Steering Wheel Replace or repair
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 10
From: Thornton, Colorado
Steering Wheel Replace or repair
So I searched the forums, and the term Steering Wheel is a bit broad to search on and I can't find what I need to know. I just finished replacing everything in the steering from the wheels to the steering wheel. It all looks great, and the truck steers like a dream. The issue I have is that the steering wheel looks horrible. I am a near purist on my truck so replacing with a non stock wheel is not an option. DC wants $200 for a new wheel, and that is a bit steep for me. I found repair kits on Eastwood, and I assume there may be others.
So has anyone repaired their wheel, and did you like the results??
So has anyone repaired their wheel, and did you like the results??
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 0
From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach
1948-1986 Ford Trucks
Well here is a bit cheaper wheel for you!
I repaired mine and it only lasted for about a year... I think the biggest problem is the heat! I just gave in and put a new wheel on!
Well here is a bit cheaper wheel for you!
I repaired mine and it only lasted for about a year... I think the biggest problem is the heat! I just gave in and put a new wheel on!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Same 3 spoke steering wheel:
1960/63 Falcon/Comet / 1961/66 F100/250 2WD / 1966 F100 4WD / 1966/73 Bronco / 1967/70 F100/250 / 1969/70 F350.
Reproduced in black only by Carpenter (in China
)...who had the puppy on display at the 2008 F100 Western Nats. "Squire" Don (camperspecial65) and I after inspecting it, came to a quick conclusion.
This wheel is quite a bit lighter in weight than the original, which means the inner steel tube is smaller in diameter. Conclusion: More plastic, less steel.
1960/63 Falcon/Comet / 1961/66 F100/250 2WD / 1966 F100 4WD / 1966/73 Bronco / 1967/70 F100/250 / 1969/70 F350.
Reproduced in black only by Carpenter (in China
)...who had the puppy on display at the 2008 F100 Western Nats. "Squire" Don (camperspecial65) and I after inspecting it, came to a quick conclusion.This wheel is quite a bit lighter in weight than the original, which means the inner steel tube is smaller in diameter. Conclusion: More plastic, less steel.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
bum, I have never done it but have read good reviews over the years from guys that have rehabbed their wheels. A bondo like material is used to fill the cracks & gapps, then painted.
Go for it.
John
Go for it.
John
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Steering wheel repair kits and the special paint are sold by automotive paint supply stores, where body shops by their supplies.
The paint is special, because it doesn't 'wear off' under normal usage.
The paint is special, because it doesn't 'wear off' under normal usage.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,836
Likes: 3
From: Elizabethtown, PA
I don't know that "lighter weight" necessarily means less steel. I was told by DC or one of their vendor partners that the new wheels are made of a somewhat different material that *should* be more durable.
After examining my own wheel, pricing the kit and considering the time involved to repair it (with no assurance it would last with a newbie first time repair) I think the DC repro wheel is an excellent value.
After examining my own wheel, pricing the kit and considering the time involved to repair it (with no assurance it would last with a newbie first time repair) I think the DC repro wheel is an excellent value.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 562
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Mine looks good at first glance, but then you see some pretty serious cracking.
So...after looking at all the options, I personally am gonna buy a Carpenter repro.
And, I'll probably end up buying my Styleside rear bumper brackets from them at the same time but sheesh....that's gonna be $350 order for just two items!!!
So...after looking at all the options, I personally am gonna buy a Carpenter repro.
And, I'll probably end up buying my Styleside rear bumper brackets from them at the same time but sheesh....that's gonna be $350 order for just two items!!!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 4
From: colbert washington
Mine looks good at first glance, but then you see some pretty serious cracking.
So...after looking at all the options, I personally am gonna buy a Carpenter repro.
And, I'll probably end up buying my Styleside rear bumper brackets from them at the same time but sheesh....that's gonna be $350 order for just two items!!!
So...after looking at all the options, I personally am gonna buy a Carpenter repro.
And, I'll probably end up buying my Styleside rear bumper brackets from them at the same time but sheesh....that's gonna be $350 order for just two items!!!
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Elder User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 957
Likes: 3
From: Valley Center, CA
Hey Brooms,
Check out my albums, I restored my steering wheel a year ago using West Marine's "West System" 101-TS Epoxy Repair Kit, and it still looks new...better than any wheel
I've ever seen. I have a bunch of photos showing how to do it etc. The Epoxy kit is about $50, and you'll only use one of the 4 packets that the kit
comes with. I've repaired epoxy surfboards with it for a while now, which are hard to fix, and this stuff works like a dream. I live in the warmer area of
CA, and no cracks or anything have shown up after a year of daily driving and sitting in the hot sun.
The key is the prep, and then using good paint and a healthy clearcoat. (I use PPG Pro Paint on all my jobs...)
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - CropDusterMan's Album: 1966 F250 Steering Wheel Restoration
Check out my albums, I restored my steering wheel a year ago using West Marine's "West System" 101-TS Epoxy Repair Kit, and it still looks new...better than any wheel
I've ever seen. I have a bunch of photos showing how to do it etc. The Epoxy kit is about $50, and you'll only use one of the 4 packets that the kit
comes with. I've repaired epoxy surfboards with it for a while now, which are hard to fix, and this stuff works like a dream. I live in the warmer area of
CA, and no cracks or anything have shown up after a year of daily driving and sitting in the hot sun.
The key is the prep, and then using good paint and a healthy clearcoat. (I use PPG Pro Paint on all my jobs...)
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - CropDusterMan's Album: 1966 F250 Steering Wheel Restoration
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 32,101
Likes: 2,439
From: Upstate NY
Hey Brooms,
Check out my albums, I restored my steering wheel a year ago using West Marine's "West System" 101-TS Epoxy Repair Kit, and it still looks new...better than any wheel
I've ever seen. I have a bunch of photos showing how to do it etc. The Epoxy kit is about $50, and you'll only use one of the 4 packets that the kit
comes with. I've repaired epoxy surfboards with it for a while now, which are hard to fix, and this stuff works like a dream. I live in the warmer area of
CA, and no cracks or anything have shown up after a year of daily driving and sitting in the hot sun.
The key is the prep, and then using good paint and a healthy clearcoat. (I use PPG Pro Paint on all my jobs...)
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - CropDusterMan's Album: 1966 F250 Steering Wheel Restoration
Check out my albums, I restored my steering wheel a year ago using West Marine's "West System" 101-TS Epoxy Repair Kit, and it still looks new...better than any wheel
I've ever seen. I have a bunch of photos showing how to do it etc. The Epoxy kit is about $50, and you'll only use one of the 4 packets that the kit
comes with. I've repaired epoxy surfboards with it for a while now, which are hard to fix, and this stuff works like a dream. I live in the warmer area of
CA, and no cracks or anything have shown up after a year of daily driving and sitting in the hot sun.
The key is the prep, and then using good paint and a healthy clearcoat. (I use PPG Pro Paint on all my jobs...)
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - CropDusterMan's Album: 1966 F250 Steering Wheel Restoration
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 32,101
Likes: 2,439
From: Upstate NY
I don't know that "lighter weight" necessarily means less steel. I was told by DC or one of their vendor partners that the new wheels are made of a somewhat different material that *should* be more durable.
After examining my own wheel, pricing the kit and considering the time involved to repair it (with no assurance it would last with a newbie first time repair) I think the DC repro wheel is an excellent value.
After examining my own wheel, pricing the kit and considering the time involved to repair it (with no assurance it would last with a newbie first time repair) I think the DC repro wheel is an excellent value.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
What have you got to lose from trying to restore it? A little time and effort, epoxy, sanding and paint. A relatively simple task.
If it looks bad now, it won't look any worse in trying to repair it. If you're not satisfied with the first try, sand and paint again. It won't break the bank to try. If it turns out good, you've just added another item to your truck that you can be proud of, not to mention the money you'll save.
If it looks bad now, it won't look any worse in trying to repair it. If you're not satisfied with the first try, sand and paint again. It won't break the bank to try. If it turns out good, you've just added another item to your truck that you can be proud of, not to mention the money you'll save.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 32,101
Likes: 2,439
From: Upstate NY
What have you got to loose from trying to restore it? A little time and effort, epoxy, sanding and paint. A relatively simple task.
If it looks bad now, it won't look any worse in trying to repair it. If you're not satisfied with the first try, sand and paint again. It won't break the bank to try. If it turns out good, you've just added another item to your truck that you can be proud of, not to mention the money you'll save.
If it looks bad now, it won't look any worse in trying to repair it. If you're not satisfied with the first try, sand and paint again. It won't break the bank to try. If it turns out good, you've just added another item to your truck that you can be proud of, not to mention the money you'll save.
