Cip1.ca VDM reproduction steering wheel... no longer listed

flemcadiddlehopper

So I went online with the intension of purchasing the VDM reproduction steering wheel from cip1.ca , only to find that it is no longer listed...not out of stock, but not listed.
I have spent loads of time searching the googlie inter web and found a few sites that list the Karman ghia wheel, but no Bus wheel.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

So does anyone know of a supplier that still sells these steering wheels?

Gordo.
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64 ragtop volks · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2014 2:19 pm Post subject:

Haha.that wheel was my first choice.i ended up getting the rometsch style one.its slightly smaller 16" then a stock bus wheel.

sled · Samba Member Joined: February 16, 2005 Posts: 6179

don't get it unless you want to drive around with a limp noodle in your hands. those wheels flex like crazy.
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flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 7:37 am Post subject:

grailoc · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 8:41 am Post subject:

Erik G · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 8:45 am Post subject:

If you find them let me know, I've been looking as well for a while. I can't comment on the quality of this one, but I will confirm the banjo repop does in fact feel like a wet noodle. Scary in a bug with a big motor, I can't imagine using it in a bus that's actually driven

flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 8:40 pm Post subject:

I received a PM to urge me to look in a couple of directions. Both directions have lead me to Just Kampers as their source. On the Just Kampers site it lists the VDM wheel as "out of stock" or "discontinued". I have sent them an email to ask which it was, and if it was discontinued, could they get me in contact with the manufacturer of the wheel.

So, wait and see I guess.

Gordo.
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flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2014 8:58 pm Post subject:

Well I heard back from Just Kampers. It is discontinued. They said whom ever produced the wheel made a set number of them and that set number has dried up. They did mention that now that the supply has dwindled the demand will build and perhaps another run will be produced.

So now even the reproduction has become a rarity.

Gordo.
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64 ragtop volks · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 5:17 am Post subject:

I think that if your over 6' and spend alot of time with your forearms resting on the wheel it could start flexing a little,same with the banjo style wheel,but damn that vdm wheel is sweet,after seeing that pic i want one even more,and im 6'3"

flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 7:46 pm Post subject:

mandraks · Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2014 7:55 pm Post subject:

flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Fri Nov 14, 2014 7:44 am Post subject:

flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2014 7:30 pm Post subject:

That's it. I started building the jigs today to make my own.

I am using 3/8" steel rod for the hoops, 1/4" steel for the centre plate that mounts to the hub. Then I will be laying up a carbon fibre and birch hybrid laminated hoop to be placed around the 3/8" rod hoop.

This could be really cool or end up being a big waist of time,,,I'll let you know.
Here is my inspiration for this. http://youtu.be/hbZFpOEi_sI and this http://youtu.be/wNB7XcpNAWs

Gordo.
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banana split · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2014 9:30 am Post subject:

Yes the rumors are true. I contacted the manufacturer in Malaysia and they have discontinued the steering wheel due to low demand and some warranty related issues they've had with the wheels.
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cru62 · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2014 9:51 am Post subject:

Gordo-Here is some further inspiration-

Made by me in my garage using only hand tools. I'm trying to get the Porsche crest horn button I made from a cut down 3-prong cap to work on this wheel. It already fits in the stock wheel.

Anyway, please post loads of pics. We love seeing how stuff is done.
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flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 7:45 am Post subject:

very cool steering wheel. Nice work.

I have been PMed by a couple people saying that they have heard of some breakage issues with that DVM repo, so I am moving ahead with trying to make my own version.
I have taken a bunch of pics, but my camera was set to the wrong size and I can't upload them...I will take more.
I have read two people's thesis' about the development and implementing of hybrid bamboo/carbon fibre , regarding the strengths, and it seems like the way to go. It will still have a core of 1/4" and 3/8" steel. I bought a ring bender which works very well for making the hoop a perfect circle. The lay-up jig is router into a piece of MDF to aid in the entering of the hub plate.

I will soon be at the cutting and laminating stage. I will post pics at that time.

Gordo.
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Everybody Dies....Some Never Live.

Retrograde Garage. Vintage Aircooled, and others.

mandraks · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:21 am Post subject:

flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 7:27 am Post subject:

flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2015 1:38 pm Post subject:

So I have sorted the photo issues (I think) and can post some pics now of where I am at with this wheel idea.

I found a source for Bamboo planks and received 1 blonde and 1 carbonized (dark) plank for a Christmas present. I borrowed my Brother-in-laws tables and built the feather boards needed to rip the thin strips of bamboo.

I have built the bent lamination form jig. Note it is two pieces to ease with separating the formed lamination from the jig once the epoxy hardens.

The hoop jig is only a piece of MDF with the shape router into it so the pieces can sit to be welded.

Right now I am in the process of cutting the strips to length and tapering the overlap of the ends. Then on to dry assembly for a trial run before any epoxy is applied.

Gordo.
_________________
Everybody Dies....Some Never Live.

Retrograde Garage. Vintage Aircooled, and others.

flemcadiddlehopper · Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 8:06 am Post subject:

I have begun the slow process of cutting each piece to length and tapering the ends for overlap. Each piece must be place over the previous one to be measured,cut. tapered and checked for fit.

All the overlaps will be spread evenly around the wheel to maintain strength.

Gordo.
_________________
Everybody Dies....Some Never Live.

Retrograde Garage. Vintage Aircooled, and others.


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Cip1.ca VDM reproduction steering wheel... no longer listed
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