DIY Network

Steering Wheel Table Crank up the creativity for this car-themed table. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-163

Steer your guests to this swanky table.

Automobiles are more than just transportation, they're style. From the fabulous fins of '50s classics to the sleek lines of the latest concept cars, autos show off some of the best in design.

Michele Beschen brings some of that style home in this project, crafting a cool cocktail table from a vintage steering wheel. The pedestal base comes from a car crankshaft and flywheel—proving that a car's inner workings can be just as artistic as the parts you can see. Scroll down to see how she did it.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Materials:

steering wheel
crankshaft
flywheel
WD-40
toothbrush or other small brush
hammer
welder
bolt to fit steering wheel mounting hole
nut and washer to fit bolt
glass tabletop
rubber stops (for tabletop)
gloves
eye protection

Note: Michele Beschen found auto parts for her project at an auto salvage yard. Click here for some of her tips on salvage searching.

• Thoroughly clean the steering wheel, crankshaft and flywheel with WD-40. Michele Beschen recommends using a toothbrush to get into the tiny cracks and crevices.

• Fit the flywheel and crankshaft together. These parts are meant to fit each other if you salvage them fro the same car. Fit the flywheel over the crankshaft and pound it on with a hammer or mallet (figure A). Flip the assembly over; the flywheel now is the base for the table.

• Using a welder, tack the crankshaft to the flywheel in a few spots (figure C).

  Safety Alert: Always wear gloves and eye protection when welding. Since welding uses such high temperatures, always make especially sure to follow all appropriate fire safety rules and regulations.

• Use the welder to attach a bolt to the top of the crankshaft (figure D).

• Fit the steering wheel over the bolt and tighten it down with a washer and nut.

• Finish off the piece with a thick glass tabletop. Use rubber stops to hold the glass in place on the steering wheel.

• You can use regular glass cleaner on the tabletop; clean other parts of the piece with spray furniture polish.

Keep an eye open for other ways you can use castoff auto parts. You'll be surprised at how fun and easy it is to B. Original with them.