Finally got my hands on a decent condition LL with black leather. I have been lusting for one for a quite some time and finally got it. Question I have is that do these wheels flex quite a bit? I just install it and I tell you with all the holes on the spokes I can literally bend the wheel with not much force…..is this just the way they were built back in the day?? Is it safe to drive??? I’m coming from a pretty solid motaita wheel so this wheel is quite flexy!
The older wheels are certainly more "flexible" than more modern wheels.
However, I have LL Grand Prix's on two of my cars & they don't flex much at all. I also have a leather NOS one that is also very rigid when compared to other 1960's makes, Springall in particular.
If you wheel really is VERY wobbly, the rim may have parted company with the aluminium, I have not experienced this, but it can't ever be good.
I am sure that someone more experienced in wheels than I will be able to comment further.
You’re correct I have a new springall wheel and it flexes quite a bite if you pull the wheel forward and back! Normal left and right turning seems to be ok. Maybe has to do with the multiple holes (5), on the spokes
Yes the alloy becomes tired in the years, sometimes they will be to dangerous to use after years of hard labour. This is the problem with a lot of flat alloy steeringwheels, the Leston leston Monte is the best example of it.
Kees.
DOWNTON Mini is what I like a lot.
Collecting 60th wooden steeringwheels.
Kees do you know if the wooden steering wheels are less prone to flex versus the leather type? I know flat alloys no matter what will have some type of flex, just need to be safe...When you say dangerous how so? Does the actual alloy separate from the wood itself?
Well with dangerous I mean in case of an accident the old flat "tired" wheel will callabstide when holding it tight. A dished steeringwheel is in this case always better, don't know if a leather one is better/stronger. For my self I prefer a small dished steeringwheel.
Kees
DOWNTON Mini is what I like a lot.
Collecting 60th wooden steeringwheels.
The wood Les Leston (and I assume the leather ones too) have a metal ring inside the rim for strength. My wood LL seems relatively stiff
Whereas my Springall just has metal spokes which connect to the wood using 3 little screws, and the rim is only made of wood. It’s quite flexible in comparison
I’m coming from a pretty solid motaita wheel so this wheel is quite flexy! 
