The optional wodden wheel for the Bugeye was made by the Healey Motor
Company and is pictured in Horler's book (as pointed out by Ron). It is a
beautiful wheel but absolutely impossible to find second hand. Expect to pay
upwards of $1000 for a semi-decent one if one can be found at all. The hub
is equally hard to find.
There also exists a period wheel called a "Les Leston" wheel which is also
quite rare. They were similar to the Healey wheel but slightly thicker rim
and a machined finish to the spokes. I can email a good picture of one if
anyone is interested.
Never heard of the Paddy Hopkirk wheel.
Archer's Garage in England manufactures an exact replica of the Healey Motor
Company Wheel. I have the catalog, from memory it costs about 300 pounds.
Daniel58612
> -----Original Message-----
> From: RMiller930@aol.com [SMTP:RMiller930@aol.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, September 01, 1999 7:41 PM
> To: casoich@sgi.net; spridgets@autox.team.net
> Subject: Re: wooden steering wheel??
>
> I'm not sure about the later Sprites and Midgets, but there was an
> optional
> wooden wheel for the Bugeye. It had three slotted polished spokes with a
> wood rim. The spokes were positioned at approx. 12:00, 4:00, and 8:00,
> unlike their aftermarket counterparts. The factory option also could use
> the
> original horn push. A good photo of it is in "Original Sprite and Midget"
> by
> Terry Horler. I looked for one or a reproduction, but was unable to
> locate
> one, so I settled for the Moto-Lita instead. They make laminated as well
> as
> solid mahogany, with drill spokes and slotted. Moss sells them here in
> the
> states, ordered mine from AH Spares.
>
> Rod
> '99 (59) Bugeye and the rest of the LBC Orphanage...
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