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acook
06-22-2010, 01:22 PM
I have recently purchased a '68 16' Ski Sporter. Overall, it seems to be in pretty good shape for a 44 year old boat. The steering wheel is a little rough. It looks like oxidized plastic? Does anyone have any advice on refurbishing the surface?

Thanks

mattyboy
06-22-2010, 01:47 PM
2 things i can say from expierence

1. the only wheel i would rehab would be the special wheel they used in 1967 with the prop logo and the spokes were slotted not 3 holes
last i checked a company that strictly does refurbs on classic muscle car wheels would get between 1700 and 2000 dollars to do it. lot of money for a wheel. if it is an old standard covico wheel they can be purchased new from www.rexmar.com (http://www.rexmar.com) for under 100 dollars

2. what ever you used to rehab it paint,or a cover will look like crap in a week or will cause the wheel to age quicker

jl1962
06-22-2010, 02:01 PM
Does the wheel look like this?

acook
06-22-2010, 02:13 PM
The wheel is the original with the Donzi "performance power boats" logo in the center. What I was hoping is that perhaps it could be polished or buffed to rmove the oxidized surface.

Andy

jl1962
06-22-2010, 03:15 PM
There were primarily two original styles. Is yours the 3 hole 3 spoke, or the slotted 3 spoke?

acook
06-22-2010, 03:28 PM
You now have me wondering but I believe it is the three spoke slotted design you have described. I will need to look at it tonight when I get home to say for certain.:confused:

jl1962
06-22-2010, 03:49 PM
To echo Matty- the slotted wheels were only installed for a period of a year or so and are pretty rare and some (myself and others) like the design - anyone restoring an old Donzi from that period would want one. A slotted wheel would be worth keeping and restoring. The other design was much more common and can still be purchased new for cheap.

Either way, welcome to the Registry and post some pictures of the boat!

-Jay

:boat: