Chain steering wheels

For strength I found I Needed the full 4 welds per pair of links. It took me only about half an hour, or less to weld every link. The jig worked beautifully, no fear of fire...(except for a rag I caught on fire that was under my bench). But haste makes waste...I'm not happy.

I'm not happy with my welds (I'm just an amateur here!) or their placement, so I'm going to buy new chain and start over. At least I have the jig all ready to go! Pics later...

I found better chain at a different store anyway, so I'm glad I'm redoing it!

I think it looks pretty good ,,welding chain together of any size or kind isnt easy.

I like it though.But sometimes we can be our own worst critics.Your work looks good from here,enbro.

what about cutting three circles of plywood, the third about an inch smaller, and screwing them together. this way will give you a groove to keep the links straight, and you can make any size wheel you want. when all welded, take the screws out and the pattern is ready for your next wheel welding adventure. dumb thought from and old mechanic.................

Ya, thanks guys! I'm trying hard. I thought about making a groove to hold the links horizontally, but to be honest having them held on a slight angle is excellent. The wheel has a great smooth feel to it. My welds are okay, but I did them in haste and I think I can do better, and weld the link in a slightly less visible location. I'm really getting excited about this, it's actually gonna work!

Hickory Smoked Bacon........

Thats a really cool project enbro, I think your first one looks really nice, but like everything the second one you do always comes out better. I think the links at an angle look really cool too. How are you going to attach it to the rest of the wheel? or are you going to keep going and fabricate the rest of the wheel?

I was planning to cut the rim off a donor wheel I have, but lately I've been thinking I might cut the spokes out too and just keep the hub. I could make spokes from chain or maybe some cool long bolts or something interesting and cool? any ideas for spokes?

Can do something like this with some bent rod...

Sasktrini, that would be totally cool! I'll think about that for sure!

Just off the top of my head, I thought a peace sign might be cool.

I had a 4 spoke years ago and only 11" across. It sure looked cool but was a real pain without PS!!

use connecting rods. might be the highest weight steering wheel on record but it would be different. besides they are about 6" long and when all done will make a wheel about the same size as original..

I like the Peace symbol!

You can make anything you want in sheet metal... especially if you get it cut at a place with a computerized plasma cutter...

thats why i mentioned the connecting rods. they look like the dodge symbol above and if you use three you got both a dodge and peace sign.

Well I'm still here...been busy the last couple of years. The van has run on and off, on right now. I'm back at the steering wheel project...can't believe it's been 3 years! I don't think the peace symbol is gonna happen, just two arms like the original.

It's all welded up now, just need to grind down a few welds and the factory ridges on the links too. Then cut down the plastic, repair it a bit and have it all powder coated!

Enbro nice to see you back!!! Glad to hear you still have your vans

Hey thanks G-Man! I've had so many problems (engine troubles, driveline, fuel, electrical, wheel, body...you name it!) I've been tempted to sell many times, but haven't. My recent trip to Carlisle renewed my interest (again) so here I am, pondering how to keep fixing it up and keep it running.

Dooooood! Thats way cool man! It looks like the steering wheel is coming right along!!! Good job not sellling out though, as Im sure you would have regretted it. I have been forced out of a few project by life circumstances and ALWAYS regretted it. Keep up the good work! -GothY-