It might be cause they were made from bakelite, which smells when you put it in hot water. The smell's described as being similar to formaldehyde. I've never smelled formaldehyde so I don't know for certain. http://www.mi-brew.com/brownies/expanded%20info%20pages/bakelitetest.html Ray Funke 69 Fury 3 ragtop > thanks philippe.interesting about the stinky smelly steering wheels,maybe > everyone threw them away and thats why i carnt find one ha ha > thanks for the contacts > tracy > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Philippe Courant" <accf-club@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > Sent: Wednesday, December 25, 2002 10:05 PM > Subject: Re: IML: 1957 imperial crown steering wheel wanted,,,,,please > > > > 58-59 are also replacement (except '59 center vinyl insert which has a > > tiny "crown" glued on..). There was one for sale on ebay some months > > ago. Try Bob Hoffmeister or Lowell Howe (adress at > > > http://www.imperialclub.com/TipsAndResources/PartsSources/Vendors/UsedParts/ > index.htm) > > > > Note: don't put your nose in the hub , you'll fall down ! Ther's a > > dreadful stinking "smell" inside ... I have 3 '57 steering wheels (sorry > > 2 are shot) and all have this "fragrance"... Cause: old plastic ?