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Dew this morning. Not much, but ANY is waaaay more than usual for my neck of the woods. We're like with a high desert climate here most of the year.
I make the point about the dew as I believe it part-and-parcel to a steering wheel issue that's just popped up this morning: a sticky, gummy, 'dirty wheel' as evidenced by what it's leaving on my hands (see inserted pic).
"Dry" mornings, that simply hasn't happened.
Now I love the fact that I have both the original wheel and column in my rig and, as such, I'm trying to keep her 'aesthetic' as close to current state as I possibly can (and, yes, I REALLY like her patina and faded original factory paint job). But honestly I'd prefer the wheel not come apart in my hand as well.
That's not the wheel coming apart. That's 50 plus years of dirty hands. Try some warm water, rag, degrease and a soft brush. You would be surprised what comes off the wheel.
That's not the wheel coming apart. That's 50 plus years of dirty hands. Try some warm water, rag, degrease and a soft brush. You would be surprised what comes off the wheel.
Didn't think of that! Thx for the suggestion. Will do so later this afternoon.
My question is what can we come up with to fill those cracks in the steering wheel?
Maybe epoxy (JB weld) with tape to hold it in place until it sets?
Agreed! Now that it's been cleaned - and doesn't appear to be coming apart in my hands anymore (thx F-ONE!!) - the cracks are even more obvious and need fix'n. I've been watching DIY vids on fixing-up old steering wheels. Eastwood products seem to be the way to go.
Basic instructions copied from product description:
InstructionsReview manual for steering wheel removal. Wash wheel with dishwashing detergent and rinse. Once dry wipe wheel down with PRE Painting Prep. Usa a triangular file to "V" out crack down to metal frame. Mix equal parts of "A" and "B" epoxy PC-7 sufficiant to fill defect/s. Press PC-7 into cracks and smooth with a finger dipped in water. Allow repair to fully harden overnight. Sand repair areas by hand with 220 proceeding to 320 grit abrasive paper. Wipe wheel with PRE Painting Prep and handle with clean disposable gloves. Apply Adhesion Promoter per label directions to fill minor imperfections and topcoat.
** I made repairs on both 65 steering wheels, lesson learned from the 1st is to use caution in filling cracks and wipe excess material from the steering wheel patterns; i.e., groves and valleys, etc., once it hardens it can be a major pain in the backside removing/sanding the excess material from the unique steering wheel pattern.
Browsed Eastwoods 'how to' forum, and a couple product instructions; wow, lots of good info!!
I see on the home page they can "Downsizing/Grafting" and I think that is what you are after.
Now just be seated when you call as I hear it is not cheap but the work is out standing.
Dave ----
I used a stick of plumber's epoxy putty on my Galaxie's steering wheel, which was in really bad condition - lots of cracks and missing pieces. The plumber's epoxy worked fine.
Because it's a putty, it holds it's shape without any support. It dried really hard so the worst part was sanding it down smoothly; that was a lot of work. But I plan on doing the same with my F100 wheel.
