnacle is white.

 

[Luxe]

It sounds like the wheel has been refitted. The 500 F/L steering wheels (attached) where prone to cracking. The steering wheel you have sounds like what you said, either a 500 R or Gardiniera. I personally like the R model steering wheel.

 

[fiat500]

Re: 500F Steering wheel colour..black anyone?

Just had a good look at the wheel, which has a really well fitted "glove" wrapped round it. I think it might have been painted black, which would explain things. I will gently try to remove it. Any suggestions for doing that?

 

[Vitesse]

Re: 500F Steering wheel colour..black anyone?

I would try some panel wipe on it Peter or maybe thinners if the panel wipe doesn't touch it. I don't believe the original wheels were painted so you shouldn't affect that. If not some 1500 paper and then polish it up with cutting compound like T Cut.
Tony

 

[fiat500]

Good advice that, I think Tony. Thinners etc hardly touch it and I worry about it melting the plastic. This is a combination of gentle use of the edge of a Stanley blade then some fine cutting compound. I have some 2000 grit paper that I will try later.

KNO_3211 by peterthompson, on Flickr

The great thing is that by coating in paint and covering the rim with two layer of tape and a thick leather gaiter, the previous owner has kept the thing in great condition for me. I must admit that the plastic levers for the indicators etc. have cracked in the usual way.

 

[Vitesse]

So is it only the bits that aren't under the tape that have been painted? If so that's a real result it will be a lot easier to get it off. It does look in good condition under that tape.

 

[Bambino]

When I finished my car the original white steering wheel looked out of place so I hunted around and found the same style wheel in black plastic (not painted).

To my eye, it matches the interior much better.

The black plastic ones are around, but I'm not sure to which vehicles they were originally fitted.

Chris

 

[Vitesse]

I hope Joe R doesn't see the angle of your door handles Chris. They are where I like them but just not right. Believe me Joe there is a lot of sarcasm in my reply, as I sat there debating for ages where they were meant to be. Call in Cinquecentoism.

Tony

 

[Bambino]

Tony,

I just put them back the way they were when I bought the car. If it upsets Joe, I'll put the drivers side one on so it points upward (or downward). That way I'll have one of each

In the end they are on the doors - which for me, when I do a restoration, is a bonus

A bit like the ashtray - opens up or down ???

Chris

 

[tjmra]

ouch ouch ouch....

All I mentioned in another post was that in the picture on page 6 of the instruction book that came with a car, (we all have one don't we?) the door lever was pointing slightly forward from vertical.

Joe R

 

[fiat500]

Re: 500F Steering wheel colour..black anyone?

Sod's Law, now I find that there are black ones. Mine is turning I very slowly.
On the door handles, I must admit that I think they should be fairly upright if you want the factory look and best operation. I will start a topic on that.