How do I restore a steering wheel?

jjsuave · Post by **jjsuave** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 4:19 pm

I get a call the other day from the guy that sold me my 67. Says he found the original steering wheel for it, so I go pick it up. It's in good conditon except for some of the finish is rubbed off and some deep cracks and gaps.

How do I restore this steering wheel? I'm thinking of using some kind of epoxy or plastic to fill in the cracks, sand it down, and paint it.

I would appreciate any ideas on thisÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

bigwhiteford · Post by **bigwhiteford** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 5:28 pm

I have heard JB weld does wonders.

QC · Post by QC » Mon Nov 28, 2005 6:32 pm

One of the parts places has a sterring wheel restoration kit, possibly NPD or LMC. I can't remember. I'll see if I can find it.

dcbullet · Post by **dcbullet** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 6:43 pm

Por-15 has a resto kit but it's expensive.

Mine doesn't have any cracks in it but when it's hot my hands turn black when I hold it. :-/

bluef250 · Post by **bluef250** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:34 pm

Do an Internet search for Steering Wheel Repair Restoration. Lots of information and how to's about the subject. To many to post here.

Stroked · Post by **Stroked** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:26 pm

I've seen a couple kits to restore steering wheels, but you have to paint it and I wonder if the paint would eventually rub off.

bigwhiteford · Post by **bigwhiteford** » Mon Nov 28, 2005 11:01 pm

dcbullet wrote:....when it's hot my hands turn black when I hold it. :-/

HAHAHA ! I thought I was the only one who had this problem! I guess it's a mark of "oldforditus"

Joe Kriston · Post by **Joe Kriston** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 3:52 pm

I know I've read an auto restoration book somewhere(either for a Mustang or a T-bird) that gave step-by-step illustrated instructions on restoring a steering wheel...I remember it saying you take a Dremel tool or something and cut a "v" groove in all the places you use filler so it has something to adhere to and stays intact....I think it also had the restorer using a special clearcoat over the painted steering wheel...I don't know what they do with those old transluscent DeSoto steering wheels....

jzjames · Post by **jzjames** » Tue Nov 29, 2005 5:36 pm

I doesnt need to be complicated and I dont think you need expensive resto kits. I did it this way.
-washed steering wheel in warm soapy water, when dry,
-J-B weld the cracks, stuff it in there with toothpicks,
-shape your fills and sand with fine grit paper,
-paint, no primer, I used epoxy for its durability. That is probably what the kits use for paint as well. You can get the epoxy in cans called appliance paint in black, white, and almond. The 'almond is very close to wimbledon white.

bigwhiteford · Post by **bigwhiteford** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 1:30 am

check out this little linky I found ...
http://www.thebugshop.org/bsfqstrg.htm

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 2:45 am

it looked good. he used por 15

jjsuave · Post by **jjsuave** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:30 pm

Cool. This is all good info. Thanks everyone. I think I'll try cleaning out the cracks real good, then using some of that POR15 stuff, sand it down, and painting it. It will look much better I'm sure..

With no power steering so that little steering wheel that's on there now.. makes it hard to navigate around a parking lot. Maybe the previous owner put it on in case he had to drive with handcuffs on...

towens · Post by **towens** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 9:30 pm

I have heard that POR-15 is good, but it sure is expensive.

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:41 pm

jz how long ago was it that you redone your wheel? how much have you used your wheel since you refinished it. and how has it held up so far?

jzjames · Post by **jzjames** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:30 pm

That wheel held up excellent using JB Weld to fill a minor crack and epoxy paint. I recently traded it out for a Grant wheel of a smaller diameter and foam grip. I used the refinished stock wheel on my truck for 2 or 3 years.

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