Maybe it broke. Maybe the old hulk did not have one. Maybe you just want a little splash of something different. Whatever the reason, adding a custom-built wood steering wheel to your car will spice up the interior and serve as a point of pride for your vehicle. Wood steering wheels are straightforward to make and install, provided your community has no vehicle-code regulations against it.
Ensure that the steering-wheel rim (the metal collar that mates with the steering tube) is in good working order. This is especially critical for aftermarket or salvage rims.
Remove the outer rim of the mounting rim and the spokes, leaving just the collar in place.
Cut your wood using the bandsaw into a new outer rim. Use the lathe to round out the edges of the block so the handle is cylindrical.
For each of the original metal spokes, make a wooden spoke using the same wood and the lathe. Optionally, you can leave the original metal spokes and cover them with some material such as padded leather.
Use the glue and small screws to affix the spokes to the wooden outer rim. Alternatively, drill a hole into the outer rim, roughly 1/4 inch deep, and insert the glue-covered end of the spoke into that hole.
Sand the outer rim and spokes, then apply your finishing touches--stain, paint, varnish or whatever makes the most sense for your vehicle.
Attach the spokes to the original metal collar. Depending on the collar's design, you may have to drill holes into the spokes and use a bolt to secure them in place.
Mount the completed steering-wheel unit on the steering shaft and secure the collar into place. Align the steering wheel when complete.
