[jonra3]

Hi guys, is any one restoring the hub behind the formula wheel with the correct wrinkle finish. I remember awhile back someone was doing this for members.
Any help is appreciated.

[65madgoat]

Formulabruce was and I am actually waiting to send him a couple. Maybe you can ping him and see if is now able to do some again.

[jonra3]

Yes I just received a pm from him.
Thanks
Jon

[Ramairnacho]

Im.waiting too

[comanchefirebird]

Bruce restored my steering wheel collar about a year ago. Awesome job!
Steve

[RamAirBirds]

Yes, I had Bruce do 5 for me....They are all perfect...Sent him really good cores though....Early ones are slightly different than later...If I remember it is not a noticeable different once installed...

[78w72]

FYI for those wanting to do this themselves- The wrinkle paint is pretty common from most brands and is not difficult to apply. Ive done at least 7 or 8 of these using Krylon & VHT wrinkle paints. Directions are on the can, with uniform heat like sitting in the sun for an hour or 2 or a heat gun or oven if you have one to use for paint/powder coat curing you can get very good results.

However if another person is offering the service with good results then thats an easier option but it can be done DIY for about $10 in paint the paint to match your interior if not black.

[bhill86]

Anyone have a pic of what’s considered “correct” wrinkle finish? I had the hub from my car and a spare that each had a particular finish. I refinished both with good results but it’s not exactly the same so what’s considered correct? Pics below.

Also for the record I used the same method 78w72 described with a heat gun for the best results.

[78w72]

Ive seen the amount of wrinkle finish vary on different year firebirds, I have a lower mile 29k, bought at 24k 1981 pace car and the wrinkle finish is very light compared to my originals on a 50k mile 78 TA.

Ive owned just short of 50 of these cars over recent years, all in varying condition and the amount of texture varies. I think a tighter & not too aggressive texture is correct for most these cars, too much wrinkle doesnt match waht Ive seen but if its done evenly almost any amount will look good & far better than most collars that have degraded or flaked off over the years. I will try to find or get pics of the originals on my cars.

The last 2 pics of bhills looks very good, not too heavy and very even.

Edit- just found a pic of one of the lowest mile original 78 TA's out there, this pics is from a local to me 5000 original miles TA, the texture is heavier than most Ive seen and far more than my 81... so I think its safe to say the amounts varied over the years and there is no "correct" amount.

[RAIVJUDGE]

I take my collars to a local powder coating company. They have a black wrinkle finish that is spot on and they look NOS when done. Cost was $50.00.

Look up a reputable company that does powder coating and show them what you need. It will perfect

[Formulabruce]

A durable long lasting coating only works with proper prep, and once it's cleaned, bead blasted, and needs work, the powder coater is done, and the blems show. I have a lot of pics of early collars that needed a lot if body work ( factory defects due to process. These hold no electrical charge and can't be powder coated like normal and take more time, and a different process. If you have a 69 - 72 hub chances are it needs more work than you may see.

[Ramairnacho]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

A durable long lasting coating only works with proper prep, and once it's cleaned, bead blasted, and needs work, the powder coater is done, and the blems show. I have a lot of pics of early collars that needed a lot if body work ( factory defects due to process. These hold no electrical charge and can't be powder coated like normal and take more time, and a different process. If you have a 69 - 72 hub chances are it needs more work than you may see.

When can we ship you hubs?

[Formulabruce]

Middle of Sept looks do able. I have a set up I move into shop which is in one of my containers. Trying to get a buddies 70 formula finished and it's been a challenge with the glass not being curved enough. .. I have not forgotten about these.

[Ramairnacho]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Middle of Sept looks do able. I have a set up I move into shop which is in one of my containers. Trying to get a buddies 70 formula finished and it's been a challenge with the glass not being curved enough. .. I have not forgotten about these.

I hear repop glass isn't correct please provide us more info in future
thank you

[bhill86]

Originally Posted by Ramairnacho

I hear repop glass isn't correct please provide us more info in future
thank you

There’s a very good write up over at TAC concerning aftermarket glass and which ones fit and which don’t. I believe auto city classic is one people like. Just FYI

[RamAirPwr]

Originally Posted by Formulabruce

Middle of Sept looks do able. I have a set up I move into shop which is in one of my containers. Trying to get a buddies 70 formula finished and it's been a challenge with the glass not being curved enough. .. I have not forgotten about these.

Bruce
Great to hear you'll do another run
I'm in

[bhill86]

How about a photo of a “formulabruce” finished product too please.

[necdb3]

Originally Posted by 78w72

FYI for those wanting to do this themselves- The wrinkle paint is pretty common from most brands and is not difficult to apply. Ive done at least 7 or 8 of these using Krylon & VHT wrinkle paints. Directions are on the can, with uniform heat like sitting in the sun for an hour or 2 or a heat gun or oven if you have one to use for paint/powder coat curing you can get very good results.

However if another person is offering the service with good results then thats an easier option but it can be done DIY for about $10 in paint the paint to match your interior if not black.

X2, it's very easy to do and cost next to nothing. Mine is now 17 years old and still looks great.

[Formulabruce]

Prep is everything. I gave up on vht long ago. If you have nice collars and want to try it, I think all should. What I do, I make no money on, just do it to help the hobby.
What I do has Uv protection.
If you have a 69-72 ish collar it may not be so nice once it's cleaned.. for a paint job.

[Norwood]

I’ve done many over the years. I’ve tried many different brands of paint and have always had the best result using the Eastwood brand.