Aceca Steering wheel

[Dew]

I am looking for a wood rim steering wheel for an Aceca does this require a boss?

[tim isles]

Yes to a boss, which Motolita can supply. This firm also makes the original style woodrim wheels, of which there were two patterns. The first is the straight spoke 'Derrington' wheel, offered as an option on Aces and Acecas I'd say up to late 1957. The second pattern is similar but it differs in that it has spokes that gently curve where they meet the centre of the wheel. Both types are available in 15" or 16" diameters, but the latter size is the the original (and more comfortable to use, although IMO neither of them beat the original Bluemels for long distance touring.) Tim

[nikbj68]

Here are 2 photos from Tim, illustrating the Derrington 16" wheel:
   
   
   
   ...And the more familiar Ace 'ellipse' shaped 16" wheel:
   
   
   
   Good luck in your search for the right one. Nik.

[Dew]

Well that was the first time I have used the forum, thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[rsk289]

Is the original style the same as the early big Healey?
   
   http://www.ahspares.co.uk/austin-healey/big-healey/Steering/STEERING-WHEEL-origtypeadj.aspx

[nikbj68]

Sorry Raymond, we should have started with 'welcome'!
   What do you currently have on the Aceca?

[Jim A]

When I was redoing my '57 Ace in 1967, I got the bottom wheel in a large order of parts and pieces from the factory.
   I will come across the receipt again someday, but I think it was around $30!

[tim isles]

For rsk289. The Bluemels wheel fitted to Big healeys is the same pattern and size as the OE Ace steering wheel, but it differs in that the integral boss is shorter. I was once told that the Daimler SP 250 'Dart'used the same wheel as the Ace but I've never followed this up. Hopefully a picture to follow, courtesy of Nik. Tim

[nikbj68]

Sorry for the delay in posting, but here are 2 more pics from Tim.
   the first shows the Bluemels wheel, taken at such an angle to show the depth of the boss:
   
   
   
   Here is a photo that shows the more familiar Ace woodrimmed wheel in better proportion than the previously posted shot:
   
   
   
   And finally to confirm what Tim was once told about the Daimler Dart sharing the Ace (Bluemels)wheel, compare this beauty that H&H sold earlier this year:
   
   
   
   And this article from Sports Illustrated, 1960:
   
   
   (Reprints available from Regress Press)