StudeNorm

I just removed the steering wheel and chopped, Dremeled away the plastic rim. Once done the wheel fell apart in my hands. Upon examining the welded area I was a bit/a lot surprised to see there was no fusing of the rim metal to the spoke metal. In other words, not a true weld... There was only a thin layer of welding rod material spanning the gap on the top side holding the assembly together. If they had welded top and bottom like this it would have been better. I am surprised it lasted this long. Not sure if this was standard practice or a lack of proper QC. Needless to say an aftermarket wheel could not be made to fit so I will continue with my repair. Pictures to follow.

The other day I went for a spin and upon entering the car I had a hold of the wheel and pulled on it a bit to adjust my butt in the seat and felt a funny movement, in the steering wheel, not my seat. The wheel now has a back and forth wiggle where the rim meets the spoke, one side only for now. It feels broken at that point. Is it possible to repair or will it need replacing? I have a welder but realize the plastic will have to be removed and then replaced. Does anyone have an old wheel in decent shape I can buy? What are my options for a good looking after-market replacement? My interior already has some minor mods. Thanks for your help.